An Increased Emphasis on the Critical Elements of the Spiritual Life and Spiritual Formation within Preaching in Belfast, Northern Ireland

• Main Author: Robinson, Timothy J. T.
• Language: EN
• Published: Biola University 2019
• Subjects: Biblical studies
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=13863803

<p> This study proposes that within preaching, preachers should increase their emphasis on the critical elements of the spiritual life and spiritual formation so that moral formation is avoided, spiritual formation is embraced, and hearts are formed into Christlikeness, with a growth in spiritual fruit. </p><p> It is believed that many Christians within Northern Ireland do not know the difference between moral formation and spiritual formation. Generally, there seems to be a limited understanding of the spiritual life and spiritual formation, with many sermons lacking any significant emphasis on these elements. </p><p> Therefore, this study researches the difference increasing one&rsquo;s emphasis on the critical elements of the spiritual life and spiritual formation makes within preaching. A full biblical, theological, and literary foundation is laid for the proposal that increasing one&rsquo;s emphasis on these elements within preaching will lead to moral formation being avoided, spiritual formation being embraced and hearts being formed into the likeness of Christ, with a growth in spiritual fruit. Teaching, training and testing is conducted among local believers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with the findings of this research seeking to prove the original proposal. It is hoped that the results of this study will benefit the Northern Irish church and lead to hearts being spiritually formed for many years to come.</p><p>