...Renewing Our Minds According to the scriptures, God thinks that education is very important. Wisdom and knowledge of the scriptures is the foundation upon which we as Christians live. This principle also applies to our vocations in life. We have to have knowledge of our various vocations. I don’t believe that anyone wants a surgeon to perform a procedure if they have no knowledge of what they are doing. Not only do we want to seek out what God wants us to be doing with our lives but, also we want to remain relevant in our vocations. The world around us changes every day. What worked back in 1972 may not work in 2015. Therefore, we have to continually seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Romans 12:2 is a very familiar scripture to most Christians. It states how we should not conform to the ways of the world but, change the way we think so that we will know God’s will for our lives. We are not just to think about the economic impact of getting a higher education to choose one vocation over another. Learning is continuous and it is of upmost importance to know God’s will for one’s life. According to Proverbs 1:7, we should fear the Lord for this is the beginning of knowledge. In obedience to God we should seek His face when choosing an institution of higher learning and choosing a vocation. God can then direct our paths and lead us into the vocation that we are to do for His glory. In Proverbs 4:13 we are taught to hold on to instruction and guard it well for it is...
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...Kimesha Washington Erin Price Intro to Online Education 7 March 2015 The biblical foundations relate to scripture and the importance of “renewing our minds” in many different ways. Higher education fits that calling because by renewing your mind you start off fresh. Each time a semester begins or another class starts your ability to stay focused, organized, and knowledgeable depends on it. The biblical foundations are a stepping stone for students. By renewing our minds we are able to act as God has instructed us to. A mind that hasn’t been renewed results in wicked actions while one with a “renewed mind” acts in a Godly way. (Roman 12:2) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In so little words the scripture does not want us to be a follower in this world but instead act as leader by renewing our minds. By doing so it is God’s will that we act accordingly. Renewing our minds creates a new journey and direction when you may have been going down the wrong one. (Proverbs 1:7) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instructions.” Act as God has instructed us to do so because those who do not obey his word look down on wisdom and instructions and therefore do not follow his word. (Proverbs 19:27) “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge...
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...Renewing our minds is claims in our minds, from any evil thoughts. It's getting rid of things we thing over and over that bother us or worry us, The Bible says do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing our minds. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV bible) by worshiping God, praying and reading our bibles, we are opening our minds up to be renewed. We are able to learn more and think more clearly and understand God's will. God is called us all to do amazing things with our lives. But our minds have to be on the right path by setting goals for ourselves. We have to steer clear from every worldly distraction. The devil wants us to Focus on the evil in the world , drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, money, lust. But by renewing our minds from all every day distractions,by the goals we have set for ourselves and being on The right path of God wants for us. The Bible talks about how we need to watch the ant. They are very hard workers and and they never rest, The Bible plainly states, If we are not hard workers like ant and don't prepare food in the summer, we will not have a harvest. If we are lazy poverty will come in like a vagabond," consider it's Ways and be wise" it has no commander overseer, no ruler. (Proverbs 6:11) God has given us the skills and availabilities to use to renew our minds. When starting a higher Christian education, our minds have to be cleared and...
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...can only mean positive attitude all the way around. Proverbs 11:14 "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors" (NIV 2001). Example # 1: Social Work, since man was created in the image of God, as a counselor I should be able to help people to understand that sin has changes their minds to mirror the nature of this world and allow the worldviews to effectively control their daily lives and steal the spiritual inheritance that Christ died for. As a Christian Counselor in a worldly environment, we must be ever mindful that it will take a renewing of the mind, which will allow the worldly views to change to Christian views. Throughout the bible God has continued to show man that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher that our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8; NIV 2001). I understand that when God breathed the breath of life into man and man became a living being, part of God was placed into man and when we renew our minds, this allows our Williams 2 spirit and the Spirit of God to become one. We understand that we can't do anything on our own, not allowing the wisdom and knowledge from the world to rise...
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...quality sleep each day. We are transitioning to a lifestyle that promotes better health and greater harmony, and we must keep in mind that relaxation and quality sleep will contribute greatly to allowing our body to begin to heal and to renew itself from all the harm that has been done to it in the past. Consequently, fatigue is a sign that our body, mind, emotions and spirit are healing coming into equilibrium. Even though this tiredness is temporary, it is important to be kind and gentle with ourselves and simplify our schedule even further in order to listen to our body. Preparations for a Good Night’s Sleep Preparations for a good night’s rest begin in mid afternoon by not consuming any beverages with caffeine for the rest of the day if you have not already eliminated the caffeine habit. Toward the end of your workday, begin to tie up loose ends at work and leave all you anxious thoughts and cares, if any, at your workplace. Eliminate unnecessary activities and organize your errands and housekeeping chores beforehand so that on most days you can slow your pace and begin to unwind as the day winds down. Plan to eat a sensible delicious dinner early in the evening or at least three hours before bedtime. Your biggest meal of the day should be your 29 noon...
