RESTORE

This chapter from the BFG Handbook (Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching) presents the gospel with a new "Expression" of God’s Love to restore the Truth.

Chapter 21: Temple of the Spirit

 

The Spirit of great virtue
Follows the Word according to God alone a

The Word that became flesh b
Seems indefinable, seems unfathomable 

So unfathomable, so indefinable 
And yet within it there is form 

So indefinable, so unfathomable 
And yet within it there is substance 

So deep, so profound 
And yet within it there is Spirit a 

The Spirit of God is supremely real 
And yet within it there is faith 

From the beginning to the present c
The Spirit has always been present 
In order to proclaim the source of all things 

How do I know the true nature of the source? d
By what lives within me

 

a John 14:26; Ephesians 3:14-18; Galatians 4:6; b John 1:1-18; Judith 16:2; c Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; d Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:19.



RENEWAL

The Trinitarian Method (M.A.P.) is the framework for Renewal, where God’s Love shapes our MINDSET, Trust in the Son directs our AIM, and Faith in the Holy Spirit guides our PRACTICE.

Mindset:

1. Follow the Word According to God Alone

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of great virtue follows the Word according to God alone.”
  • Mindset: Align yourself with God’s will.
  • Explanation: The mindset here is to submit fully to God’s Word, seeking divine guidance above all else. It requires humility and trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that His will leads to the most virtuous and fulfilling life. Rather than following personal desires or worldly wisdom, the Christian is called to follow the teachings and truth found in Scripture.
  • Real-World Application: In everyday life, this mindset translates into making decisions that align with biblical principles—whether in relationships, career choices, or moral dilemmas. For instance, when facing a difficult choice, ask yourself, “What does God’s Word say about this situation?” and act accordingly.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

2. Embrace the Mystery of God’s Nature

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Word that became flesh seems indefinable, seems unfathomable.”
  • Mindset: Accept that God’s ways are mysterious and beyond human comprehension.
  • Explanation: Acknowledging the mystery of God’s nature requires humility. We may not understand every aspect of His divine plan, but we are called to trust in His goodness and wisdom. This mindset encourages us to embrace faith even when we cannot fully comprehend God’s actions or plans.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of doubt or when life doesn’t make sense, practice surrender. Instead of demanding understanding or control, trust that God knows what’s best. For example, if faced with a difficult circumstance, instead of asking “Why?” ask “How can I trust You more through this, Lord?”
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

3. Trust That God’s Presence is Real, Even When Invisible

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of God is supremely real, and yet within it there is faith.”
  • Mindset: Cultivate a deep faith in God’s invisible presence.
  • Explanation: Although we may not always feel or see God’s Spirit at work, we must have a mindset of trust in the reality of God’s presence. This mindset fosters a relationship with the Holy Spirit, even in times when we don’t sense His immediate guidance or comfort.
  • Real-World Application: In situations where you feel alone or uncertain, consciously remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is always with you, guiding, comforting, and empowering you. For instance, in moments of stress or loneliness, take a deep breath and say, “I trust that God is with me right now, even if I can’t see or feel it.”
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

4. Know That Faith Leads to Understanding

  • Line from the Chapter: “From the beginning to the present, the Spirit has always been present in order to proclaim the source of all things.”
  • Mindset: Embrace faith as the key to deeper understanding.
  • Explanation: This mindset involves believing that faith in God and His Spirit allows us to grasp the truth of His Word, even when it’s not immediately clear. The Spirit illuminates understanding and reveals the deep truths of God’s purpose.
  • Real-World Application: When facing uncertainty, rather than relying solely on intellect or logic, choose to first lean into faith. Trust that the Holy Spirit will reveal wisdom and understanding in His time. For example, if you’re faced with a challenging life decision, pray for insight and wisdom, trusting that the Spirit will lead you to the right answer.
  • Scripture Reference: John 14:26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

5. Recognize the Deep Truths Within You

  • Line from the Chapter: “How do I know the true nature of the source? By what lives within me.”
  • Mindset: Be aware of the Holy Spirit’s work within you.
  • Explanation: This mindset encourages us to listen to the Spirit within us, as the Spirit reveals God’s true nature and will. We are called to be attuned to the inner workings of God’s Spirit, which empowers and guides us in our journey of faith.
  • Real-World Application: Spend time in prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal His will for you. When making decisions or navigating life, pause and listen for God’s still small voice. You might feel prompted to act in a certain way or have a sense of peace that confirms God’s guidance.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:16: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

6. Trust in God’s Eternal Plan

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit has always been present in order to proclaim the source of all things.”
  • Mindset: Acknowledge that God’s plan spans eternity.
  • Explanation: This mindset involves understanding that God’s plan is eternal and that He has been at work from the beginning of time. We must trust that everything in life fits into His grand design, even when we cannot see the big picture.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of frustration or when life doesn’t seem to make sense, remind yourself that God’s plan is larger than our immediate circumstances. Trust that He is at work behind the scenes, and that your faithfulness will contribute to His greater purposes.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:11: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”

The mindset we need to adopt in today’s world, according to the principles in this chapter, is one of deep faith and trust in God. We are to align ourselves with His Word, embrace the mystery of His nature, and believe in the reality of His presence, even when invisible. We must recognize that faith leads to understanding and that God’s plan is eternal. As we trust the Spirit within us and seek God’s guidance, we will be led into deeper wisdom and a clearer understanding of our purpose in Him.

