Pastor Paul's Book Club

On Wednesdays after the kids activities I've started a book club.

(You don't have to be an avid reader to attend! Just show up, I promise you'lle learn something!)

We're beginning with one of my very favorites: The Life You've Always Wanted, Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by John Ortberg!

Here's a quick overview of the first 3 chapters already discussed:

We Shall Morph Indeed, The Hope of Transformation

"The Christian gospel insistes that the transormation of the human personality is possible. It begins to happen anytime people become intensely serious about learning from Jesus how to arrange their lives."

Surprised By Change, The Goal of Spiritual Life

John says the great irony of Jesus day was that the "righteous" were more damaged by their righteousness than teh sinners were by sin.

Warning Signs:

1. Am I spiritually "inauthentic"?

(inauthenticity involves a preoccupation with appearing to be spiritual)

2. Am I becoming judgmental or exclusive or proud?

3. Am I becoming more approachable or less?

4. Am I becoming weary of pursuing spiritual growth?

5. Am I measuring my spiritual life in superficial ways?

Training vs. Trying, The Truth about spiritual disciplines

Consider a few things spiritual disciplines are not:

1. Spiritual disciplines are not a barometer of spirituality.

2. Spiritual disciplines are not necessarily unpleasant.

3. Spiritual disciplines are not a way to earn favor with God.

Signs of Wise spiritual training:

*Wise training respects the freedom of the Spirit.

*Wise training respects our unique temperament and gifts.

*Wise training will take into account our season of life.

*Wise training respects the inevitability of troughs and peaks.

*Wise training begins with a clear decision.