Statement of Purpose Spiritual Formation & Disciplines Statement of Purpose

[Sojourner1]

Spiritual Formation & Disciplines Forum Statement of Purpose

The Spiritual Formation & Disciplines forum is a place for members to discuss spiritual formation the practice of spiritual disciplines (disciplines for the spiritual life), that enable Christians to grow spiritually and be transformed into the image of Christ. The spiritual disciplines are those practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers in Jesus Christ, and that engage our mind and heart with God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him" (Colossians 2:6), and “train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). The following spiritual disciplines are supported by Scripture and would be beneficial disciplines to discuss and encourage the practice of:

• Prayer (Matthew 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; Acts 6:4)
• Meditation (Philippians 4:8; Psalms 119:97; Psalms 1:2; Joshua 1:8)
• Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18; Luke 5:35)
• Study (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Scripture Memorization (Colossians 3:16; Psalms 119:11; Psalms 119:16)
• Simplicity (1 Thessalonians 4:11; Philippians 4:11; Matthew 6:33)
• Silence (Psalms 62:5; Psalms 46:10; James 1:19)
• Solitude (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:31; Luke 5:15)
• Submission (Ephesians 5:21; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 22:42)
• Service (Mark 10:45; John 13:12-17; 1 Peter 4:10)
• Giving (Matthew 5:42; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Deuteronomy 16:17)
• Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:26)
• Celebration (John 15:11; Philippians 4:4)
• Worship (Matthew 4:10; John 4:23-24)

Any discussions about Scripture and Christian theology should be done in a spirit of love and humility, exhibiting mutual respect and grace towards one another, with the goal of increasing spiritual insight and knowledge with the Holy Spirit's guidance. Discussions should not turn into a heated debate. Members who participate in this forum are not here to win an argument or prove a point, they are here to learn from one another and grow spiritually. We would like this forum to remain a safe place where Christian members from all denominations may learn more about the spiritual disciplines and encourage one another in the practice of these disciplines.

The promotion or discussion of non-Scriptural spiritual formation and disciplines is not allowed: flagellation and self-mutilation, Zen meditation, transcendental meditation, Chinese or Hindu meditation, or any mediation practices which have their origins in new age and Eastern religions. Eastern meditation empties the mind while Biblical meditation fills the mind and spirit with God's Word. Eastern meditation focuses on self: centering yourself, your inner self, self actualization, your breathing, physical feelings and emotions. Biblical meditation takes our focus off of ourselves and places our focus on Jesus Christ. Please remember that controversial (unorthodox) Christian theology is not allowed in this forum.

If you feel that a post may violate the rules of this SoP, or the sitewide rules, please report the post instead of responding to it. If you have issues with another member and can't work it out, or are disgruntled about a staff decision, please click on the "Support" tab in the header navigation bar, or "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page, and open a new support ticket to discuss the situation with a CF Administrator. Discussion of members or staff actions in the forums is considered disruptive and can result in additional staff actions.

CF staff reserves the right to edit, remove, move or close any thread when deemed necessary. All posts must adhere to the Christian Forums sitewide rules.