Trinity Presbyterian Church will hold a spiritual formation for its members on Saturday, Jan. 21.
The church’s website states they would use the ABIDE Cohort to learn more and practice following Jesus. They added that this workshop is an excellent opportunity to become intentional in desiring Jesus.
Besides, they mentioned that they welcome those who have finished the previous workshops and those who still need to.
Spiritual Formation
In another section, they stated that the Trinity Presbyterian Church had chosen various spiritual practices through studying and praying. They explained that they did this process to create the core emphases for the spiritual formation at Trinity.
According to them, they have organized these core practices focusing on the theme of “abiding in Jesus.” The website noted that the theme is found in the Book of John, Chapter 15.
As further posted, the church has described spiritual formation as becoming students of Jesus. They emphasized that they are his apprentices or disciples when they live out the way He did.
Moreover, the website said that when they are willing to help in Jesus' work of renewing people’s hearts and minds, the Holy Spirit creates them by His grace.
Behaviors of Early Followers
They mentioned that spiritual practices are how they make themselves available to God for spiritual formation. Also, the website noted that the behaviors of Jesus' faithful disciples are proof of the productive effectivity of spiritual practices.
The church stated that in history, these practices involve worship, prayer, confession, and Bible study. They added that followers in the past meditated, fasted, and served others.
More importantly, the website highlighted the Scripture from John 15:4-5 wherein Jesus tells His followers to abide in Him as He abides in them. He emphasizes that a branch cannot bear fruit unless connected to the vine.
Jesus noted that people could not produce fruit unless connected to Him, as added on the website. In the Scripture, Jesus stressed that He is the vine and his people are the branches.
Defining ABIDE
They noted that they should Adore God and focus on Him. They explained that as people abide in Jesus, they should recognize that he alone is worthy of all worship.
Also, they said that adoring God means setting aside a day of rest. They noted followers of Jesus should practice the Sabbath day and create a work-life balance of work and rest.
According to them, people should communicate with God daily throughout the week by praying for praise, worship, thanksgiving, and adoration.
Moreover, the church emphasized that abiding by God means becoming a blessing to others. They explained that followers should be committed to serving others cheerfully.
Defining Spiritual Formation
The Portland Seminary website defines Spiritual Formation as spiritual direction. They explained that it is about an individual seeking a more Christ-like life while serving and listening to others.
The website states that spiritual formation centers on having an in-depth relationship with God. Followers focus on developing their faith in terms of specific beliefs and values of a faith community, as further mentioned on the website.
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