John Ortberg concludes Chapter 11 of Soul Keeping by discussing the fourth and final phase of The Cycle of Grace- Achievement. He describes this phase as follows: “To achieve- to bear fruit- is crucial to the soul. But fruitfulness is just as much a matter of grace as acceptance is. The fruitful soul is also […]
“The grace of significance liberates me from the need to hurry.”- John Ortberg “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.”- Psalm 23:2-3 Today John Ortberg discusses the third movement in The Cycle of Grace, Significance. He notes that Jesus had a clear understanding about […]
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”- John 14:27 John Ortberg concludes his discussion of sustaining grace in Chapter 11 of Soul Keeping by listing six indicators of […]
Today John Ortberg continues Chapter 11 of Soul Keeping with the second movement in the Cycle of Grace, Sustenance– or sustaining grace. 2. Sustenance. Pastor Ortberg states that Jesus engaged in specific practices that enabled Him to keep replenishing His spirit: prayer, maintaining a circle of close friends (the twelve disciples), regular corporate worship at […]
In Chapter 11 of Soul Keeping, John Ortberg states that Jesus “lived in a divine rhythm where grace was constantly flowing into him and then flowing out from him.” For the rest of the chapter, Pastor Ortberg presents four movements in the Cycle of Grace. The first movement, Acceptance, is discussed today. 1. Acceptance. For […]
“Come, unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”- Matthew 11:28-30 John Ortberg […]
John Ortberg expands on his concept of “The Soul Experiment” as he concludes Chapter 10 of Soul Keeping. When scientists conduct an experiment, John notes, they formulate a hypothesis concerning the anticipated results. John then presents three assumptions, or hypotheses, to put The Soul Experiment to the test. 1. God wants to make every moment […]
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”- John 15:5 In Chapter 10 of Soul Keeping, John Ortberg references John 15:5, noting that when we make sure- through the power of the […]
“Our souls were made to walk with God.”- John Ortberg John Ortberg begins Chapter 10 (“The Soul Needs to be with God”) of Soul Keeping by stating that the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is permeated with the sense that the soul was designed to search for God. Pastor Ortberg explains why the soul seeks […]
“In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a while you will see me.”- John 16:16 “It is the nature of joy that all questions grow silent, and nothing needs explaining.”- Rudolf Bultmann As John Ortberg concludes Chapter 9 of Soul Keeping, he discusses Jesus’ message to His disciples shortly […]
“In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. . . my soul refused to be comforted.”- Psalm 77:2 (NASB) “He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”- Ecclesiastes 3:11 In Chapter […]
“My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you . . .”- Psalm 42:6 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love . . . for to you I entrust my life (lift up my soul).”- Psalm 143:8 John Ortberg concludes Chapter 8 of Soul Keeping by stating that in the […]