Discipleship
Growing in Christ
07/21/10 03:39 PM
By Steve Manning
The Holy Spirit is calling the people of God to maturity in Christ.
The New Testament tells us our inheritance in 3 words:
Look again at His shed blood. See the intense work of the Cross. The sacrifice of Christ was not given for a shallow salvation! The Cross surely beckons us on to maturity of faith. You can see the fruits of maturity in a person’s life when they reflect the spiritual REST of faith. Hebrews 4:1,3A says, “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Now we who have believed enter that rest just as God said,” Maturity is reflected in a life established in truth and grounded in Scripture. It is seen in one that is walking in a progressive revelation of Jesus Christ, with faith and vision are at work. In short, “It’s loving God & loving people for a lifetime”. The Scripture teaches us to press on to maturity. (Hebrews 4:9-12) Our faith that began at salvation cries out for completion in Christ. “…He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Col 4:12
I’ve gathered some New Testament terms that show where our relationship with Jesus is headed. If you are away from Christ, if you feel lukewarm or cold, just remind yourself – “Wasn’t what Christ did at the Cross enough for you!” Please don’t stay in the wilderness & don’t go back to Egypt. The work of the cross was so much more than just Heaven. “Let us go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1)
The Holy Spirit is calling the people of God to maturity in Christ.
The New Testament tells us our inheritance in 3 words:
- “Likeness” – we are being made into the image of Christ by His New Nature in us!
• “Wholeness” – redeemed & restored in spirit, in soul & in body by a work of grace.
• “Fullness” – to live a victorious, fruitful, and fulfilled life in Jesus.
Look again at His shed blood. See the intense work of the Cross. The sacrifice of Christ was not given for a shallow salvation! The Cross surely beckons us on to maturity of faith. You can see the fruits of maturity in a person’s life when they reflect the spiritual REST of faith. Hebrews 4:1,3A says, “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Now we who have believed enter that rest just as God said,” Maturity is reflected in a life established in truth and grounded in Scripture. It is seen in one that is walking in a progressive revelation of Jesus Christ, with faith and vision are at work. In short, “It’s loving God & loving people for a lifetime”. The Scripture teaches us to press on to maturity. (Hebrews 4:9-12) Our faith that began at salvation cries out for completion in Christ. “…He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Col 4:12
I’ve gathered some New Testament terms that show where our relationship with Jesus is headed. If you are away from Christ, if you feel lukewarm or cold, just remind yourself – “Wasn’t what Christ did at the Cross enough for you!” Please don’t stay in the wilderness & don’t go back to Egypt. The work of the cross was so much more than just Heaven. “Let us go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1)
God Teaching Through Brokenness by Steve Manning
03/07/07 05:03 AM
This message was taught to a group of Bible school students. Listen and be challenged to allow the brokenness of God do a work in your life.
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Releasing the Life of God by Steve Manning
03/07/07 05:01 AM
This message was preached at a revival conference in Litchfield, Illinois. Listen as Steve teaches how to release the Life of God through your own life.
Download Podcast
Download Podcast