http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31426&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Simply put, the Lectio Divina means to be praying in and with the Scriptures for understanding, worship, and intimacy in God's presence to benefit our faith, character, and spiritual growth. Thus, reading as a practice and a discipline means that as we read the Bible, we can and should be praying to our Lord, too. This combines two essential aspects of our Christian walk...
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=68993&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The bottom line of why we are to study the Bible is so we may know God, His Way, and grow in our knowledge and faith in Him so we can then be better used by Him. We are called to spiritual growth-that is, the formation of the investment of faith Christ gives us that we give back to Him in dividends. This is a deep conviction of our faith, a practiced submission that shows our obedience, and a life of personal and relational maturity. We can't do this when we bring what we want into Scripture and not take out what God wants us to have! We have to listen to God; if not, we will not learn and then we will not grow and then we will not have a life of transformation.
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32237&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
In Acts the Bible tells us we need to be in relationships for our personal and spiritual growth. As Paul and the early Christians taught and received teaching "from house to house," we too must respond in our walk with Christ in each others homes (Acts 5:42; 20:20)!
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=76899&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
What does it take to venture into radical discipleship? Trust! Trust is a response from our faith that pleases God! This is our prime purpose as a Christian: to glorify our Lord and enjoy our relationship in Him! We do this by being in Him with our full trust. It is a pivotal aspect of our growth in Christ, and the intention of sincere due diligence in acting out our faith--no matter what. However, many of us Christians today may sing about it and preach about it; yet, the actual exercise of it is abysmal. We forget that a uthentic faith in Christ as Lord is where our assurance and confidence comes from; that faith is...
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=67090&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Do you listen to God? Most would emphatically say yes or at least think they do, pay attention to God. Or do we just listen to ourselves or snoop out the faulty trends? Consider these questions, why do you study the Bible? Why do you pray? Why and how do you worship? Is it a two-way communication? Or is it just you dictating to God? Now, consider one of the essential inductive questions that help us know and grow in the Word: what is in the way of my listening to God?
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=82459&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Session 2: How to study the Bible
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=82449&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Session 1: Beginning your walk through Scripture
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32781&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
This is where you do an honest assessment of what is needed in your church, whether it is spiritual growth, programs, facility improvements, leadership training, discipleship, or teaching…
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31711&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
What Blocks us from Encountering Jesus Christ? Part I
What God Desires and the causes and motivations that block our spiritual growth. Why do some people grow in their faith and maturity while others go about it very slowly or not at all?
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31695&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Remember we do not deserve His love and grace, yet it is given to us anyway.
Hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes cause some of the biggest problems in the Church, and spill over to others outside her walls whose concept of a Church is what they observe. These attitudes also cause severe danger to the growth and comfort of the Church. Comfort is in a place to call home, to feel safe, and be willing to be taught and led, and to serve. This is one of the main reasons, if not the main reason, that keeps people away! Effective spiritual growth, maturity, and outreach cannot happen when...