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...those powerful teachings and sermons on transformation. Pray Lord we rejoice in your power to transform and thank you for giving us the instruments for our total transformation. I pray that you will use your Word, which your Holy Spirit will bring forth to keep us in the process of transformation. In Jesus’name. INTRODUCTION 1. In Ro 12:1-2, Paul makes the following plea regarding transforming our lives: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." NKJV but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. NLT but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. TLB 2. As we consider this text, several questions come to mind... a. What does it mean to be transformed? b. What is the goal of transformation? c. What should motivate us to undergo transformation? d. What...
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...God with all your mind! Series: All In Scripture: Matthew 22:34-22:40 (add scripture) Intro: In the middle of a wedding ceremony, a jewelry store manager exchanged rings with his soon-to-be spouse. As he slipped the ring onto his bride’s finger, he said, “With this ring—we guarantee a full refund if the customer is not completely satisfied.” His sales pitch was so deeply ingrained in his mind that the words came out automatically. What’s ingrained in your mind? “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8). (Kent Crockett, I Once Was Blind But Now I Squint, Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2004, 135) We learned last week that all in begins as an issue of the heart. We will see this week that after it affects the heart it inhabits the head. Matthew 22:37 “He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Let me challenge you with this truth. If the gospel is not being ingrained in your mind it probably hasn’t been engraved on your heart. Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws on their hearts and write them on their minds,” Romans 12:1-2 Tells us that Growth as a believer happens as our thinking is transformed. 1 Peter 2:2 Tells us how our thinking is transformed...
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...is illusory and deceptive and trying to get high quality results with its techniques and quick fixes – not effective at all. Paradigm The book talks a lot about paradigm shifts and I remember having to look it up in the dictionary to find the true meaning of it; paradigm meaning: model, theory, perception, assumption, the way we see world. Conditioning affects our perceptions/paradigms (old/young lady drawing example in the book worth checking out). We see the world not as it is but as ‘we are’ through our paradigms. Different people can have different views and still both be correct. The more aware we are of our basic paradigms the more we can examine/test them against reality, listen to others and be open to their perceptions getting a larger picture and far more objective view. Paradigm shifts move us from one way of seeing the world to another. They influence our relationship with others. Not all are good. If we want to make relatively minor changes in our lives we can appropriately focus our attitudes and behaviours, but to make significant quantum change we need to work on our basic paradigms from which our attitudes and behaviours flow. Paradigms are powerful because they create the lens though which we see the world. The power of paradigm shift is the essential power of quantum change whether that shift is instantaneous or a slow and deliberate...
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...Introduction Devotional Classics is a book which contains writings by a large selection of spiritual giants. It provides an amazing perspective of Christianity from a wide variety of demonstrations, walks of faith, vocations, and time periods which started from the early church fathers up to current writers. It is an excellent compilation of portions of mostly classic Christian works in devotional format. This devotional book offers a full and a complete overview of all sides of devotional life. It is a great companion to the Scriptures as it has biblical references and study questions as part of each reading. Each chapter gives me an excerpt and some thought provoking reflections by Foster and Smith. Most of the readings are profound and worthy of in-depth reading. It has made me think, contemplate and overall grow in my spiritual journey. In this paper, I will demonstrate why John Calvin is important to be studied in the 21st century. I have chosen his devotional writing as a reflection of my spiritual insights and its application to my spiritual journey. Why John Calvin Many theologians such as Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin and more throughout history have made a big impact on their culture, times, society, and/or religion. One of the theologians that stands out to me is John Calvin, who had a great influence during his time, the early to middle sixteenth century. Calvin is considered by many to have been the father and founder of the Presbyterian and...
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...Freud’s psychoanalytic therapy deals with the conscious and unconscious mind and says it influences our thoughts and behaviors. (Cherry, 2014) He also believed that our unconscious, having dreams, is significant. (Berger, 2011) I too believe that the unconscious can tell us about our future or help us make a decision. We can use the example of Pharaoh’s dreams that was interpreted by Joseph (Genesis 41). Another example is a dream that came to Joseph, Jesus’ father, had a dream to leave Egypt. I have had dreams that have given me an insight to something that was bothering me or answered a prayer. In Behaviorism, positive reinforcement occurs when a reward, sometimes called a reinforcer, is given for a specific desired behavior. (Fritscher, 2014) For example, we got dessert when we finished our dinner or after you clean up your room you may go visit your friends or watch TV. As Proverbs 22:6 says, “Teach children in a way that fits their needs and when they even grow old, they will not leave the right path. Cognitive therapy (gotQuestions?org, 2014) grew out of Behaviorism. Cognitive-behavior therapy aims to help clients accept themselves in spite of imperfections. (gotQuestions?org, 2014). For example cognitive behavioral therapy takes irrational thoughts and makes them rational. This could be an example of “renewing the mind”, as Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to this world . . .” We are to renew our minds by reading God’s word. Works Cited Berger, K. (2011). The Developing...
