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 the Lord 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. Read a chapter a day. Before you read, pray and ask God to give you understanding of His Word and t use the portion you will read to cause you to grow in your faith. You might want to take a few brief 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 and what He has done for you, confess any sins you are aware of, thank God for how He has provided for you, and then bring any needs, concerns, or other requests you might have.
3. In order to grow we must regularly gather with with other Christians in a local church for fellowship, preaching of the Word, 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 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. Read a chapter a day. Before you read, pray and ask God to give you understanding of His Word and t use the portion you will read to cause you to grow in your faith. You might want to take a few brief 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 and what He has done for you, confess any sins you are aware of, thank God for how He has provided for you, and then bring any needs, concerns, or other requests you might have.
3. In order to grow we must regularly gather with with other Christians in a local church for fellowship, preaching of the Word, 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 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 regularlly 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 that meet during both services. Check the class schedule on the window across the room from the information center, or ask at the information center. We would be happy to help get you connected in a class.
Finally, our pastors and elders are here to help you. If you have any questions about Christianity, need to talk with someone, or would like help in some way, please call the church office and ask to be connected to a pastor or elder. It would be our privilege to serve you.
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 that meet during both services. Check the class schedule on the window across the room from the information center, or ask at the information center. We would be happy to help get you connected in a class.
Finally, our pastors and elders are here to help you. If you have any questions about Christianity, need to talk with someone, or would like help in some way, please call the church office and ask to be connected to a pastor or elder. It would be our privilege to serve you.
