COLUMNS

magazine
growing in faith
HOW SELF-DISCIPLINE CHANGES US

our congregational survey

seeing results
a pathway forward

school of discipleship
plus

When We Rise
an album & a grand hope
Seek God. Share His Love. Humbly Serve.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO FPCO.ORG

COLUMNS | January - February

COLUMNS CONTENTS JANUARY & FEBRUARY

STAY INFORMED, 6
Our Congregational Survey results, as well as details about the upcoming First Pres Town Hall Meetings. Dr. Swanson on Self-Control The Stack Break it Down
Bible Study with Dr. Case Thorp

Womens Spring Study Estate Planning Workshop The Marriage Retreat FEATURES Disciplines of the Intuitive Life
Choices Critical to Growing in Faith

4 5 8 9 10 11 12 14 18 19

Rising Up
an album making a difference

Time With God Family News

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SCHOLAR ON
The School of Discipleship is in session starting this Winter. Bring your Bible and some of those pink erasers.

PHOTOS: SHEA CHRISTINE, JASON FRAZIER

January - February | COLUMNS

SAVE THE DATE

january

1 10 15 19 20 22 24 26 28

WE Spring Bible Study Registration Opens

Young at Heart Luncheon

Town Hall 6:30pm in Lee Fellowship Hall Town Hall 12:30pm in the Sanctuary
Church offices closed, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day The Christ School Open House

Night of Worship with Helpless Estate School of Discipleship Begins

Weekday School Prospective Parent Open House

february

2 7 14 23

Boy Scout Troop 24 - 90th Anniversary Pancake Breakfast Young at Heart Luncheon

The Marriage Retreat

Infant Child Care Center 40th Anniversary

For more upcoming events visit fpco.org/calendar.

COLUMNS | January - February

ON THE WAY
with Dr. David Swanson
This time of year is always lled with remorse and resolve; remorse over the lack of discipline we showed while eating our way through the holidays and resolve to show more discipline in the New Year, setting goals we hope to achieve. And, thinking about how we care for our physical bodies is just one of a myriad of ways we examine our own sense of selfdiscipline. Its one of the great struggles we all face, the one Paul referred to as the battle between esh and the Spirit. We want to do what God wants us to do, but sometimes we lack the discipline to actually make Godly choices. Its why Paul mentions self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. When we mature in faith, our ability to control ourselves discipline ourselves for His Kingdom increases. Of course, we will never get there completely this side of heaven, but we can grow in this fruit of selfcontrol. Please recognize that I am not suggesting this is in any way tied to our salvation. We are saved by grace through faith alone. Disciplining ourselves to live righteously before God is a reection of a heart change that began at the time of our conversion. Our response to the Fathers love is to live a life pleasing to Him, turning away from selsh desires in other words, self-control. I have always been drawn to Pauls words above. He is one deeply in love with the Father. He yearns to please and honor Him. As a result, he wants to ensure that his witness will never compromise the message he proclaims. He wants to discipline himself to live humbly before God so that as others watch him, his faith proves authentic. Heres the reality: when you identify yourself as a Christian, others will watch you as well. Your manner of life says something about the nature of your faith. How you live is a measure of the authenticity of your words. Therefore, we dont run aimlessly. We dont live as though unaware others are watching. No, we live with Jesus as our foundation. We live with a rm belief that Jesus is the singular hope of the world. And if thats true, then nothing else matters more than how we reect His light in a very dark world. As 2104 begins, my prayer is that we would remember some of our Barefoot Church lessons. Part of living faithfully is restoring the right order of our personal lives so that we then have the margin to engage in the Kingdom work God is calling us to. (From sermon on Justice, October 13, 2013) That will require selfcontrol. And part of Barefoot was creating a systemic change in our church, living outwardly and missionally, counteracting a growing culture of individualism. To accomplish systemic change takes personal discipline. We must reorder how we live and that may require tough decisions. And it requires time to make that new change an ingrained way of life. I will be preaching through the book of Hebrews this winter, a series entitled Not New; Not Improved. Unlike everything else, the faith we profess has not changed one bit in 2000 years. It is the rock on which we stand. So learning to align our lives with that historic faith is the key to our future hope and contentment. Lets not run aimlessly; lets run in such a way as to win the prize that we might honor the Lord as we lead lives of greater discipline, reecting the authenticity of our faith in Him and the absolute supremacy of Christ. I am eager and expectant for what God will do in this body in 2014. Please join me in praying that we would be found faithful to fullling the call He has given to us in this place. With joy and thanks for you, I send my Hugs and kisses,

Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do no ght like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualied for the prize.
-1 Corinthians 9:26-27

David

January - February | COLUMNS

LIFE STORY CLASS

the Columns stack

useful information, timely trivia and handy tips for navigating life at FirstPres (and life in general)

WDS OPEN HOUSE

Weekday School is now enrolling! Prospective parents are invited to learn more at 6:45pm on Tuesday January 28. Tour classrooms, meet staff and hear about the school philosophy. For details, call the Weekday School office at 407.996.5864.

Want to know more about Jesus? Learn his life story with Dr. Case Thorp on Sunday mornings. Through serious, in-depth study we follow the full narrative of Jesus life in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). 9:45am in room 310 of the Edington Ministry Center.

JOBS PARTNERSHIP
Meet needs by serving with Jobs Partnership and building relationships. Mentors and job counselors are needed one night a week for 12 weeks to invest in others. Anyone who has gotten and held a job has the ability to help. Volunteer training begins the third week in January. For details, contact Greg Swartwood at gswartwood@nationlaw.com

MUSIKGARTEN

FREE PANCAKES!

Come hungry to worship on Sunday, Our early childFebruary 2! Boyscout Troop 24 is hood music celebrating their 90th Anniversary program is at First Pres by serving a delicious enrolling for pancake breakfast for their whole spring startchurch family. Yum! ing January 6. Classes begin January 27, and HEALING AFTER meet weekly for children birth through 9 years old. DIVORCE Each class is taught by a certied Our next Divorce Care group instructor, and encourages parent begins February 5. Meeting each participation. Wednesday for 13 weeks, Divorce Register or nd out more Care provides focused sessions information online: and a safe place to process for both fpco.org/musikgarten adults and children. For more information, contact Linda McCallister at x1159.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
We send out a weekly email newsletter with important announcements for the coming week. Well never share your information, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Join now at fpco.org/email.

FIRST CONNECTIONS
Curious about First Pres? Recently joined the church? Led by our Minister of Discipleship, Kent Sterchi, this 7-week seminar on Sunday mornings is designed to help you learn about and experience life at First Pres. Save the Date for the Spring First Connections class, starting March 2!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
twitter.com/fpcorlando

COLUMNS | January - February

SURVEY RESULTS
In the Summer of 2013, the Session (our churchs governing body) retained church consultants, The Goehner Group, to conduct a congregational study. The intent was to determine if a campaign to eliminate debt, pay for capital improvements, install a new roof and plant a new church might be successful. Below is their Executive Summary of the survey:
During the course of the study, 723 individuals participated. This is over 200 more participants than those who participated in a previous study prior to the Immeasurably More campaign five years ago. The participants represented a cross section of ages and length of time as members and participants in the church. When asked to indicate how the church has impacted their lives, the responses were wide and varied, however the following were consistent responses: Great Biblical preaching Spiritual growth Ministry to children and youth Depth of friendships/sense of community Opportunity to serve The Christ School The participants also identified some issues that the church will face in the next three to five years: Cultural issues that are contrary to biblical beliefs Elimination of debt Uncertainty of the economy In all areas of the study, the respondents indicated there is a well-defined current and future ministry mission and vision. In fact, the percentages are extremely high for similar studies. The survey respondents were nearly unanimous in their sense that the ministry of First Presbyterian Church is very important to the greater Orlando area. Several people in the interviews spoke about the importance of being a downtown church and their strong conviction that the church has a key role in the community. When the discussion and survey questions turned to the proposed campaign projects, the universal response was: Debt must be eliminated The roof project is good stewardship There was a mixed response to the remainder of the suggested projects ranging from being possibilities with more information to a less than enthusiastic response. In fact, debt elimination and the roof project are seen by many participants as the primary needs. The respondents are open to a campaign but most likely with a lower goal. Interestingly, the interviewees feel

