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The Spiritual Discipline of Praise

CLASS SESSION #14 – THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Kenneth Hammonds
Host: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Co-Host: Dr. Oscar Owens, Jr.

This is the fourteenth post of the teaching series: “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life.” Today we will explore the spiritual discipline of praise. Praise is a form of worship. It is a verbal acknowledgment of the worth of God. Through praise we declare God’s goodness, greatness, majesty, and power. The interjection hallelujah is a command and an invitation for God’s people to praise him with reverence and joy.

We hope that you enjoy the two videos in this session. The first video is a short presentation of the topic of praise by Dr. Hammonds. The second video is a recording of the entire Zoom class. May these videos inspire you to cultivate a life of praise with the knowledge that God is worthy of every expression of reverence and joy that you can muster, and more.

If you have not done so already, please sign up for this blog at the bottom of the page to be alerted of new posts by the Three Bible Teachers. Do not forget to access the class materials and additional resources that are available through the “Quick Links” section.

Video Presentation on Praise
In this video, Dr. Hammonds introduces the spiritual discipline of praise. This presentation can also be seen in the longer video below.

“Enjoying a Life of Praise” with Dr. Kenneth Hammonds

Session 14 of “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life”
This video contains the entire Zoom Class from July 9, 2020. It consists of the following parts:

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. “The Spiritual Discipline of Praise” Video Presentation by Dr. Hammonds
3. Conversation on Video Presentation by the Three Bible Teachers
4. Zoom Class Discussion
5. Online Worship, Conclusion, and Closing Prayer

“The Spiritual Discipline of Praise” – Zoom Class (7-9-20)

Download the chat file from the Zoom class.

Homework from Dr. Hammonds
1. Find a unique location to praise God. We are used to praising God at church or in standard worship settings, but we can praise God anywhere and at any time.

2. Start each day with a praise. Say hallelujah three times when you wake up in the morning.

Quick Links:
Link to: Chart of 52 Spiritual Disciplines
Link to : Website for Dr. Kenneth Hammonds

The Spiritual Disciplines of Service and Secrecy

CLASS SESSION #13 – THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Host: Dr. Oscar Owens, Jr.
Co-Host: Dr. Kenneth Hammonds

This is the thirteenth post of the teaching series: “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life.” Today we will explore the spiritual disciplines of service and secrecy. Service is the voluntary giving of time, talent, and resources. Secrecy is doing good deeds and acts of kindness with no mention to others. Both disciplines help us to shift attention away from our personal concerns to the needs and concerns of others.

We hope that you enjoy the videos in this session. The first video is a short presentation of the topic by Dr. Graves. The second video is a recording of the entire Zoom class. May these videos inspire you to cultivate lives of humility and sacrificial service with the knowledge that God sees every action and will reward you openly according to his will and purposes.

Video Presentation on Service and Secrecy
In this video, Dr. Graves introduces the spiritual disciplines of service and secrecy. This presentation can also be seen in the longer video below.

“The Spiritual Disciplines of Service and Secrecy” with Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

Session 13 of “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life”
This video contains the entire Zoom Class from July 2, 2020. It consists of the following parts:

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. “The Spiritual Disciplines of Service and Secrecy” Video Presentation by Dr. Graves.
3. Conversation on Video Presentation by the Three Bible Teachers
4. Zoom Class Discussion
5. Class Assignment, Conclusion, and Closing Prayer

“The Spiritual Disciplines of Service and Secrecy” – Zoom Class (7-2-20)

Download the chat file from the Zoom class.

Homework from Dr. Graves
1. Write up the answers to the following four reflection questions and include them in your journal.

– What did you learn today about the spiritual disciplines of service and secrecy?
– What are some practical ways in which you can be of service to others?
– How do the practices of service and secrecy help us to become more like Jesus?
– What is the Lord placing on your heart to do as a result of this teaching?

