Pursuit of Holiness
Hello Valley Heights Ladies!
September is upon us once again and a new year of ministries are about to begin!
This year I am praying that not only you ladies will join me in studying "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges every other Tuesday morning and evening but that those of you who have husbands will also join Tim in studying the same book on Wednesday evenings!
Pastor MacArthur has endorsed this heart-moving book and I’m convinced many others have too as “One of the most important books produced in the past fifty years.” This statement alone, to me, definitely makes it a must read. It’s not only a resource on what holiness is and is not but a resource to help us understand our need to glorify God by growing spiritually in our pursuit and practice of holiness in our every day lives. Praise God that He alone can make this possible for us to do!
Last year in our study of Ephesians, particularly in Ephesians 4:20-24 we heard the apostle Paul’s appeal for believers to “put off” or “lay aside the old self which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit” and exhortation to be “renewed in the spirit of our minds” and to “put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”
Because the process of renewal begins at salvation and having been given a new heart that longs to do the will of God, I thought this year we would together dig a little deeper into these verses through Jerry Bridges "conscience-stirring treatises on scriptural holiness ever written."
The Pursuit of Holiness is a powerful and practical book often quoted as being "a primer on Christian sanctification and what it means to grow in holiness as we follow Christ. It deals largely with putting off the old self and teaches us how to deal biblically with the continuing presence of sin in our lives.”
"Be holy, for I am holy," is a command from God to His people. But holiness is something that is often missing in the Christian's daily life. According to Jerry Bridges, that's because we're not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. In The Pursuit of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do--and what we should accept responsibility for ourselves.
This book will help you to understand:
-How God has equipped us to lead holy lives
-Guidelines for determining right from wrong
-How reason and emotions influence our will
-How habits and personal discipline play a part in holy living.
Whether you're continuing your pursuit of holiness or just beginning, the principles and guidelines in The Pursuit of Holiness will challenge you to obey God's command to be Holy as He is Holy." (taken from the back of The Pursuit of Holiness; copyright 1996)
Ladies, won’t you join me this year!
“God has made provision for us to live holy, but He has also given us definite responsibilities to pursue holiness.” Jerry Bridges
Praying you will come join me and learn specifically as one person put it, what a “Spirit-infused, gospel-driven effort towards holiness” looks like, sounds like, thinks like and acts like for His honour and glory!
Please bring your book, your Bible and your multi-coloured pen and highlighters along with a heart ready to learn, share and be resolved together to passionately pursue a life permeated with the holiness that only God Himself can impart.
With love and prayers and gratitude filling my hearts for you all,
Christyn
Chapter Summaries:
Chapter 1 "Holiness Is for You" Romans 6:14
Chapter 2 "The Holiness of God" 1 Peter 1:15-16
Chapter 3 "Holiness Is Not an Option" Hebrews 12:14
-Related article: "The Distinction between Justification and Sanctification" by J.C. Ryle
Chapter 4 "The Holiness of Christ" 2 Corinthians 5:21
-Related article: "Assurance of Salvation" by Susan Heck
Chapter 5 "A Change of Kingdoms" Romans 6:6-7
Chapter 6 "The Battle for Holiness" Romans 7:21
Chapter 7 "Help in the Daily Battle" Romans 6:11
Chapter 8 "Obedience--Not Victory" Romans 8:13
Chapter 9 "Putting Sin To Death" Colossians 3:5
-Related article: “Help with the “Gray Areas” of Life – What would God have me do?
Chapter 10 "The Place of Personal Discipline" 1 Timothy 4:7
Chapter 11 "Holiness in Body" 1 Corinthians 9:27
Chapter 12 "Holiness in Spirit" 2 Corinthians 7:1
-Related article: "Pure Mental Attitudes"
Chapter 13 "Holiness and Our Wills" Philippians 2:13
Chapter 14 "Habits of Holiness" Romans 6:19
Chapter 15 "Holiness and Faith" Hebrews 11:8
Chapter 16 "Holiness in an Unholy World" John 17:15
Chapter 17 "The Joy of Holiness" Romans 14:17