OUR CONGREGATIONAL

When asked to identify the current strengths of the church, the most frequently mentioned strengths were: Biblically-based preaching Worship Leadership of David Swanson and staff Location

The most frequently mentioned areas for improvement and greatest areas of need were: 6 Eliminate debt Discipleship Giving Volunteers Adult Sunday School More welcoming
January - February | COLUMNS

the capacity for a $10 million campaign exists but currently passion is lacking. The interviewees indicated both a willingness to volunteer in a campaign as well as commit financially. The response rate in the survey was lower, but the less than enthusiastic response to a campaign was less than 15%. When asked to identify the range of gift they might pray about, the primary responses were modest but a fair number of individuals identified potential commitments in the six figure range. In summary the Consultants are recommending that the Session consider a campaign in the fall of 2014 with specific recommendations regarding preparation, planning and execution.

QUESTIONS ABOUT NEXT STEPS? BE THERE FOR OUR

TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Wednesday, January 15 at 6:30pm in Lee Fellowship Hall or Sunday, January 19 at 12:30pm in the Sanctuary
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COLUMNS | January - February

BREAK IT DOWN
What do you look for when you study your Bible? What is important? Dr. Case Thorp gives us some insight into Titus.
auls ostle P p A as e h ). He w as t 3 w 2 o 6 h :1 w 8 t 7:6,13, g man :3) lef A youn (2 Cor. 2:13, Galatians 2 land of e the is ewish; proteg (non-J hurches on e il t n e c a G usesee ho to over Crete.

Titus 2
Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

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6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hopethe appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

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the conversaon the shape of for a great blog ntarian roles rian and compleme tion around egalita or in the n, (at home, work for men & wome s ://bit.ly/fpcocolumn church), see http

January - February | COLUMNS

ate Save the D RETREAT

WE PRAYER
h 15 Saturday, Marc 9am - 12pm

by Nikki Ickes, Womens Ministry Council Chair

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A WOMAN ENGAGED IN PRAYER? Cynthia Heald writes in her Bible study entitled Becoming a Woman of Prayer, The underlying principle of prayer, which overwhelmed me, is that God desires to be intimate with me, and He wants this relationship so much that He invites, encourages and helps me to pray. With such an incredible invitation from our Father extended to me, I realized that I would be unwise to refuse such an offer of fellowship and participation in His plans. I invite you to join me, but more importantly GOD invites YOU to join Him. WOMEN ENGAGED, JOIN US THIS SPRING AS WE DIVE INTO A DEEP STUDY OF PRAYER TOGETHER. This 7-week study will be three-fold, with one portion being a truly engaging Bible study by Cynthia Heald, referenced above. Second, our First Pres Prayer Team will be intricately involved in helping women learn application of prayer that will be practical and meaningful in their daily lives. And third, prayerful women within our congregation will speak to our women each week about the tough questions and concepts that arise when attempting to understand and actually transform your life in prayer.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF OUR STUDY, A MORNING PRAYER RETREAT WILL TAKE PLACE, where women can gather together in fellowship, praise, worship and most importantly, the practice of private and corporate prayer together. A message, worship, actual time spent in solitary prayer, and luncheon to follow will conclude this season of study in a powerful, practical, and meaningful way. THE BECOMING A WOMAN OF PRAYER STUDY WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH (morning & evening groups) and Thursday, January 30th (morning only). Childcare is included with registration, as well as your study book and a personal prayer journal to use throughout the study. This study will run through the week of March 10th-14th, with the Prayer Retreat to take place on Saturday, March 15 from 9am-12pm. (This study will conclude before Orange County Spring Break.) Registration on-line is currently available. You may also pick up a hard copy registration form in the lobby of the Edington Ministry Center. Transform your relationship with God through one of the most crucial means we have to communicate with Him: prayer. As Cynthia Heald writes, God bless you richly as you study. I pray that your life will never be the same because of your desire to become a woman of prayer.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

COLUMNS | January - February

HAVING AN ESTATE PLAN MATTERS, AT ANY STAGE OF LIFE

Its easy to put off the details and discussions of after until later. But knowing how your choices can impact others in the future will make a difference in the legacy you leave behind.