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...guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23, New International Version). The heart is where your true character is created. Our character develops in our hearts and minds. If your heart is filled with things that are upright and true then your character will be. Your heart should be filled with love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These things are the characteristics of Christ and the characteristics we should exhibit in our Christian walk. Our character can be impacted dramatically by practicing and strengthening ourselves in these areas. Integrating character into marketing management is essential. Consumers relate character to the reputation of products and services. Consumers also make vital decisions and trust what marketers advertise about a product or service. Therefore if the reputation of a marketing firm, for example, cannot remain in good character or reputation then no consumer will want to be involved with it. “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1). The decisions you make and how you carry yourself is a reflection of your character. Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In marketing it can be very easy to fall into the patterns...
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...jdunn62@liberty.edu Due Date: Monday @ 11:59 PM (EST) -- midnight James Dunn Name: LU Email Address: BIBL 350 – Inductive Bible Study Assignments for Week #6 Assignment 10-1: Explain the Difference Between Reader Response and Authorial Intent (p.202). (20 Points) Note, this assignment is worth 20 points and should reflect considerable thought and effort in your response. Make sure you include in your explanation definitions of the terms involved. What role do presuppositions play in interpreting the Bible? Who controls the meaning of a biblical text? What is the source of reader-response view? What are the two main interpretive questions involved in these two views of who determines meaning? Reader Response: Reader response is the result of when the reader overlooks or neglects to discover what the author is intending to communicate in a biblical verse or passage. This method is dangerous as the reader attempts to bend the Word to their particular situation or circumstance. The question for this method by the reader is, “What does this verse and or passage mean to me?” rather than asking, “What is it that God is trying to communicate to me?” Or, “What does God want to teach me from this?” Reader response must be avoided at all cost as it has the potential to lead someone astray and down the wrong path. Scripture in the practice of this method is quoted out of context and is not taught or quoted as the author intended. Authorial Intent: Authorial intent would...
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...simply stated “Is the deliverance from our sinful nature and eternal punishment through Gods gifted grace.” With-in several scriptures and books of the Bible, you can find diverse illustration’s explaining the provisions for salvation. Christ crucifixion on the cross paid the price for our salvation; God’s grace extended to us through the sacrifice of Christ his [Son]. In Mark 10:24-27, the idea of salvation being a gift from God, not anything that we can procure through self-enterprise was introduced. Isaiah speaks of how [He] took upon Himself our transgressions and iniquities; peace was given to us through the penance that was placed on him, and healing came through [His] wounds (Isaiah 53:5). In (John 1:23) he makes reference to Christ being the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” I find it fascinated how prior to Christ, it was in the Law of Moses to offer a sacrifice to God for atonement of sin. Typically this was a [lamb] having no unclean markings and John the Baptist indicated Christ as the [Lamb]. The very definition of “Jesus” derived from the Hebrew name “Yeshua” means salvation. Instructed by an Angel, Joseph and Mary named Christ, Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins” (Mat 1:21-23). Christ purpose for coming was to seek out, teach and save us from our sins. Perhaps the most critical component to salvation is the resurrection. “We would all still be in sin if Christ had not been raised, our faith would be futile (I Cor 15:17)...
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...responses and measure statics. With this said Proverbs, the bible verse, supports that research methods can be Godly. I interpret that verse as meaning that it is important to know and confirm in your mind that you know something, but it is better to research the topic in a biblical since rather thas a secular or worldly since. the glory of kings is researching and becomeing stronger on a topic. Pshycologists often study peoples behavior in how and why they do things. These psycologists can us Qualitative research to learn how to tell why people do the things they do. Statement 2 Romans 12:2 says,"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. In Quantitative research people study others behavior based on statics and numbers. Research methods can be ungodly because like the verse discribed, we are not suppost to conform to the patterns on this worl we live in. With quantitative reseach it is easy to follow the crowd and look at the statoics of what everyone else is going. The staticas give the answers to Peoples behaivio and that in my opinion is ungodly. What the majority does is not proper research on behavior.W e are too have a renewing of mind. Statement 1 The purpose of Qualitative Research is to create ideas or insights for a hypothesis for Quantitative Research. Qualitative Research methods are best...
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...the Christian story; it is to enter into it, and accept it as part of our own experience.” (McGrath, 119) How do we learn these stories, but through the Biblical narrative and the lives of others? This week we are challenged, encouraged, and affirmed to incorporate Biblical stories, images, and experience into our practices of Christian Spirituality. These aids are essential tools in our Spiritual tool box. Certainly, we are all born with a spiritual nature, just as we are born with bodies that have muscle, but it is with intentional practices that our spirit is formed. We would not expect to be able develop the muscle memory required to be a skilled tennis player without practice. We...
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