2. Do a good deed this week for someone anonymously.

Quick Links:
Link to: PowerPoint Presentation on Service and Secrecy
Link to: Chart of 52 Spiritual Disciplines
Link to : Website for Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

The Spiritual Discipline of Surrender

CLASS SESSION #12 – THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Host: Dr. Oscar Owens

This is the twelfth post of the teaching series: “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life.” Today we will explore the spiritual discipline of surrender. To surrender is to give up control. When we surrender to God, we abandon ourselves to his loving control over all things. To surrender to God is to recognize that we belong to him. It is to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives. It is to say “Yes!” to him. Surrender is the only path to spiritual victory and fulfillment in life.

We hope that you enjoy the videos in this session. The first video is a short presentation of the topic by Dr. Graves. The second video is a recording of the entire Zoom class from last evening. May these videos inspire you to trust the Lord more deeply and surrender every area of your life to him.

Video Presentation on Surrender
In this video, Dr. Graves introduces the spiritual discipline of surrender. This presentation can also be seen in the longer video below.

“The Spiritual Discipline of Surrender” with Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

Session 12 of “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life”
This video contains the entire Zoom Class from June 25, 2020. It consists of the following parts:

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. “The Spiritual Discipline of Surrender” Video Presentation by Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
3. Conversation on Video Presentation by the Three Bible Teachers
4. Zoom Class Discussion
5. Class Assignment, Conclusion, and Closing Prayer

“The Spiritual Discipline of Surrender” – Zoom Class (6-25-20)

Homework from Dr. Graves
1. Tell a family member or friend about what you learned from this teaching about the spiritual discipline of surrender.

2. What areas of your life have you been challenged to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Bring these areas before the Lord in your prayer time this week. Discuss your struggles with someone who will hold you accountable to your spiritual commitments.

3. If you have my book, In Pursuit of Wholeness, I encourage you to work through the prayer of surrender and commitment at the end of chapter 4.

4. Read the book Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray. You can download a copy below. What insights on surrender do you gain from this Christian classic?

Quick Links:
Link to: Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray
Link to: Chart of 52 Spiritual Disciplines
Link to: Website for Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

The Spiritual Discipline of Lectio Divina (Godly Reading)

CLASS SESSION #11 – THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Oscar Owens
Host: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Co-Host: Dr. Kenneth Hammonds

This is the eleventh post of the teaching series: “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life.” God has been doing great things among us! In previous sessions of the class, Dr. Oscar Owens presented two ways of interacting with Scripture. On April 30, 2020 (session 4), he introduced the class to the beauty of Scripture meditation. On May 28, 2020 (session 8), he stressed the wonderful benefit of praying Scripture.

Today we will explore a powerful spiritual discipline that combines these two practices. This spiritual discipline is called Lectio Divina (Godly Reading). We hope that you enjoy the videos in this session. If you have not done so already, please sign up for this blog to be alerted of new posts by the Three Bible Teachers. Do not forget to access the class materials and additional resources that are available through the “Quick Links” section.

Session 11 of “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life”
This video contains the entire Zoom Class from June 18, 2020. It consists of the following parts:

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. “The Spiritual Discipline of Godly Reading” Video Presentation by Dr. Oscar Owens
3. Conversation on Video Presentation by the Three Bible Teachers
4. Zoom Class Discussion
5. Class Assignment, Conclusion, and Closing Prayer
6. Post-class Testimonies, Discussion, and Prayer

“The Spiritual Discipline of Godly Reading” – Zoom Class (6-18-20)

Video Presentation on Godly Reading
In this video, Dr. Owens introduces the spiritual discipline of Godly Reading. This presentation also can be seen in the longer video above.

“Godly Reading” with Dr. Oscar Owens

Homework
– Find a favorite Scripture and use it for Godly Reading all week.
– If the Holy Spirit leads you to another Scripture, then follow where He leads you.
– Then take that Scripture through the process of Godly Reading.
– Write down the revelations the Lord shows you.
– Write down your responses to the Lord’s written words.
– Write down what the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and mind.
– Write down what you received from the Lord as you worshiped Him.
– Write down what you decided to do in response to God and His Word.

