You can take personal responsibility for your own spiritual development.
Eventually, babies grow up to become adults. All things being equal, it’s really just a matter of time. They grow taller, stronger, and smarter as a natural progression. Unfortunately, spiritual growth is not quite as automatic. It's possible to remain “a babe in Christ,” even though enough time has passed to become a mature believer. This poses a serious problem in churches, because too often, the goal is more believers, at the expense of developing better believers. Nevertheless, we can take personal responsibility for our own spiritual development - if we just learn to look for the signs.
Trying to Grow
August 7, 2022 • Courtney Harkness
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Signs of Growth
From Process to Promise
October 2, 2022 • Maceo Lewis
Do you trust God through the process? The conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul lasted for many years; During that time, it may have seemed as if God’s plan for a young shepherd boy to become king would never come to fruition. For David, trusting God turned out to be an uphill journey. Sometimes, the greatest challenge of faith is not about believing God for a promise, but about trusting Him through the process. The Lord’s outcome rarely comes as quickly or as smoothly as we expect. Nevertheless, our spiritual growth is ultimately determined by our willingness to accept God’s will, on His terms.
From Religion to Relationship
September 25, 2022 • Courtney Harkness
The Church certainly has her flaws. And, unfortunately, the evidence of that is seen in the lives of far too many. Sometimes, the pursuit of truth can drift into a default on love - and we begin to make others feel attacked, rather than loved. David’s tension with King Saul presents a perfect illustration of this dynamic, showing how empty religion can negatively affect the very people that God loves. As such, many people have experienced hurt or rejection from the Church, as if their struggle is too much for our Savior to handle. But scripture reminds us of God’s sovereign plan of redemption and the importance of extending His grace to all.
From Revenge to Forgiveness
September 18, 2022 • Courtney Harkness
It's one of the most revealing tests of human character: What do you do when you're given the opportunity to take revenge on someone who has wronged you? David was faced with such a moment, as King Saul continued to threaten his life. His response offers insight for all, particularly those who commit themselves to the way of the Lord. Seeking revenge only reveals our own lack of character, rather than simply rewarding others for theirs.