MAKE a PLAN
SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH | 5:00-6:30PM TAUGHT BY LARRY HAMES
Sterchi Conference Room of the Edington Ministry Center Learn the trajectory of estate planning and tax law so you can make wise nancial and personal decisions going forward. Learn how to leave a legacy that will bless your family, church and community. Learn how to continue giving in the present while planning for future giving. Available to all: young parents, retirees, newly married or any interested adults can benet. And well have cookies. For more information, contact Brad Staton of the Heart of the City Foundation at 407.423.3441 x1484 or bstaton@fpco.org

Estate Planning Workshop

LARRY HAMES (Laurence C. Hames, Esq., P.A.) has been a leading estate planning attorney for 34 years. He has served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando and on the Board of the Heart of the City Foundation. He also served on the Executive Council of the Tax Section of The Florida Bar Association and as chairman of the Tax Section of the Orange County Bar Association.

OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP BY

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January - February | COLUMNS

COLUMNS | January - February

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DISCIPLINES
of the intuitive life
by Hailey Domeck

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
The Intuitive Life: our choices, motives, decisions now led by the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-empowered lifestyle guided by a capacity to sense and respond to Gods direction. As a church family, we have pushed through the eyeopening Barefoot Church experience, survived the joyful chaos of the holidays, and entered into a brand new year. Whether you always make a New Years Resolution or have never done so, start your New Years resolutions with these questions: We hope that if you remember anything from our journey through Barefoot Church, it is that serving must become a part of our natural rhythms of life. This only happens when we train our hearts to listen to the Holy Spirit and create enough margin and time to be obedient to what we hear. This is what we mean by living the intuitive life. Yet, what disciplines or practices must we begin in order to experience this intuitive life? If we are going to learn to express Gods mercy and justice in our daily lives, we have to be willing to make the personal decisions which lead to change. One way to start is to identify the distractions present in our lives and resolve to make some essential changes.

What must I say No to and say Yes to in order to live on mission within the context of community? What new disciplines does the Lord want to see incorporated into my life for the purpose of living on mission with Him and with our covenant community?
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January - February | COLUMNS

Margin

Margin is that space in your life between all the time in the world and the stuff I have to do. The lack of margin in our lives is one of the great enemies to community and mission. Are there distractions in your daily life that eat up your margin and keep you from noticing [and responding to] the needs around you?

What comes to mind and what can you do to create margin in your life?

Presence

Next Steps
FOR GROUP LIFE
If your group wants to continue exploring the themes raised in Barefoot Church - justice, mercy, learning to do right, and making Gods mission your priority - these video series are available to your group leader through RightNow Media: When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg. 6 video sessions focused on learning how to play for the Kingdom of God. 24/6 by Matthew Sleeth. 4 video sessions on remembering the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. (Mandated margin!) A Place at the Table by Chris Seay. 6 video sessions leading in 40 days of solidarity with the poor. No Plan B by Todd Phillips. 4 video sessions on Gods role for us, His rescue team. Faithserves Info Session Sunday, January 12, 12:15-12:45pm Learn about the ways you can serve in our community and meet our mission partners, including Mercy Achievers Club, FOUR12 after school program, Compassion Corner Homeless Ministry and Jobs Partnership. Spring Serve Day Saturday, March 1, 8:30am- 12:30pm Help others experience serving for the rst time, or bring your Barefoot group to continue serving together.

In an era of email, voicemail, Facebook, and text messaging, we sometimes forget the power of being physically present in peoples lives. It takes commitment and time to be there, and it is a powerful way to communicate Gods love. What areas of your life are most impacted by the lack of your physical presence? Your marriage? Your family? Your work relationships? Living on mission in community?

