Kingdom Growth – Four Keys to Spiritual Progress – REPOST

uparrowEvery child that enters into the world is expected to grow. When a child does not grow, it is a sign of a developmental problem. Many Christians are suffering from spiritual developmental problems because they stop growing in the faith. We enter into the Kingdom as children, but we are not to remain children. As Christians, we cannot afford to stop growing. We are instructed through the writings of the apostles to grow…

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Every Christian is commanded to grow. There must be spiritual progress. Jesus taught that every branch (person) in Him is expected to produce fruit. This is a sign of growth. Spiritual growth is challenging process, but has eternal rewards. In striving for personal development, the Christian has to overcome faulty self-perception, the opinions of others, and the lies that the enemy may bring to the mind. Therefore, we want to offer four keys that Christians can employ to stimulate personal growth in their lives and in their walk with Christ.

Respect the Lord – If you do not respect the Lord, you will not follow His commands, frustrating your growth. Wisdom precedes growth and wisdom is achieved through the fear of the Lord. If you want to grow, you have to have a respect and reverence for God, His Word, and His Standards. Without these, you will not have the proper perspective and passion for personal growth.

Rely on the Bible – The Bible reveals God’s eternal plans and purposes. As we rely on it as our standard for living, growth is a direct by-product. If you want to grow, it has to be done through applying the principles of scripture to daily living.

Rehearse Your Needs in Prayer – Personal growth will not be achieved without consistency in prayer. In prayer, you can express to Christ your concerns and areas of weakness. In prayer, you can receive strength to overcome obstacles; including self-imposed obstacles. Prayer raises your sensitivity to Christ. Hence, your heart will be open to change which leads to growth. Jesus said that men should always pray and not faint. Do not give up on prayer because you do not see immediate results, for it will have eternal rewards.

Redirect Your Desires – When we hear the word “desires,” we usually think of fleshly lusts. Though it is a part of desire, desires also include wanting things to go a certain way or feeling we are right in our opinions. If your desires are not redirected, you will not be open to correction and discipline. Every Christian has to be disciplined in their lifestyle and manner. In doing so, you will overcome the desire to please yourself. In turn, your desires will be redirected towards pleasing God. This will definitely lead to growth.

Personal growth does require persistence. However, it can be a consistent element in your life because we can do all things through Jesus. God wants the Christian to mature in Him. So, if you want to grow, you will receive strength and support. He will help you. Understand you have no excuse: be determined – Don’t Stop Growing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful. If you would like more inspirational materials, this and more is included in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book II),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

Examining Your Discipleship: The “Enoch” Litmus Test

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Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I good disciple of Christ?” We must all examine how we are progressing in our discipleship. We have all heard the expression, “You have to walk the walk and talk the talk.” The challenge upon Christians today is to make sure they walk in accordance with their faith. The Bible is filled with examples of those who pleased God. The writer of Hebrews says that Enoch’s testimony was that he pleased God. If the Christian follows his example, he can live a life that is pleasing to God. Though Enoch’s record is limited, we know that he had to do at least three things to have a testimony of bringing God pleasure. Every Christian should test their walk with Christ by Enoch’s example.

1. The Christian has to walk by faith like Enoch. If we are to walk the walk, we must live by faith.

Every Christian should have an unmovable faith in God and Christ. Without an unwavering faith in God, we will not be able to please Him. But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

2. The Christian has to walk with God like Enoch. Enoch’s record stated that he walked with the Lord. One cannot walk with God except there is relationship. In addition, one’s walk with God has to be characterized by holiness. The Christian’s life has to be one of holiness.

Without holiness, the Christian will not see the full manifestation of God in this life, or be a partaker of the life that is to come. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

3. The Christian has to walk in obedience like Enoch. The Old Testament passages give us no extensive record of Enoch’s ministry. Yet, in order for him to receive and report a prophecy as recorded in Jude’s epistle, we know that he had to be faithful to God in service.

The Christian has to walk the walk and talk the talk in order to fulfill his task, ministry, and function in obedience to the will of God. Enoch’s obedience to God was rewarded and so will ours. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. (John 12:49)

It is our hope that every Christian follows Enoch’s legacy and example. May our testimony be the same as his – We Pleased the Lord!

Well, there you have it! Until next time, continue to be steadfast and unmoveable in your walk with the Lord.

Morality According to Christ: The Truth About Holiness

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Well, the verdict is in! God is still holy and expects those that draw nigh unto Him by faith in Christ to be holy. I know, I know: individuals throughout the ages have placed different stances on the holiness and what it means to be holy. However, one thing is established, God is holy. Holiness can be defined as morality according to Christ. Both Testaments affirm that God is Holy. Also, both Testaments agree that there is a requirement on those who serve Him to be holy; that is, demonstrated His definition of morality as revealed in the scriptures. In this post, we want to briefly examine three reasons for holiness in the Christian life.  Let’s get to it.

1) God EXPECTS those that come to Him to be holy. Jesus Christ freed men from the law, but not from living morally upright before God. As Peter wrote to the believers, he reminded them of God’s command to His people.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)

Remember, God sets the parameters of holiness. It is not defined by what we are comfortable with or what we agree with. He identifies Himself as holy. This clearly demonstrates that our actions should reflect who He is.

2) One has to be holy to ESCAPE the coming judgment. Understand, faith in Christ is what saves men from their sin. However, after coming to Him, we still must live a life theat clearly reflects the faith and our relationship with Him.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…? 2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

3) The Christian who is holy serves as an EXAMPLE of the faith. The Christian’s lifestyle of holiness is a visible manifestation of the work of Christ. Paul reveals this in his exhortation to Timothy,

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.1 Tim 4:12 (KJV)

Christ died for man’s forgiveness and freedom from sins. When others see a changed life, they come face-to-face with the power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Well there you have it! Holiness is not a religion or belief system, it is the defining quality of God that is to be reflected in His people. Until next time, continue in Him whose eyes are upon those who wait for Him.

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