Faith Journey 2.1
Notes
Transcript
New year, new start
How does this year measure up? Have you changed?
How do you know you’re growing? What about spiritually?
Growth in our faith requires us making decisions of faith. Many faithful decisions throughout our lives.
[decide to follow Jesus, faithfully or not. Our choice]
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Faith is like a journey. We need tools fit for a journey. Compass and map. [show map]
Updated map content
Not destinations, but markers and reference points.
Trying it out
I am learning more about God, Jesus, and the Bible. Although, I wouldn’t say I’m a “Christian” yet.
“I have decided to consider what you have to say.”
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
New Christian
I recently got baptized and became a Christian! Woohoo! I’m a spiritual newborn.
“I have decided to commit to following Jesus.”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Young Faith
I’m training myself to listen to the Holy Spirit and God’s word as I face temptations and obstacles.
“I have decided to challenge the priorities in my life.”
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Disciplined
I practice daily spiritual habits because I’m committed to growing in my faith.
“I have decided to change my daily habits.”
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Mentor
I’m a mature Christian. As I continue to grow, I am using my spiritual gifts to help others grow and mature in their faith.
“I have decided to care for others on their journey.”
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Reunited with Christ
I’m now in heaven. The holy spirit has finished his work forming me into the perfect image of Christ.
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
[show whole map]
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
You need to decide how YOU will grow this year. IF you fail to decide, you will fail to grow.