Quick Links:
Link to: PowerPoint Presentation by Dr. Oscar Owens
Link to: Class Session 4 on Scripture Meditation
Link to: Class Session 8 on Praying Scripture
Link to: Chart of 52 Disciplines
Link to: Website for Dr. Oscar Owens

Sneak Peak at Session Eleven: The Spiritual Discipline of Godly Reading

In previous sessions of the teaching series “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life,” Dr. Oscar Owens presented two ways of interacting with Scripture. On April 30, 2020 (session 4), he introduced the class to the beauty of Scripture meditation. On May 28, 2020 (session 8), he stressed the benefit of praying Scripture. Tomorrow evening (June 18, 2020), he will introduce us to a powerful spiritual discipline that combines these two practices. This spiritual discipline is called Lectio Divina (Godly Reading).

Video Presentation on Godly Reading
To watch the introductory presentation on Godly Reading by Dr. Owens, please click on the video below.

“Godly Reading” with Dr. Oscar Owens

Link to: PowerPoint Presentation by Dr. Oscar Owens
Link to: Class Session 4 on Scripture Meditation
Link to: Class Session 8 on Praying Scripture
Link to: Website for Dr. Oscar Owens

Connect with Zoom Class
You do not want to miss tomorrow’s class session. Dr. Kenneth Hammonds and Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. will dialog with Dr. Owens about the spiritual discipline of Godly reading and will entertain questions from the class. A helpful homework assignment will be given to reinforce what was learned. If you missed the two previous presentations by Dr. Owens, please click on the links to access the relevant materials. To connect with the class on Zoom, please send an email to ThreeBibleTeachers@gmail.com or CLICK HERE at 7:00 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, June 18, 2020.

The Spiritual Discipline of Intercessory Prayer

CLASS SESSION #10 – THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Kenneth Hammonds
Host: Dr. Oscar Owens
Co-Host: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

This is the tenth post of the teaching series: “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life.” Today we explore the spiritual discipline of intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayer is a loving practice that focuses us on the needs of other people and allows us to partner with God to accomplish his divine will on earth.

We hope that you enjoy the videos in this session. If you have not done so already, please sign up for this blog to be alerted of new posts by the Three Bible Teachers. Do not forget to access the class materials and additional resources that are available through the “Quick Links” section.

Session 10 of “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life”
This video contains the entire Zoom Class from June 11, 2020. It consists of the following parts:

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. “Intercession: Passion & Purpose” Video Presentation by Dr. Kenneth Hammonds
3. Conversation on Video Presentation by the Three Bible Teachers
4. Zoom Class Discussion
5. Class Assignment, Conclusion ,and Closing Prayer

“The Spiritual Discipline of Intercessory Prayer” – Zoom Class (6-11-20)

Video Presentation on Intercessory Prayer
In this video, Dr. Hammonds introduces the spiritual discipline of intercessory prayer. This presentation also can be seen in the longer video above.

“Intercession: Passion & Purpose” with Dr. Kenneth Hammonds

Homework
For homework, please review the video presentation by Dr. Hammonds. The “Concentric Circle of Prayer” document referenced in the video can be accessed below.

Quick Links:
Link to: Intercessory Prayer PowerPoint Presentation
Link to: Concentric Circle of Prayer Document
Link to: Chart of 52 Disciplines
Link to: Website for Dr. Kenneth Hammonds

Pressing toward the Goal

WORDS OF INSPIRATION – SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

TEXT
Philippians 3:13-14 (New Living Translation)
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not [yet] achieved [perfection], but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

COMMENTARY
The Christian life is one of positive movement toward a glorious future. We look forward to a day when we will lack nothing spiritually, emotionally, physically, or otherwise. Yet now, we are far from perfect. God is working to bring us to a place of maturity and strong Christian character. However, there is always further progress to be made, so Paul declares emphatically: “I have not yet achieved perfection, but I am pressing on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Paul describes his spiritual journey (and that of all believers) as a race for a heavenly prize. The race requires focus. The race requires forgetting the past. And the race requires forging ahead in the strength that the Lord provides.

In this video, Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. explores the Apostle Paul’s timeless words and encourages you to renew your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and to move forward into the great things that God has for your future. Like Paul, you will need to pursue with passion the heavenly prize, but it will be a life journey that will yield an eternal reward of joy, peace, and fulfillment in the presence of the Triune God forever. For more content from Dr. Graves, visit the “Quick Links” section at the bottom of this post.

