Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is not an “if I want to” choice, it is a command. Peter tells us in I Peter 2:1&2 the things that will stop your spiritual growth are malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking. He tells us to lay all this aside and then tells us “as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye many grow…” Ephesians 4:11&12 tells us God placed the five fold ministry in the church for, among other things, the perfecting of the saints.

There are so few mature Christians in the Church of today. That is why the multitudes are following every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14) described as cunning craftiness by false ministers that deliberately set out to deceive the unlearned and unwary. Do you really want to be an infant Christian that can be led astray so easily?

Hosea 4:6 tells us God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Just a simple little statement tucked away in one of the shorter books in the Old Testament, but what a statement. It sums up the problem with God’s people today. The first scripture in Hosea, chapter 4, gives us the reason that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Let’s read it.

”Hear the word of the Lord ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.”

I know this warning is for Israel, but would God not have reason to give us the same warning today? I believe it is time to live for God or for the devil. My Bible says in Matt. 6:24,

”No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

And in I Cor. 10:21, we find another warning against trying to serve two masters.

”Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”

No one can accomplish spiritual growth if they are listening to the heresy heard on radio, television, and from most pulpits today. My advice if you want to be a mature Christian is to get alone with God, and ask Him to reveal truth to you as you study His Word. But you must ask from a sincere heart. Find someone that is a mature Christian and enlist their help. I don’t want to be deceived, how about you? I want to please God, how about you? I want to make heaven my final home, how about you?

Multitudes are running to and fro, and following every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14) and they have no trouble finding the false gospel that will please their flesh. All they have to do is turn on their television.

I believe we are living in the time of sorrows (Matt. 24:4-8). Jesus’ disciples asked Him what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the world. First He told them to make sure no one deceived them. He said many would come preaching in His name and deceive the multitudes. He also said that the weather, climate or forces of nature would be violent. Are we not seeing that today? Tornados, earthquakes, flooding, extreme snow and cold are becoming more frequent. But, He said, these are only the beginning of sorrows.

He went on to say that many false prophets would rise and deceive many, that iniquity would flood the world and because of that, many that say they love the Lord will turn cold (Matt. 24:11-13). I believe these things are happening. I am writing this message to warn people to beware of those who they depend on to be their spiritual leaders. Spiritual growth is the only way to discern false prophet and teachers from the genuine.

God’s Word tells us in the last days knowledge will increase (Dan. 12:4). In this age of space travel and heart transplants, we certainly have no lack of knowledge. Even occult knowledge has increased. It would seem the only lack is spiritual growth.

Churches today are presenting rock music, programmed dancing, ventriloquism and magic to their congregations and most so-called Christians think it is okay. And worse is the holy laughter, Christians barking like dogs and being led around with a leash around their necks, crawling on the floor. In some of these meeting I understand that Christians crow like chickens and howl like wolves and actually believe it is blessings from the Holy Spirit. These things are being allowed in the Church of today and are being called Christian ministries. Is there not one person with enough spiritual growth to discern that these things are not of God?

God says, ”My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Because of lack of knowledge, Christians have craved the devil inspired gospel that satisfies the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. II Tim. 3:1-8 tells us how people will be in the last days and these Scriptures are talking about Believers that have forsaken their faith in God for a more flesh pleasing message. They merely have a form of religion and deny the power of God.

I believe time, as we know it, is short and I beseech you to speak to God about this thing called spiritual growth. I also believe all of us could have more knowledge of God’s Word and a better discernment about what is happening in our world. None of us want to miss heaven.

Proverbs 14:12 tells us there is a way which seems right to man, but the end of that way is death. A person may persuade him/her self that evil dealings, false religion, selfish ways and a perverted gospel is okay, but if it is not God’s way, it will end in death and hell.

My prayer is that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).

For further Spiritual Growth, check out the following links.

Practical Discipleship Following the Lord Jesus Christ should be more action than talk. In all labor there is profit. Here you will find practical discipleship tips and much more!

Basic Bible Knowledge Take a look into the Bible of a pastor. From basic Bible knowledge to finding an encouraging verse and even answering the hard questions, it will all enhance your walk with God.

Spiritual growth begins when you surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, and accept his loving forgiveness for all the wrongs you have done.

Christianity Connection is a website for the "Average Joe". Providing all of the information you "need to know" to live a life for God. Touching on such topics as the beginning days of Christianity, you will be able explore the Bible, both Old and New Testament.

Blueprint for Victorious Christian Living is meant for the person who truly desires a deeper walk with God. The Bible gives specific instructions about how we are to live as Christians. A blueprint is a plan for building something. There are no extras or fluff, just exact details that the builder must follow in order to complete the building. The Bible gives an exact blueprint for living victoriously. You must make the choice to follow its directions.

Inspirational Bible Verses Does your spirit need to be uplifted and inspired? Here you will find an excellent selection of encouraging scriptures and declarations, that will both uplift your spirit and challenge you to begin declaring the power of God’s word in your life!