Priority

We set priorities and make decisions based on them every day. Unless being Good News becomes a true priority in our lives, we wont make the decisions necessary to create margin or commit to presence. Are you willing to meet in community and add engaging need into the stuff I have to do category? Why or why not? What are your struggles that keep you from making this commitment? Spend some time today talking to God about it. When we reset our priorities to sync up with Gods vision for our lives, we are able to see the Kingdom of God break through and His Holy Hand restore what was broken. When we lean on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us, we are tapping into the strength that comes through faith in Christ. So, while most New Years resolutions dont make it 6 months, we can move into a more intuitive lifestyle because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! How does that sound for a New Years resolution?

Adapted from the Barefoot Church Primer, Brandon Hatmaker, Missio Publishing, 2008. Hailey Domeck is FPCOs Coordinator of Family Life and Discipleship and is herself learning how to live out Gods mysterious intuitive life. She and her husband, Justin, are committed to helping others find their way on our journey of living on mission.

FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book on a (Really) Big Problem by Kevin DeYoung In 10 short chapters, this book offers the Biblical tools we need to get to the source of the issue (Im too busy!) and pull the problem out by the roots. You can even download the free study guide at www.crazybusybook.com!

COLUMNS | January - February

13

RISING UP
A MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH A MISSION
For hundreds of years, the Church has been patron of the arts, supporting the efforts of painters, writers, composers, sculptors and other creators sharing their gifts and Gods redemptive story with the world. As we stand upon this heritage, using our creative gifts in the life of the church, we not only look for ways to celebrate Gods generosity, we also look for ways to help light the world for others. This winter, Director of Genesis worship Wil Brown, came together with some of our Genesis musicians to form the band Helpless Estate. Inspired to create fresh arrangements of the classic hymns of the church, theyrecorded and released the album When We Rise. More than looking to the church to support the arts, they saw an opportunity to use the arts to support the work of the church. Working with Dr. Case Thorp and our FaithServes mission team, Helpless Estate sought to use proceeds from the album sales to benefit one of our mission partners across the globe. First Pres has been partnering with the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (Fiangonani Jesoa Kristy eto Madagasikara or FJKM) for over 7 years, coming alongside this denomination in their own ministries and learning about the needs and the people of Madagascar. One of their ministries, the Topaza Orphanage, is located in the capital city of Antananarivo, and provides a home for approximately 42 children and youth, ages 4 weeks to 20 years of age. In July of 2012, a cyclone caused the complete collapse of one of two dormitory buildings in which the children live. Since that time, 42 orphans and the staff sleep in one large room in the remaining building, enduring sub-par dining, bathing and studying conditions. While they have started construction on a new dormitory, the structure has yet to be completed (see below). Here was a significant opportunity for First Presbyterian Church of Orlando to change the lives of children in Madagascar. With this vision in mind, the Heart of the City Foundation stepped in, offering a gift with exponential potential: to support the expense of making the Helpless Estate album so the proceeds from the album could be fully dedicated to the work of God in rebuilding the orphanage at Topaza. And theres more to come: a concert in January to worship together, celebrate and share the news of Gods generosity in this endeavor. Save the date and be part of this special night as we rise together.

See and hear the story behind the album online at fpco.org/helplessestate

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January - February | COLUMNS

WHEN WE RISE albums are now available for sale by donation. 100% of the proceeds benet the Topaza Orphanage in Madagascar. Upon release of the album in December, an anonymous donor came forward to match initial sales of the album, up to $10,000. So with each donation to purchase an album, your generosity is doubled.

NIGHT OF WORSHIP
A H Y M N S C O N C ERT F EAT UR ING TH E MU SIC OF H EL PL ESS ESTAT E FR I DAY, JA N UA RY 2 4 7 P M I N L EE FEL LOW SH IP H A L L

COLUMNS | January - February

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Discipleship

School of

Beginning this Winter, First Pres will offer the rst of our new School of Discipleship courses. Designed to help you grow and mature as a follower of Jesus, the material includes great next steps for new believers, Barefoot Church participants and those who have already been growing in their discipleship for many years. Each course is 6 weeks of Biblical study; some have an academic emphasis and some are focused on application. All are held here on the church campus, and typically cover 1 - 1 hours of classroom time.

