How to grow in your Christian faith
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18, NASB95)
Growing in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is a lifelong process. Growing as a Christian is growing in our faith, growing in holiness, growing in our knowledge of God, and growing in our love for God and for others.
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It is something we must pursue and there are a few essential and basic things that every Christian needs in order to grow spiritually.
1. In order to grow we must read the Bible. God uses His Word to cause us to become spiritually strong Christians.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16, NASB95)
Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. (1 Peter 2:1–2, NASB95)
If you're a new Christian, a great place to start reading is the Gospel of John. It describes how much God loves us and is a summary of much of the teaching of the entire Bible. Read a chapter a day. Before you read, pray and ask God to give you understanding of His Word and to use the portion you will read to cause you to grow in your relationship with Him. You might want to take notes and jot down anything you learn about God, any sins to confess or avoid, and any commands to obey.
2. In order to grow we must pray
Prayer is the great privilege of being able to talk to God and know that He hears us.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NASB95)
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14, NASB95)
Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14:38, NASB95)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude 20, NASB95)
As you pray, remember to praise God for who He is, thank Him for his love for you and your love for Him, for His great salvation through Jesus, confess any sins you are aware of, thank Him for how He has provided for you, and then bring to Him any needs, concerns, or other requests you might have.
3. In order to grow we must regularly gather with other Christians in a local church for fellowship, preaching of the Word, prayer, and worship.
Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, NASB95)
Part of the Christian life involves setting time aside to gather with other Christians to worship God in community. We honor God when we set time aside on Sunday, the Lord's Day, to gather with others to fellowship with them, sing His praise, give attention to His Word as it is preached, and pray. As we gather for worship we are blessed in return as God uses our time together to draw us closer to Himself and cause us to grow in our walk with Him.
1. In order to grow we must read the Bible. God uses His Word to cause us to become spiritually strong Christians.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16, NASB95)
Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. (1 Peter 2:1–2, NASB95)
If you're a new Christian, a great place to start reading is the Gospel of John. It describes how much God loves us and is a summary of much of the teaching of the entire Bible. Read a chapter a day. Before you read, pray and ask God to give you understanding of His Word and to use the portion you will read to cause you to grow in your relationship with Him. You might want to take notes and jot down anything you learn about God, any sins to confess or avoid, and any commands to obey.
2. In order to grow we must pray
Prayer is the great privilege of being able to talk to God and know that He hears us.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NASB95)
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14, NASB95)
Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14:38, NASB95)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude 20, NASB95)
As you pray, remember to praise God for who He is, thank Him for his love for you and your love for Him, for His great salvation through Jesus, confess any sins you are aware of, thank Him for how He has provided for you, and then bring to Him any needs, concerns, or other requests you might have.
3. In order to grow we must regularly gather with other Christians in a local church for fellowship, preaching of the Word, prayer, and worship.
Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, NASB95)
Part of the Christian life involves setting time aside to gather with other Christians to worship God in community. We honor God when we set time aside on Sunday, the Lord's Day, to gather with others to fellowship with them, sing His praise, give attention to His Word as it is preached, and pray. As we gather for worship we are blessed in return as God uses our time together to draw us closer to Himself and cause us to grow in our walk with Him.
These three things: reading the Bible, prayer, and regularly attending church are basic to the Christian life and essential for our spiritual growth. May God bless you and cause you to grow in him as you pursue these things.
If you would like a spiritual mentor; someone to meet with you and help you to grow in your Christian life, just let us know and we will help to connect you with someone.
We also have Bible classes on Sunday mornings. When you arrive, let us know you are visiting. We would like to welcome you and assist you in getting connected in a class.
Finally, our pastors and elders are here to help you. If you have any questions about your relationship with God, need to talk with someone, or would like a spiritual mentor, please call the church office (719-634-3144) and ask to be connected to a pastor or elder. It would be our privilege to serve you.
Directory of churches. Here is a link that will help you find a church that will help you grow in your Christian faith:
If you would like a spiritual mentor; someone to meet with you and help you to grow in your Christian life, just let us know and we will help to connect you with someone.
We also have Bible classes on Sunday mornings. When you arrive, let us know you are visiting. We would like to welcome you and assist you in getting connected in a class.
Finally, our pastors and elders are here to help you. If you have any questions about your relationship with God, need to talk with someone, or would like a spiritual mentor, please call the church office (719-634-3144) and ask to be connected to a pastor or elder. It would be our privilege to serve you.
Directory of churches. Here is a link that will help you find a church that will help you grow in your Christian faith:
If you have questions about your relationship with God, would like to talk with someone, or would like a spiritual mentor, please complete the following form and we will connect you with someone who can help.
