The Path to Spiritual Growth
by Rev. Ben Pascal

“I pray that out of God’s glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” ~Ephesians 3:16-17a

Many of us exercise regularly and are disciplined in many areas of life, whether at home or in our profession, hobbies or recreational activities.  However, have you ever approached your faith with similar focus and intention? Christians throughout the centuries have done just that: they have practiced spiritual disciplines in order to exercise and stretch their body, mind and spirit so that, by God’s grace, they can increase their inner strength as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

During the months of March and April I will be preaching a sermon series entitled Spiritual Disciplines: The Path to Spiritual Growth.  We will begin on Ash Wednesday, March 6th at 7:00pm in the chapel.  Over the span of two months we will explore the following list of Christian spiritual disciplines: fasting, prayer, meditation, simplicity, spiritual direction, study, solitude, silence, worship, service, submission, celebration, and sabbath.

Each week we will have an insert in the bulletin for you to take home in order to engage with these various disciplines in your personal life.  It is important to understand that by doing the disciplines you won’t earn God’s favor, instead, my hope is that you will receive God’s grace in Jesus Christ as you discipline yourself to focus on him and his love in the midst of our busy and often chaotic lives.

This is practical spirituality that you can take home and use in your life today.  So come worship with us at PCJH and challenge yourself to engage in the spiritual disciplines.  As you do, my hope is that you will find yourself on the path to spiritual growth.