The Simple, Powerful Core of Spiritual Growth Practices
Here are the 3 Areas of Focus for On-Going Biblical Transformation
No matter what it is, when you can identify the core, great power is possible….including spiritual and personal transformation.
When I see videos, articles, or books that have large numbers of steps to take, I immediately put them away. I don’t need “45 ways to….” or “77 steps to….” I already feel like I’m living in a flood of information overload already.
I don’t need a thousand new ideas…. I need a few that work for me.
In just a few lines I’m going to show you what I believe are the THREE main areas you need to focus on in order to experience on-going, lasting, godly growth and change.
The Power of the Core
I’m no scientist but I do enjoy watching documentaries, especially on the physics of the universe. The more I learn, the more I am amazed at the brilliance and power of our Creator.
True science leads to the worship of the One who set all this in place!
What I find interesting is that scientists are constantly trying to get to the simple, core principles that make the universe work. Though our universe is very complex, researchers are always working at discovering and then explaining the guiding principles in as simple as possible terms.
When scientists discovered the makeup of the atom, it was not long until they found out how much power could be released by splitting and then fusing them together.
In any sphere of life, once we get to the core, and can simply explain it, power is released.
The same is true of spiritual growth.
When we get to the simple core principles and practices, and use them, great transformation will be the result.
So what are the core transformation areas of focus? Here are the three I have decided on and use in my own life.
1. The PERSON of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is, as revealed in Scripture is the #1 key, factor, person, power in God’s way of life.
Jesus is, if you will, the core of the core of the core. He is the Alpha and Omega, Everything that exists came both from Him and for Him. In Him all things were created and are held together. In Him alone is salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life. In Him are all of God’s promises. On and on it goes; Jesus is the core of the core of the core.
As John repeatedly emphasized in all His teaching, “Jesus is the life. He who has the Jesus has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” (1 John 5:11–13)
Paul wrote, “In whom (Jesus) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3)
In the first verses of his Gospel, the Holy Spirit prompts John to make an obvious connection to Jesus and the creation of the world (found in Genesis 1).
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.” (John 1:1–4)
Jesus is always the central focus of everything in God’s order.
2. Core PRINCIPLES.
Built only around Jesus are foundational principles He has set in place, coming from His own nature.. As Peter said, these principles help us know Jesus better, grow, and live out His purposes. (2 Peter 1:3–12)
Core principles include the truths of how God set things up to work and the beliefs and laws He built into His creation. They give us stability, guidance, and confidence regarding our decisions.
When we learn the principles of God, we’re able to more consistently live in the life and order of God.
Depending on who is teaching it there are some differences of opinion on exactly what those foundational principles and are, but most solid, Bible-based teachers include as core principles things like:
God’s nature, His power, love, holiness, wisdom, knowledge, etc.
Also included would be the nature and working of the Holy Spirit
Saved by grace through faith, the cross and resurrection, new identity in Christ, the reality and power of the spiritual world
Stewardship, learning, self-discipline, teamwork, community, etc.
Learning God’s core principles are essential for authentic transformation and growth.
They are the core beliefs and principles that we always build on.
3. Core PRACTICES.
Then there are the actual practices we do to know Jesus better and live out His principles.
Some call these Spiritual Disciplines and would include:
Bible reading, study, and meditation. Prayer in its various forms (including worship). Christian community, fellowship, and equipping.
Serving, giving, evangelism, disciple-making, repentance, fasting, and spiritual warfare.
The atom, if you will, of core practices would be the Word and Prayer. They will always be the electrons and protons, the air and water, the basic food group of transformation in our spiritual lives.
The practices allow us to connect more deeply with the PERSON of Jesus and implement the PRINCIPLES of Jesus.
These core principles and practices should be followed and used, at least as long as we live on this planet and most likely, most if not all will be used in the next life as well.
Scientists have discovered there are actually levels smaller and deeper than atoms: there are powerful pieces at sub-atomic levels.
Spiritually speaking, I believe there are CORE OF THE CORE practices that make the the Principles and Practices even more effective.
If you’d like more training on what the Core of the Core Practices are and how to use them for lasting, on-going, authentic growth and change, start with the FREE guides at www.TruVineMission.com