AIM:

1. Aim to Follow God’s Word Alone

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of great virtue follows the Word according to God alone.”
  • Aim: Seek to live in complete alignment with God’s Word.
  • Explanation: The Christian’s aim should be to allow God’s Word to be the guiding force in every aspect of their life. This requires surrendering personal desires and aligning with divine truth. By doing so, we ensure that our actions reflect God’s will rather than human wisdom.
  • Real-World Application: In a world filled with competing voices, make a conscious effort to prioritize Scripture when making decisions. Whether in business, relationships, or ethical dilemmas, aim to ask, “What does God say about this?” before moving forward.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

2. Aim to Embrace the Mystery of God’s Nature

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Word that became flesh seems indefinable, seems unfathomable.”
  • Aim: Be comfortable with the mystery of God’s ways and trust in His plan, even when it’s beyond human understanding.
  • Explanation: The goal here is not to seek to understand everything about God, but to trust in His infinite wisdom and goodness, even when His ways are mysterious. This approach fosters humility and a deeper relationship with God.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of confusion or when life doesn’t make sense, rather than demanding answers, aim to rest in God’s sovereignty and acknowledge that His ways are higher than ours. Trust in His ability to work all things for good, even when the purpose is unclear.
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

3. Aim to Trust in God’s Invisible Presence

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of God is supremely real, and yet within it there is faith.”
  • Aim: Live with the conviction that God is always present, even if His presence isn’t visible.
  • Explanation: This principle teaches us to trust in the reality of God’s presence even when we can’t see or feel it. The aim here is to cultivate a mindset that believes God is near at all times, offering guidance, comfort, and empowerment.
  • Real-World Application: During times of loneliness, anxiety, or when facing challenges, aim to recognize that the Holy Spirit is with you, even if He isn’t visibly manifesting. Practice moments of quiet reflection, and trust that God is still working on your behalf.
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

4. Aim to Seek Understanding Through Faith

  • Line from the Chapter: “From the beginning to the present, the Spirit has always been present in order to proclaim the source of all things.”
  • Aim: Seek wisdom and understanding through faith in God and His Spirit.
  • Explanation: This principle emphasizes that true understanding comes from faith. The aim is to trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us to deeper wisdom and revelation. Instead of relying solely on intellect, we rely on God to open our hearts and minds.
  • Real-World Application: In situations where logical solutions seem insufficient, aim to ask God for wisdom through prayer. Trust that, even if you don’t have all the answers, He will reveal what is necessary for you to move forward.
  • Scripture Reference: James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

5. Aim to Live from the Spirit Within You

  • Line from the Chapter: “How do I know the true nature of the source? By what lives within me.”
  • Aim: Listen to and be guided by the Holy Spirit dwelling within you.
  • Explanation: The goal here is to live with a deep awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life, allowing Him to direct your thoughts, actions, and decisions. This principle encourages tuning into the inner voice of God to navigate the complexities of life.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of indecision or temptation, aim to pause and listen to the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit. This might involve sensing a prompting to act with kindness, to pause and reflect, or to seek clarity before making a decision.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:16: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

6. Aim to Trust in God’s Eternal Plan

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit has always been present in order to proclaim the source of all things.”
  • Aim: Trust in God’s eternal purposes and plan for your life.
  • Explanation: This aim is about recognizing that God’s plan is not limited to our lifetimes, but spans eternity. We are called to trust that God is at work in ways that we may not yet see, and that His plan for our lives is part of a larger, divine purpose.
  • Real-World Application: When life seems uncertain or filled with difficulty, remind yourself that God’s plan encompasses all things. Aim to live with patience, trusting that God is working even in situations that seem unfavorable or out of control.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:11: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”

The principles from this chapter encourage us to aim for a life lived in harmony with God’s Word, trusting in the mysteries of His nature, and fully embracing the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We are to seek understanding through faith, live according to the Spirit within us, and rest in the certainty that God’s eternal plan is at work in our lives. These aims direct our focus toward a life of deeper trust, humility, and alignment with God’s divine will.

