Author Archives: St. John Studies

“Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit or bridle.” [Psalm 32:9] Dr. Willard* uses this Psalm to get us thinking about our role in the process of receiving a word … Continue reading →

Google “blind faith.” You see two definitions: 1. complete trust or confidence in someone or something 2. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. In my opinion those two … Continue reading →

Chapter 3 in Hearing God is entitled “Never Alone” but Dr. Willard talks a lot about what can cause us to be alone. We can work hard at being social and can have friends that surround us. Of course, if … Continue reading →

“It was Pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” – St. Augustine Evagrius of Pontus was a monk who drew up the eight deadly sins and slowly they came to the attention of … Continue reading →

Ok, I admit it. I tend to put people up on pedestals. Especially spiritual, righteous, religious people like pastors. That’s what Dr. Willard says we should not do. Today we are going to explore why he would advise us not … Continue reading →

I was in a Bible study at church the other night and a woman was present who expressed a sentiment that many of us feel. “I can go to Bible study after having read my assignment and I think I … Continue reading →

I have written about grace before. It is a term that is so hard to understand. The short meaning is unmerited favor. Why would God extend His grace to us? We don’t deserve it. We need it. We are all … Continue reading →

In Chapter 1, Dr. Willard says there are three general problem areas that humans have regarding receiving messages from God. I know he comments on them but I want to discuss them also. They deserve extra attention. Problem Area # … Continue reading →

Hearing from God is a serious subject and Dr. Willard knows that. When messages from God are discussed, it is important to consider all aspects of the topic. Let’s look at some scriptures. “Everything that happens in this world happens … Continue reading →

Can human communication ideas apply to the idea of hearing messages from God? Maybe they can. Dr. Dallas Willard’s book title is Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God. Conversation is the basic building block of human beings sharing … Continue reading →