"You cannot wing Christian endurance."
"The Christian life isn't necessarily a life that is complicated but a life that is committed."
"When you know what your priorities are, you will know what your sacrifices must be."
"Christian development doesn't happen haphazardly. It takes hard work."
"Train in the faith, and you'll see the results in your life."
"If you're not progressing in the faith, chances are you're not persistent in the faith."
In the dictionary, discipline is defined as an "activity or experience that provides mental or physical training." Perseverance is defined as "doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success." Commitment is defined as "the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc."
Based on these definitions, it is easy to see why discipline, perseverance, and commitment are vital to our Christian faith. They are essential to developing iron faith and endurance as we go the distance of being disciples of King Jesus.
Looking at discipline first, we know that discipline is good for us and positions us for positive results. It helps us form habits and practices that create lasting faith that endures. These habits and practices don't save us and shouldn't be burdensome. They provide the framework for sustainable growth and a maturity of faith that will remain strong in good times and bad.
Perseverance is necessary because determination and grit to stick it out in the face of difficulty or suffering is a part of being a Christ follower. As we persevere, we have the promise and reward of pleasing God, being in an intimate relationship with Him and our ultimate heavenly reward. Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Commitment closely follows since, for discipline and perseverance to help us in our walk effectively, we need commitment and intention. As we commit to discipline and perseverance, we are blessed as the Holy Spirit is able to work powerfully in our lives and teach, steer, and guide us as we faithfully walk closer to God.
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Christian Endurance Defined:
-Possessing faith that goes the distance in knowing Jesus, being known by Jesus, becoming more like Jesus and finally, being physically present with Jesus.
-Discipleship- Learning what it means to be human after the image and likeness of Jesus.
Main Point:
-Discipline the Dos that GO toward the goal. To go the distance, you need persistence.
- There are a set of disciplines or practices you will need to plan on. (Connect, Care, Cultivate, Commission)
Do you know your priorities? You need to prioritize. (1 Timothy 4:15; 1 Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 12:1)
When you know what your priorities are, you will know what your sacrifices must be.
Do you see progress? You need to chart your progress. (1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Peter 1:5, 8)
Do you have the right perspective? You need to keep a certain perspective. (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Peter 1:10-11)
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How can we practice discipline and perseverance this week to increase our energy level for Christian training?
Spiritual Disciplines are:
This week:
Lord, I ask you for discipline, perseverance and commitment so that I can endure and be faithful to you. Help me to discern what you want to teach me so that I can glorify you and have a robust faith that I can share with family, friends, neighbors and nations by the power of the Holy Spirit. You know my heart and desire to serve you and others who need to know about King Jesus. Let every minute of my life count so I follow you intentionally. Romans 12:2 states, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
» September 2-3
DAN TALKS | Discourses about Next-Gen | Daniel Elkins, Executive Pastor, Students & Dan Young, Executive Pastor, Children
» September 9-10
IRON FAITH | Capacity & Threshold | Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» September 2-3
DAN TALKS | Discourses about Next-Gen | Daniel Elkins, Executive Pastor, Students & Dan Young, Executive Pastor, Children
» September 9-10
IRON FAITH | Capacity & Threshold | Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
On Thursday, August 31 at 6 p.m., come hear faith-building stories from our short term mission team, and find out how you can join God on mission to reach neighbors and nations with the good news of Jesus.
Donating blood can save a life, so roll up your sleeves on Sunday, September 3, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Register today to dive into community and continue growing in your relationship with God.
When a marriage isn't as good as it could be, the temptation is to bail or sweep issues under the rug. Here's a third option that can help restore the spark to your marriage!
Join Northland Elder Vince Taylor and his wife, Charlene, for their fun, interactive, and restorative one-day seminar, 7 Secrets to a Successful Marriage. Whether you're in your 1st year of marriage or your 50th, this seminar is for everyone and anyone who wants more passion and connection in their relationship.
Married for 40 years, Vince and Charlene co-lead Majestic Marriage and Family Ministries, including the radio program “Married Man Ministry,” which airs weekly in locations around the country. During this seminar you'll learn:
Breakfast will be served and childcare (6 weeks to 6th Grade) will be provided. Seating is limited. Register today!
