Author: Phil Rehberg

steps stages of growth

The Biblical Five-Level Maturity Model – Part 1

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Understanding stages of growth is important for many reasons. Quoting from one of our earlier posts on stages of growth which emphasized the stages of our experience of God’s felt grace: Understanding progressions of our growth helps us to know where we are and where we are going. It also helps us to be okay with where we are and not dislike ourselves for not being more mature. Understanding phases also teaches us what thoughts and feelings are normal for our situation and what teachings and practices are best for our situation. It also helps us to remain pliable in the Potter’s hand in whatever phase we are in and not struggle to circumvent any painful shaping he is doing. Understanding phases also helps us to be more understanding and helpful to others who are in different phases. Often well-meaning Christians will give advice that is designed to get someone Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Our Light, Our Rescuer, Our Protector – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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The Lord is my light and my salvation —whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1 (NIV) This passage is a reminder that Yahweh is our light, our rescuer and the protector of our lives. His light enables us to see what is true and what is good. On our own we would just stumble. And he saves us, he rescues us, from ourselves and from everything that tries to steal our happiness. Finally, he is our protector, our fortress against attackers who slander us and damage our lives. Nothing can separate us from his love. And since he too is Lord, Jesus is also the one who is our light. He is the light of the world (John 8:12). He is also our salvation because he is the door to salvation (John 10:9). Remember that salvation includes our future Continue Reading →

old vs. new covenant

What Is The Difference Between The Old And New Covenants In Our Lives?

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Understanding the differences between the Old and New Covenants helps us to grasp our roles on earth as we follow Jesus. There is a big difference between what God wanted his people to hope for in this life under the Old Covenant and what he wants us to hope for in this life under the New Covenant, which was established by the blood of Jesus on the Cross. As you read through the following list consider how it influences your life. New: forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through the blood of Christ (vs Old: temporary forgiveness of sins through sacrifices at the temple.) New: God’s people not associated with any specific nation or ethnic group (vs Old: God’s people were part of the nation of Israel and the Jews; the Jews were evicted from Palestine in the early 2nd century.) New: No specific location of God’s abiding presence Continue Reading →

holy spirit

What Does The Holy Spirit Feel Like?

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It is important to understand what it feels like for us to host the Spirit of God. This helps us avoid discouragement as well as presumption. Jesus gave us some description of the experience of the Spirit when he said: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit” (John 7:38-39, ESV). The Spirit wants to be a river of life flowing out of us! Some people feel a strong sense of the Spirit when they first believe. They may feel a powerful love from God invading their hearts. They may feel a peaceful presence from outside them filling them up inside. They may feel strong joy or holiness. Later, their strong sense of his Spirit often becomes moderate or light. A few are blessed with a strong sense of the Spirit for Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Humility Opens The Door To God’s Guidance – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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He guides the humble in what is rightand teaches them his way. Psalms 25:9 (NIV) God wants to guide us and teach us but if we allow pride to reside in us then he is not so willing to guide and teach. Why? Perhaps because he doesn’t want to encourage and magnify our pride by giving us more blessing. Instead, God’s blessings flow when we keep in mind that all the good that we have began with God’s grace. We are weak and corrupt by nature but he still accepts us. We can think of ourselves as students, not masters. We can remember that in our ministry we are just messengers of his teachings, we did not create the truth. We can understand that we are servants of God and others, not king over others. In short, if we embrace an attitude of the heart that reflects who we are Continue Reading →