SIX WEEKS, JANUARY 26 - MARCH 2 REGISTER ONLINE FOR THIS SEMESTER AT FPCO.ORG/REGISTER
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January - February | COLUMNS

SPRING 2014 COURSES

UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE SAY: UNPACKING THE APOSTLES CREED, 11:00AM SUNDAY
Teacher: Dr. Rebecca Bedell, Master of Christian Thought (in progess) GordonConwell Theological Seminary; Past Minister of Worship First Presbyterian Church Orlando. The Apostles Creed starts with two powerful words I believe.... - We regularly proclaim the truths of the Creed as a community and as individual Christians as the core of our faith - but have we really spent time digging in and studying what we say we believe? We explore the history, theology and modern application of this ancient statement of faith.

JONAH: FINDING THE HEART OF GOD,

12:00PM THURSDAY
Teacher: Dr. Mark Futato of RTS Is the book of Jonah a whale of a tale or an invitation to personal reection? How big is Gods heart of compassion? How big is yours? What is Gods attitude toward the city? What is yours? Dare to dig deeply into one of the most profound books in the Bible. *Begins February 6 $50 course fee

LIFE HAPPENS, 11:00AM SUNDAY

Teacher: Lindsey Staton, Coordinator of 20s & 30s Ministry Have you ever had your life turned upside down? If you havent yet, you will. In this series, we will study the book of Ruth, a woman whose plan got all messed up by the stuff of life. God met her in her pain, gave her courage to keep going, and handed her a new dream for His glory.

DIGNITY SERVES, 11:00AM SUNDAY

Teacher: Phil Hissom of the Polis Institute Have you ever wondered if your efforts to give to the poor are actually helpful? The perfect followup to Barefoot Church, Dignity Serves teaches how serving others can be more relational, dignied and impactful. The training is grounded in Biblical principles and delivered through experiential exercises and lively discussion, resulting in a better understanding of how to help others. Sponsored by Heart of the City Foundation.

GIFTED TO SERVE, 9:30AM SUNDAY

Teacher: Carol Hafer, Director of Mission & Lori Needham, Director of Hospitality Uncover how God has uniquely designed you to serve Him. Discover how your unique set of God-given spiritual gifts, natural abilities, personality, and passions can be incorporated into your experiences that will help fulll His purposes for your life.
COLUMNS | January - February

Questions?
Call Hailey Domeck at 407.423.3441 x1497 or email hdomeck@fpco.org

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TIME WITH GOD

making spiritual disciplines a daily habit For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
Lets face itthe topic of discipline is not one that many find enjoyable. Our growth as disciples of Jesus can be stunted without thought toward our selfdiscipline. Much has been written in Scripture about the topic, and most of these nuggets of wisdom were penned by the Apostle Paul. The Greek word translated discipline (enkrateia) comes from the root krat, which designates power or lordship. However, we are sinful by nature; so how are we to be spiritually disciplined? Can we exercise power over ones self have self-mastery over ones inner desires, thoughts, actions and words? Self-discipline means exactly that; power over ones self. It is the ability to keep ones self under control it is what Christians are called to do. Our spiritual lives can quickly get out of balance when we practice no spiritual disciplines. Such neglect prolongs spiritual immaturity, frustrating our efforts to resist temptations and sin. Essentially, working against ourselves. Pauls writings to most of the early churches stressed the importance of self-control. He also emphasized the importance of living a life like Christ, and pursuing holiness. Lets be clear hereif there is no discipline, there is no discipleship. One cannot claim the virtues of godliness. Those virtues or fruit of the Spirit are never self-generated; rather, it is a work of grace within us, offered by the Holy Spirit who must be active in our life. In Galatians 5:22 we learn of the nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. It just so happens that self-discipline appears last in this list, and not by coincidence! By 18 occupying this final position, self-discipline assumes a place of strategic importance. It is the summation of the previous eight qualities the Spirit produces. The work of the Spirit reaches its consummation in selfcontrol enabling us to realize every other aspect of spiritual fruit. Christ maintains Apart from Me, you can do nothing. John 15:5 and the Apostle Paul affirms I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me in Philippians 4:13. Soare you in training? Are you pursuing holiness through Biblical preaching and teaching, participating in corporate worship, the Lords Supper, Bible study, meditation, prayer and in fellowship with believers? If we are to exercise self-control, we must give up lordship and relinquish the control of our lives to Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul later claims in the Galatians 5 verses, Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Perhaps that is when we can claim the peaceful fruit of righteousness because of the Holy Spirits training in our life! Its a New Year and a new opportunityexperience grace by building a foundation in spiritual disciplines. Seek out healthy, life changing daily habits and youll find eternal benefits!

