"How Do You Become & Stay Strong?"

I've been asked over the years, "How can I Become Strong in My Christian Faith? What do I need to do if I really want to Grow as a Christian?" We've begun to explore that question in our Confirmation Class. But it's a subject not just for

those being Confirmed, but for every Christian who is serious about making an impact for Christ in their world.

There are 3 Steps I want us to consider as we examine this topic of Spiritual Growth today:

STEP I) Prepare Your Heart: 4 Key Thoughts

A) There is a God, and it is not you! You must realize that your beliefs and ways are NOT the Last Word. God exists

and He will hold you accountable for everything you think and do. Just the fact that we will someday stand in His

Holy Courtroom should bring some serious self-examination!

B) God is Personal. He is not a Force in the Cosmos. Instead, He is interested and involved in every aspect of our

daily lives. He counts the hairs on our heads and watches every sparrow fall. Life matters to Him, and so do we!

C) God is Holy. He hates sin. He will not answer our prayers or bless our lives if we are walking in a sinful lifestyle.

D) God is Patient and Challenging. He is patient with us as we mature, and challenges us not to become satisfied or

complacent. He wants us to keep growing to advance His Kingdom in the World.

II) Choose to Grow: 3 Important Ingredients

A) I Peter 2:2 says we are to "desire the sincere milk of the Word! All of us start as spiritual babies! We must have a

desire to Grow or it will never happen! Get Started!

B) I Corinthians 3:1-3 tells us some people who should have been more spiritually mature are still acting like spiritual

babies! That is not a compliment after you've been walking with the Lord for awhile! Keep Going!

C) Hebrews 5:12-14 explains that we must put into practice the Right Theology (Basic Christian Doctrines, laid out in

Hebrews 6:1-2) in order to become strong. Faulty beliefs don't lead to Spiritual Maturity! Keep Growing!

III) Use Your Tools: Unpack Your Toolkit!

So what are the Tools God has given to us to Build Our Spiritual House? I have come up with 8 Building Blocks that we

need in order to become the strong man or woman of God He desires us to be. Over the next 8 weeks, we will sharpen

the tools of : Prayer; Bible Reading/Study; Worship; Church Attendance; Fellowship; Giving; Serving; Sharing Your Faith.

These are the "Tools of Discipleship" that you must use if you want to become a truly mature Christian! Stay Tuned!