“Pressing toward the Goal” with Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

POWERFUL BOOK BY DR. WILFRED GRAVES JR.

Quick Links:
Link to: Website for Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Link to: Sermons and teachings from Dr. Graves.
Link to: Information on Book by Dr. Graves

The Spiritual Discipline of Gratitude

CLASS SESSION #9 – THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Host: Dr. Kenneth Hammonds
Co-Host: Dr. Oscar Owens, Jr.

This is the ninth post of the teaching series: “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life.” Today we explore the spiritual discipline of gratitude. Gratitude is a loving and thankful response toward God for his presence with us and gracious activity within the world. Gratitude is an important worship activity. A life of gratitude will draw us closer to God and is one of the essential marks of Christian maturity.

We hope that you enjoy the videos in this session. If you have not done so already, please sign up at the bottom of the page for this blog to be alerted of new posts by the Three Bible Teachers. Do not forget to access the class materials and additional resources that are available through the “Quick Links” section.

Welcome and Introduction
This video contains the welcome and introductory remarks from June 4, 2020.

Welcome and Introduction to Zoom Class (6-4-20)

Video Presentation on Gratitude
In this video, Dr. Graves introduces the spiritual discipline of gratitude.

“An Attitude of Gratitude” with Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.

Three Bible Teachers Conversation
In this video, the Three Bible Teachers discuss the presentation by Dr. Graves.

Conversation on Gratitude

Class Discussion
In this video, the entire Zoom class enters the conversation.

Class Discussion, Conclusion, and Prayer (6-4-20)

View the chat file from the Zoom class.

Homework Assignment
The homework assignment from Dr. Graves can be found below. If you are especially blessed by this assignment, or any other assignment from the class, please send an email describing your experience to ThreeBibleTeachers@gmail.com. Also, feel free to email us at any time with your testimonies.

Create a gratitude journal. Each day, for the next 7 days, list several things in your journal for which you are thankful.
Secondly, at the end of each day, make sure to thank God for at least one thing.
Thirdly, via telephone, text, email, or physical letter, express your gratitude to someone who has profoundly touched your life or had a great positive influence on you.
Finally, think about a situation from your past when you were not thankful at the time, but now, in retrospect, you are thankful that things happened the way that they did. What did you learn about God from that situation?

POWERFUL BOOK BY DR. WILFRED GRAVES JR.

Quick Links:
Link to: Chart of 52 Disciplines
Link to: Website for Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Link to: Information on Book by Dr. Graves

Praying Scripture

CLASS SESSION #8 – THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
Presenter: Dr. Oscar Owens, Jr.
Host: Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
Co-Host: Dr. Kenneth Hammonds

This is the eighth post of the teaching series: “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life.” We hope that you have been enjoying our exploration of spiritual disciplines. If you have not done so already, please sign up at the bottom of the page for this blog to be alerted of new posts by the Three Bible Teachers. Do not forget to access the class materials and additional resources that are available through the “Quick Links” section.

Session 8 of “Healthy Habits of the Christian Life”
This video contains the entire Zoom Class from beginning to end (including the video presentation by Dr. Owens) from May 28, 2020. It consists of the following parts:

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. “Praying Scripture” Video Presentation by Dr. Owens
3. Conversation on Video Presentation by the Three Bible Teachers
4. Zoom Class Discussion
5. Class Assignment
6. Conclusion and Closing Prayer

Zoom Class (5-28-20)

Video Presentation (5-28-20)
This video presentation by Dr. Owens is part 2 of the longer video above. It introduces the spiritual discipline of praying Scripture.

“Praying Scripture” with Dr. Oscar Owens

Homework Assignment
Dr. Owens gives a practical homework assignment to help you pray Scripture. This assignment can be found at 10:10 in the second video above. If you are especially blessed by this assignment, or any other assignment from the class, please send an email describing your experience to ThreeBibleTeachers@gmail.com. Also, feel free to email us at any time with your testimonies.

Quick Links:
Link to: Praying Scripture PowerPoint Presentation
Link to: Chart of 52 Disciplines
Link to: Website for Dr. Oscar Owens