Next Step
Start with small changes. Pray and ask God to reveal one choice you can make today that will draw you closer to Him. Then tomorrow, see if you can do it again.

January - February | COLUMNS

FAMILY NEWS
Sympathy to...
Pam & Dave McComb on the death of her father, Robert Bob Rivers, October 8, 2013. Mr. Rivers was the grandfather of Colby & Dyar (Emily) McComb. Don & Sandi Huxley on the death of his mom, Marie Huxley, October 12, 2013. Randy & Marcia Johnson on the death of his mother, Esther Johnson, October 16, 2013. Joe Guernsey on the death of his son, Joseph W. Jody Guernsey, October 18, 2013. Mr. Guernsey was the brother of Mary & Priscilla Guernsey. Tricia & Bruce Berger on the death of her mother, Flora Garza, October 22, 2013. Mrs. Garza was the grandmother of Sarah & Meagan Berger. The family and friends of John Dicine, who died October 24, 2012. Dottie Drane on the death of her brother, Joseph Lewis, October 26, 2013. Mr. Lewis was the uncle of Susan (Jack) Somerville & Sarah Anne (Kenney) Hanks. The friends and family of Joyce Stallings, who died November 1, 2013. Clint & MK Beaty on the death of his father, Larry Beaty, November 4, 2013. Mr. Beaty was the grandfather of Conner & Cooper Beaty. Chad & Jennifer Rawls on the death of his father, Charles Lamar Rawls, November 4, 2013. Mr. Rawls was the grandfather of Lawson & Abby Rawls. Will & Amy Mims on the death of his grandmother, Gwen Zipprer, November 4, 2013. Mrs. Mims was the great grandmother of Megan & John Mims. Walter & Marilyn Sunderlin on the death of his mother, Opal Sunderlin, November 4, 2013. Sarah Ann & Kenney Hanks and Susan & Jack Somerville on the death of their father, Jim Drane, November 14, 2013. Mr Drane was the grandfather of Hunter, Jordan & Katie Grace Hanks and Hayden & Colton Somerville. Evelyn Cooksey on the death of her husband, Grady Cooksey Sr., November 21, 2013. Mr. Cooksey was the father of Grady (Judy) Cooksey, Jr. and grandfather of Ashley (Scott) Batterson. Lacey & Tony Gray, on the death of her mother, Marie Louise Walz. Mrs. Walz was the grandmother of Ashley (Ross) Johnston and greatgrandmother of Eloise, Bennett & Stowe Johnston. Case & Jodi Thorp on the death of his grandmother, Mary Catherine Leach Thorp. Mrs. Thorp was the great-grandmother of Alexandra, Charles and Brooks Thorp. Kay Feldmeyer on the death of her husband, William Bill Feldmeyer, November 26, 2013.

Congratulations to...
Mark Thomas Riccaboni was married to Brittany Leigh Thomas, October 26, 2013, at the Magnolia House in Groveland, FL.Mark is the son of David & Mary Beth Riccaboni. Chad & Bridgette Cahill on the birth of their son, Stephen Fletcher Cahill, born November, 1, 2013. The proud grandparents are Steve & Rose Cahill. John & Labri Wright on the birth of their daughter, Arvey Eloise Wright, born November 14, 2013. The proud grandparents are Freddie and Lu Langston. Jerome Lee Heins and Sarah Claire Jakobson were married December 7, 2013 in the Reformation Chapel.

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COLUMNS | January - February

19

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando 106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801

The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is published bimonthly by the First Presbyterian Church. Circulation: 2,500. (2,000 by US Mail, 500 by on-campus distribution). Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COLUMNS, 106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390. 2014 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.

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