Notes from July 19, 2009 talk at Harps Crossing Baptist Church

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The notes below are from my talk at Harps Crossing Baptist Church in Fayetteville, GA on July 19, 2009. I’ve listed the verses I referenced along with some of the books that have helped my journey over the past few years.

References

Translation is either NLT or NKJV

Philippians 2:12,13 – [...] work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Matthew 22:37 – Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’”

Matthew 5:40,41 – If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.

Matthew 10:28-31 – And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 18:17 – Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.

Philippians 2:3 – Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

2 Peter 1:5 – But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge

Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Psalm 119:164 – Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.

Psalm 119:148 – I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.

Joshua 1:8 – Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Psalm 119:27 – Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 119:15 – I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.

Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Psalm 119:2 – Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.

Books

Links to Amazon.com

Embracing the Love of God: The Path and Promise of Christian Life
This book radically changed the way I viewed God’s attitude towards me. I’ve read it several times and regular give it out to people. If you ever struggle with knowing and feeling that God unconditionally loves you, I highly recommend this book.

Ragamuffin Gospel
An amazing and thorough explanation of God’s grace and furious love for us. This book astounded me.

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
This is a fantastic primer for practicing Spiritual Disciplines. It walks you through several of them giving explanation and direction on how to step into them. If you’re ready to start giving the Spiritual Disciplines a try, this is a great place to start.

Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ
An in depth study on all of the parts of a person (mind, soul, body, etc) and how to bring them into submission to God (using Spiritual Disciplines).

Mere Christianity
A fantastic explanation by C.S. Lewis of what makes up Christianity and what we can truly believe.

Other Resources

John Wesley – The Way to the Kingdom

Dallas Willard – Free sermons from Christian Audio