Grow

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

A Spiritual Journey

All who have given their lives to Jesus Christ are on a spiritual journey. Daily we walk with our Lord. We read the Bible in which Jesus tells us and shows us the way to live life that is pleasing to Him. We pray. We worship. Hopefully, we increasingly obey God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s promptings in our lives. When we faithfully do these important things, we grow spiritually in the faith that began in our hearts when we were reborn.

However, we are not all at the same place. Some are new believers. Some are just tasting the ‘milk’ of God’s Word and digesting it. Still others are feasting on the ‘solid food’ of God’s Word and applying it to daily living (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). We share a common faith yet, we are at various locations on the journey. God’s perfect will for us is to grow in the faith.

On this page and from this page, we offer many resources that, we pray, will help you grow. First, we invite you to consider a few suggestions toward that end, followed by links to a substantial repository of resources designed to inform, challenge, and promote spiritual growth. Here are some specific suggestions of things you can do to grow in the faith. We urge you to work on these over the course of time. It may take a while, maybe a lifetime, but these will bear fruit in your spiritual life. Regardless of your level of maturity, please invest a few minutes in the following . . .

Growing in the Faith

Read the Bible Every Day

“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Develop a Meaningful Prayer Life

Prayer is your communication vehicle with God. We are encouraged to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Eliminate Sin and Wrong Behavior

Sin was the habit of our lives before Jesus was invited in. After we are born again of God’s Spirit, sin still rears its ugly head, but it should not have mastery over you. “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Forgive Others and be Forgiven

Jesus taught us this principle in the Lord’s Prayer (parenthetical remarks inserted for emphasis), “Forgive us our debts (sins), as we also have forgiven our debtors (those who sin against us) . . . for if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:12, 14-15).

Be Thankful and Grateful

The world would be a better place if people, especially believers, complained less and extended gratitude more. Paul said to the believers at Thessalonica, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit

Some believers are not aware of this gift from God, just like the new believers in Ephesus, as recorded in the book of Acts, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So, Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. . . when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:2-4, 6-7). For more, read Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Let the Fruit of the Spirit Show In Your Life

“. . . The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control . . . since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 25). These nine Fruit of the Spirit should define who you are and how you are perceived by the world. Nurture them in your spiritual life.

Be Good Stewards of All God Has Given You

Do this with your time, your talents, and your financial resources.

Share Your Story; Be a Witness for Jesus

Once you have experienced the presence of the Lord in your life, you must share it. Jesus called every one of us to be his witnesses all over the world (Acts 1:8). You do not have to be a preacher or evangelist. Just share in your own words what Jesus did for you and how he changed your life.

Have Ongoing Fellowship With Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Fellowship with other believers is essential. You are not stranded alone on a spiritual island. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Help Others

Christians are called to show their love for God by sharing that love with others when needed. This was best illustrated by Jesus in the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

Redeem the Time

Time is a gift from God. It delineates your days on earth and has no end in eternal life in Jesus Christ. You only have so much time on this earth and there are so many people that have not heard the Good News. That is why Paul encouraged believers in the church at Ephesus to redeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-16, KJV). Make the best use of the time you have to bring glory to God.

Be Watchful and Alert

It is probably not a surprise to you that many do not believe in God or the Good News of Jesus Christ. They target Christians in an attempt to weaken their faith. Jesus cautioned, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Ask God for More Faith

Finally, you are encouraged to simply ask God for more faith, especially on days when you do not feel spiritually strong. The epistle writer James said, “You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2).

Continued Growth

Want to keep your faith growing?

If you want more details about growing in your faith. click MORE TO GROW

Also, there are many informative articles available in RESOURCES.

We also invite you to CONTACT us with a testimony, question, or comment. We would love to hear from you. God bless you!