"Embrace the Word, Walk with the Spirit and Belong to the Church"
A Rule of Life • The Six Forces Of Unintentional Formation • The Big Shift Into Christian Formation • Crafting A Rule Of Life • Priorities to Consider When Crafting a Rule of Life
In Michelangelo’s iconic painting "The Creation of Adam," God stretches out His hand toward Adam, His fingers nearly touching the man He formed. Adam, passive and relaxed, lifts his hand just enough to meet the extended grace of the Almighty. This image captures something profound: the movement of God toward humanity—not with demand, but with divine initiative. It’s not a picture of man striving upward in self-effort, but of God stooping low in love, offering His empowering presence.
This is the heart of our walk with God. Transformation was never meant to begin with our strength or end in our striving. Left to ourselves, true change—the kind of change God invites us into—is impossible. But God has not left us to ourselves. He deeply desires that every believer grow in maturity and be transformed into the image of Christ—from the inside out. And He has not left this up to human willpower or best intentions.
Instead, He has graciously provided three divine means of grace—sacred gifts through which He draws near, shapes us, and empowers us to become more like Him. These are the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Church—God-ordained channels through which His life and power flow to us, for our renewal, growth, and transformation.
The Bible is not just an ancient text; it is God’s living Word—His voice revealed in written form. It teaches us who He is, what He has done, who we are, and how we are to live.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”— 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NIV
The Bible renews our minds (Romans 12:2), aligns our thoughts with truth, and provides wisdom for every area of life. When we read, meditate on, and obey God’s Word, our desires, decisions, and actions begin to reflect His heart.
Embrace the Word. Rely on the Bible daily. Let it shape your identity, renew your thinking, and direct your path.
RESOURCE:
The Holy Spirit is not a force or feeling—He is God’s personal presence living in every believer. He convicts, comforts, teaches, empowers, and produces lasting change in us. While the Bible gives us truth, the Spirit gives us the power to live it out.
“And we all…are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”— 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV
We cannot follow Jesus or grow in holiness apart from the Spirit. He brings Scripture to life, strengthens us in weakness, and bears the fruit of Christlike character in us (Galatians 5:22–23).
Walk with the Spirit. Invite Him to lead, correct, and empower you daily.
RESOURCE:
The Church is more than a building or service. It is the Body of Christ—a community of believers called to grow together in love, unity, and purpose. God never intended for us to walk this journey alone.
“As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”— Ephesians 4:16 NLT
Through worship, teaching, service, and real relationships, we are formed into the likeness of Christ. The Church provides encouragement, accountability, and shared mission, helping us live out our faith in tangible ways.
Belong to the Church. Commit to community. Let others encourage, sharpen and walk with you.
RESOURCES:
Marks Of A Christ-Formed Community - Becoming the People God Desires, Together
These three—the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Church—are not optional tools but essential gifts of grace. They are how God shapes us to be more like Jesus. Transformation is not a solo effort or a quick fix. It is the Spirit-led result of a life grounded in God’s Word and rooted in God’s people.
“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life…”— 2 Peter 1:3 NLT
So let us:
Embrace the Word – for truth, wisdom, and renewal.
Walk with the Spirit – for power, guidance, and heart-deep change.
Belong to the Church – for love, accountability, and shared growth.
These are God’s divine means of grace. Through them, He will finish the good work He began in us—for His glory and the good of the world.
The Bible > Am I spending time in the Bible and letting it help me grow and change? Am I regularly engaging with God’s Word not just for information, but for transformation—allowing it to read me, challenge me, and shape the way I live and think?
The Holy Spirit > Am I paying attention to the Holy Spirit and letting Him lead and help me each day? Am I making space in my daily life to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, and am I surrendering to His guidance, conviction, and empowering presence?
The Church > Am I staying connected to other believers so we can help each other grow in faith? Am I actively participating in the life of the Church—both giving and receiving in community—so that I am nurtured, sharpened, and strengthened by the body of Christ?