Theology of the Spiritual Life
Mark 12:28-31
Theme Introduction: The assertion that humans are made for eternity, not time
Philosophical and Theological Foundations
- Peter Kreeft's comparison of fish in water to humans in time
- Mark 12:28-31: Jesus' answer about the greatest commandment
Exploring the Love Commandments
- Jesus' commandments to love God and love your neighbor
- The significance of loving God with heart, soul, mind, and strength
Four Types of Love (Based on Bernard of Clairvaux's Teachings)
- Love of Self for Self's Sake:
- Non-Christian version of love
- Love of God for Self's Sake:
- Carnal Christian's version of love
- Love of God for God's Sake:
- Spiritual person's version of love
- Love of Self for God's Sake:
- Perfected in heaven
Conflict Between God Life and Self Life
- The idea that love for God should surpass all other loves
- Competing allegiances and distractions in life
- Jesus’ teachings on prioritizing love for God over family and self
Spiritual Disciplines for Love
- Heart Love (First Love):
- Disciplines of attachment, such as worship and personal devotions
- Soul Love (Real Love):
- Disciplines of detachment, including confession and separation from worldly values
- Mind Love (True Love):
- Disciplines of alignment with God's Word
- Strength Love (Full Love):
- Disciplines of engagement, utilizing one’s calling and ministry
Conclusion
- Summarization of loving God with all aspects of being
- Emphasis on first, real, true, and full love
- Call to action for personal reflection and commitment to spiritual disciplines
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Ramesh P. Richard
In addition to his many years of faculty service, Dr. Richard serves as founder and president of Ramesh Richard Evangelism and Church Health (RREACH), a global proclamation ministry that seeks to evangelize leaders and strengthen pastors, primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His pre-evangelistic talks through social media sow the gospel and grows spiritual interests from large numbers of responses worldwide. In 1997, Dr. Richard founded TOPIC (Trainers of Pastors International Coalition) to champion nonformal pastor training where church health is not keeping pace with church growth. In 2005, in partnership with DTS, RREACH launched the Global Proclamation Academy to equip influential young pastors from all over the world to preach, live, and think biblically. In 2016, he convened the first Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers in Bangkok, Thailand, followed by the second Global Proclamation Congress for Trainers of Pastors in Panama City, Panama in 2023. He and his wife, Bonnie, have three grown children and three grandchildren.
Contributors
