Grow Deep

Problem: Shallow Faith!

Most people’s Faith rests on what people tell them to believe.

A few key popular Xian topics … Lmtd. understanding for why that’s true or how Bible backs it up.

“The Bible says it, I believe it. That’s that…”

OR, use Bible to inspire (not wholly bad), but miss out on the bedrock truth that will persevere in hard times.

“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets.” WYSIWYG.

Good news: Gospel is easy to grasp! But I belive wants a ppl who will go deeper.

How many believe that, as The Day grows nearer, we need to present ourselves as approved workers. Fulfilling God’s task on this earth??

Hebrews 5:11 “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.”

You've got to want it! Most people don’t care.

The greatest killer of faith isn’t doubt… it’s apathy!

Need to Up the ante!

My hope/desire as teacher — Make you curious!

Not to just make things plain, but to get you to wonder about what comes next?

Give you tools to use in your own study.

Pastorally help you through the weeds!

Ultimately walk it out away from this place…

Grow Deep!

Grow Deep with Others

REASON behind small groups

Ephesians 2:19-22 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

We can only grow into the temple (hotspot of G’s presence) if we are built TOGETHER.

Partnering w. X as we Live out HIS life together… in Koinonia! (common life)

Grow Deep with God

NOTE: Not procedural (steps)... start somewhere!

Talk.

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

When you feel anxious about ANYthing… take it to God.

Wed night: “Soon as I feel stressed about something, add it to prayer list!”

WITH THANXGIV… Even in the mess, have a <3 of grat. & say thanks. Thank him before it happens.

“your request” = Be. Specific.

Prayer Helps by:

Theraputic to you… get it off chest.

Focuses eyes on God’s goodness, not situation. {Esp. ‘thanks’)

Actually receive peace, direction, a solution!

Listen.

John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Jesus still speaks. Spirit still guides...

May we take time to ask God to speak… and then wait for him. (Xian worldview, filter/lens)

Prayers aren’t always answered by *poofing*; sometimes, work needs to be done… or He needs YOU to do it!

Ways G. speaks… Dreams/visions/angels; Godly Counsel {Other ppl confirm); Music/art; Supern’l peace; Circum.; nature

Cautions… Against WORD (doesn’t glorify/serve); contradict counsel; against godly wisdom;

How do we hear from God? Practice, practice, practice. Spend time doing it.

Study.

Hebrews 6:1 [I can’t teach you about deep things...] “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity...”

How??…

1. Read Bible! 2. Study Bible! 3. Pastor/teacher/Sm. Group Leader! 4. Study Resources:

Ask NT Wright anything, The Bible Project, Naked Bible, Youvegotquestions

Logos Bible Software (online), “Biblestudytools”, Blue Letter Bible

Re-Dedicate Yourself

2 Timothy 2:20-21 “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

Do it! >> Talk (pray). Listen (to HS). Study (Bible).

Make time. Prioritize. Put God first.

"To live like no one else, you have to live like no one else!" - Dave Ramsey

Get up early and pray! (crazy).

Go for a walk in nature and listen for his voice. (ridiculous!)

Join a Small Group (ppl I might not know?!)

Give $1000 to benevolence, outreach, building $, mission’y. (foolish!)

Auth of Hebrews ends his warning/admon. about being immature Xians with this little verse (profound).

Hebrews 6:3 “And God permitting, we will do so.”

We need His help!

As we worship, let’s ask Him to help us take steps to Grow Deeper!

Altar Call??