Practice:

1. Practice Following God’s Word Alone

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of great virtue follows the Word according to God alone.”
  • Practice: Prioritize the Word of God above all else in your daily life.
  • Explanation: To fulfill your purpose according to God, practice aligning your actions, decisions, and thoughts with the Word of God. This requires daily engagement with Scripture, meditation, and application of God’s truths to every area of your life.
  • Real-World Application: In your personal and professional life, practice seeking God’s guidance first when making decisions, whether it’s in relationships, work, or financial matters. Let God’s Word be the final authority on how you live.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

2. Practice Embracing the Mystery of God

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Word that became flesh seems indefinable, seems unfathomable.”
  • Practice: Embrace the mystery and sovereignty of God, recognizing that not everything can be understood or explained.
  • Explanation: Part of fulfilling your purpose is accepting that God’s ways and nature are often beyond human understanding. Practice humility and trust in God’s wisdom, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment.
  • Real-World Application: When you face situations that seem unclear or difficult, practice trusting God’s unseen work. Resist the urge to control everything and instead rest in the assurance that God knows what’s best.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

3. Practice Trusting in God’s Presence

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of God is supremely real, and yet within it there is faith.”
  • Practice: Develop a conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life.
  • Explanation: Trusting in God’s invisible presence and His active work in your life is essential. Practice seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your everyday choices and remain attuned to His whispers and promptings.
  • Real-World Application: When facing temptations or challenges, practice pausing and inviting the Holy Spirit to help guide your responses. Trust that God is present with you, even when you don’t see or feel Him.
  • Scripture Reference: John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

4. Practice Seeking Wisdom Through Faith

  • Line from the Chapter: “From the beginning to the present, the Spirit has always been present in order to proclaim the source of all things.”
  • Practice: Seek understanding and wisdom through faith in God’s Spirit, not just through intellect.
  • Explanation: As you walk in God’s Way, practice seeking wisdom through prayer and faith. Understand that the Holy Spirit provides deeper insight and clarity that may not come through logic alone.
  • Real-World Application: When confronted with difficult decisions, practice pausing to pray and ask God for wisdom. Allow the Spirit to guide you beyond what is immediately logical or apparent.
  • Scripture Reference: James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

5. Practice Living from the Spirit Within

  • Line from the Chapter: “How do I know the true nature of the source? By what lives within me.”
  • Practice: Live in constant awareness of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and allow Him to guide your life.
  • Explanation: Fulfill your purpose by listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, trusting that He is living within you and guiding your actions, thoughts, and choices.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of uncertainty, practice listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit inside you. Trust that He will lead you even when the way forward isn’t clear.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:11: “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

6. Practice Trusting in God’s Eternal Plan

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit has always been present in order to proclaim the source of all things.”
  • Practice: Live with the understanding that God’s eternal plan is working in and through you, even if you can’t see the full picture.
  • Explanation: Fulfilling your purpose requires trusting that your life is part of a greater plan that God has already established. Practice patience and trust in God’s timing, knowing that His plan unfolds beyond what we can immediately perceive.
  • Real-World Application: In moments of doubt, when you don’t see immediate results or answers, practice resting in the knowledge that God’s timing and plan are perfect. Trust that everything is working together for good.
  • Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

By practicing these principles—aligning with God’s Word, embracing the mystery of His ways, trusting in His presence, seeking wisdom through faith, living by the Spirit within, and trusting in God’s eternal plan—you fulfill your divine purpose and align with God’s Way in modern times. These practices will help you stay rooted in God’s guidance and navigate the complexities of life with confidence and trust.



RESPOND

Spiritual renewal empowers us to respond to the call of holiness and share the Joy of the Gospel confidently. In this unity of transformation, we reflect God’s presence, illuminating His light to make disciples of all nations."

1. The Spirit Follows the Word According to God Alone

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of great virtue follows the Word according to God alone.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: The Holy Spirit guides us in following the Word of God, as seen in John 14:26 where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of His teachings.
    • Islam: The Quran, as the Word of Allah, guides believers, and the Spirit (Ruh) empowers them to follow it, as seen in Quran 2:87.
    • Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of following the divine teachings of Krishna, with the guidance of the inner spirit or Atman.
    • Buddhism: The Dharma (teachings) guide practitioners, and the wisdom of the Buddha leads to liberation, with an inner understanding (spirit) guiding the way.

  • How This Unites Us:
    This principle speaks to the universal truth that all major religions recognize the importance of aligning with a divine Word or guidance that shapes the spirit within. While the names and forms differ, the concept of following a higher truth, empowered by a guiding spirit, is consistent across religious traditions.

