The Practice of Piety/Spiritual Discipline

Lessons learned and reflections from Tabletalk Issue July 2010

We're saved/justified by faith, not by our works, but the work of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9, out of many, many verses that said the same thing) But throughout the ages, the people of God have recognized that the pursuit of the Lord is not a passive endeavor. It requires our effort, and we must WORK to know the Lord is we are to deepen our relationship with Him.

While aspects of personal piety ("piety" means religious devotion?) , such as music, prayer, Bible study, meditation and more are not what save us, God has purposes in giving us these spiritual exercises.

"Growth in grace is a lifetime process, aided by several spiritual disciplines outlined in sacred Scripture" (Tabletalk July 2010 p.29)

Salvation in History

Lessons and reflections from Tabletalk, issue March 2010

The salvation that Christianity proclaims is a salvation grounded in history. God enters into history, or I should say God create history, and work through real people, institutions, and events to save His people.

Through studying the Old Testament, we can see how Christ and His church are promised, through people like Abraham, Joshua and David. In events like the Exodus, and in the institution of monarchy. We can learn from them, these people and events from long ago, how to please our common God in our day.