Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
In 1 Pet. 1:15,16 we are called to be real Christians—Peter uses the word "holy, Isaiah refers to "the highway of holiness." What was Peter calling people to? How would such a life be possible? Needless to say, extreme positions in this regard would be very possible. In this section of discipleheart we explore what the Bible and other sources say about balanced practical godliness. This is a work in progress, so check back to see what has been added.—Dan
Satan finds great success in having God's children look for and dwell upon the faults of their brothers and sisters, and the problems in this world. On this page I share resources that encourage us to look away from all of these things and look to Jesus.
The taking up of meekly taking up Christ's yoke of obedience and service is a little understood or appreciated concept, but it is fundamental to following Jesus. This page provides insight and resources on this important subject.
The greatest proof that Jesus was sent to this world from heaven is found in the supernatural unity of God's people—I say supernatural because such humanity is impossible on a human level. We are part of a global church with a great diversity of members. In fact our church is considered of the most diverse churches of any denomination. Needless to say, unity in such diversity is challenging. In this section of discipleheart we seek to understand this important topic.
God has promised many blessings to His children. The blessings come in the pathway of doing God's will. Because many believers do not know how to discover God's will, nor have they been taught to sufficiently value God's will, they find themselves struggling. Accordingly, one of the MOST important early lessons is learning how to know God's will. In this section of discipleheart we seek to provide information on this important topic.
Without forgiveness we won't see God; if we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us. This section has important insights on the subject of forgiveness.
Humility is a much valued character trait in the eyes of God!
Joy should be the birthmark of real Christians. Do we have cause to have much joy? Read to learn more.
This section considers what it means to live in times of judgment, particularly for those called to bear warning messages to the people of their time. This began as a seminar series in the Calgary Central SDA Church in Calgary, Alberta (Canada). We considered Noah (Faithful Messenger), Lot (vexed but entangled), Elijah (courageous), Jeremiah (beleaguered) and Jesus (Perfect). On the page you will find resources related to the series.
Not everyone believes in memorizing Scripture, but everyone should! Admonished to store God's Word in our hearts, those doing so experience blessings that come in no other way. Not only does knowledge come, but with that knowledge comes the truth-bringing freedom promised by Jesus. A friend who works with several churches in Australia told me that memorizing Scriptures has brought about a faithfulness that ongoing admonishments failed to achieve. In this section of discipleheart we share ideas on memorizing Scripture.
Envy and faultfinding have often been besetting sins of God's people. Satan knows that division and dissension will greatly hamper the work of God, and he accordingly busily works to bring disunity between believers. Envy and faultfinding are fruitful grounds for him, and so we find these challenges at every turn. But it should not be that way. This page looks at these issues and considers God's view on the matter.
This is a key area for the Christian. Failure to be faithful as a steward significantly compromises one's spiritual health.
Trials and difficulties are essential and are blessings according to many passages in the Bible (Rom. 8:28, Php. 4:6, Eph. 5:20, 1 Thess. 5:18, etc.). Ellen White adds that trials are essential and often answers to prayer. Hm? Really? Many Christians have the idea that a relationship with Jesus spares them of trials and difficulties when they first become believers, but soon a different reality is perceived raises significant questions in these believers' minds. Not only do new believers struggle, but more established believers also struggle in this area. Instead of shunning trials, trials should be seen through the eye of faith as blessings that God uses for our good. In this section of discipleheart, we explore what the Bible and SOP say on the important topic.