  • Real-World Application:
    In every decision and challenge, we should seek guidance from divine teachings or scriptures, relying on the Holy Spirit, Ruh, or inner wisdom to lead us on the right path. Trusting this divine guidance helps us make choices aligned with God’s will.

  • Scripture Reference: John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

2. Embrace the Mystery and Sovereignty of God

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Word that became flesh seems indefinable, seems unfathomable.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: The nature of Christ is both divine and human, beyond full comprehension, as explained in John 1:14.
    • Islam: Allah’s essence is beyond full understanding, as stated in Quran 112:4 (“There is nothing like unto Him”).
    • Hinduism: The divine is both immanent and transcendent, a mystery that can never be fully understood, as seen in the concept of Brahman.
    • Buddhism: The ultimate reality, Nirvana, transcends human understanding, as seen in the teachings of the Buddha that focus on experiencing rather than defining ultimate truth.

  • How This Unites Us:
    All religions acknowledge that the divine is greater than human comprehension. Whether it is God in Christianity, Allah in Islam, Brahman in Hinduism, or the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism, each tradition recognizes a higher, unfathomable reality.

  • Real-World Application:
    Practice humility in the face of mystery. Accept that not everything can be understood or controlled. Trust in God’s ultimate wisdom even when we don’t have all the answers.

  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

3. Recognizing the Presence of the Divine Spirit

  • Line from the Chapter: “The Spirit of God is supremely real, and yet within it there is faith.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: The Holy Spirit is a real, indwelling presence, empowering believers to live out their faith, as seen in Romans 8:11.
    • Islam: The spirit (Ruh) of Allah is a profound and real force that guides believers toward righteousness, as stated in Quran 42:52.
    • Hinduism: The Atman, or soul, is a real, divine presence within all beings, guiding individuals to liberation through spiritual practice.
    • Buddhism: The mind’s true nature is inherently pure, and spiritual enlightenment is accessing this innate goodness, an internal spiritual presence.

  • How This Unites Us:
    This principle reflects a common spiritual truth across religions: the divine presence is real and active within individuals. It is not just a concept but an experience or force that leads, guides, and transforms.

  • Real-World Application:
    Develop a practice of tuning into the divine presence in your life through prayer, meditation, or contemplation. Acknowledge the Spirit within you as the guiding force in your thoughts, words, and actions.

  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

4. Live with Humility and Simplicity

  • Line from the Chapter: “I alone am a fool for God. Ordinary people display intelligence, I alone appear muddled.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Jesus teaches humility and warns against pride, saying “Blessed are the poor in spirit” in Matthew 5:3.
    • Islam: Humility is central to Islam, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad’s own life and teachings in Quran 2:177.
    • Hinduism: The Gita teaches the value of humility before God, as Krishna advises Arjuna to act with detachment from ego and pride.
    • Buddhism: The Buddha emphasized the importance of humility and the cultivation of “right view” which leads to true wisdom, not self-aggrandizement.

  • How This Unites Us:
    Across traditions, humility is seen as a core virtue, with the understanding that self-importance and pride separate us from the divine. Each religion teaches that true wisdom and virtue come from living humbly before God.

  • Real-World Application:
    Practice humility by recognizing that all wisdom, success, and gifts come from God. Avoid seeking to elevate yourself above others. Instead, live in service to others and God, embracing simplicity and modesty.

  • Scripture Reference: James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

5. Live with the Understanding That God’s Ways Are Different

  • Line from the Chapter: “I alone am different from the world and favor nourishment from God above.”

  • Parallel Religious Teachings:

    • Christianity: Jesus tells His followers to be in the world but not of the world, emphasizing a different kind of life that is centered on God’s will (John 17:14-16).
    • Islam: Believers are instructed to follow the way of Allah, even when it conflicts with worldly desires, as seen in Quran 33:36.
    • Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita teaches detachment from the world’s fleeting pleasures and the pursuit of spiritual nourishment, guided by divine wisdom.
    • Buddhism: Buddhists seek enlightenment by transcending worldly attachments and desires, cultivating a deeper connection to spiritual truths.

  • How This Unites Us:
    Every major religion teaches that following God’s Way often leads to a life that is counter to worldly values and expectations. Living for God means prioritizing His will over temporal desires, which unites us across cultures and faiths.

  • Real-World Application:
    Live in such a way that your life reflects your ultimate allegiance to God, not the passing trends or pressures of society. Pursue spiritual nourishment through prayer, worship, and service rather than worldly distractions.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

These principles from the Christian version of the Tao Te Ching show how universal truths are shared across major religions, revealing a deep unity in the way all faiths point towards a higher, transcendent reality and the importance of humility, spiritual devotion, and the divine presence in daily life. By understanding these parallels, we see that all major religions encourage seeking the truth beyond the material world and living according to God’s higher guidance.

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