Category: Key Growth Posts

fivefold way stages of growth

Our Fivefold Way of Growth – Part 1

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A fascinating dimension of Christformation is the various phases of growth that believers go through. We know that we go through phases because Scripture warns us against being immature. In 1 Corinthians 3 the Apostle Paul makes a disappointing evaluation of the Corinthian Christians when he says: “I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ” (v. 3 NIV). We do not want to remain in the infancy phase. Thus, it is important to have an understanding of the phases of growth God wants to take us through. 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 Continue Reading →

activational reading book knowledge

Activational Reading – How To Let God’s Word Change You

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We know that we need to let Scripture soak in to our deepest self. We want to let it assimilate into our soul and saturate our whole being.   One ancient way of doing this is lectio divina which involves the sequence of: reading Scripture, then meditating on it, then responding in prayer, then quietly contemplating (gazing upon or receptively sitting with) the Scripture or whatever has impacted you. Since this model is weak in the area of activating the will I altered it some and labeled it activational reading. It has four steps. Activational Scripture Reading Step one is to absorb the Scripture passage. This includes reading it, understanding it and letting it sink in. Roll the words around in your mind and heart. What is the author trying to communicate? What do the words actually mean? What do they not mean? What is the purpose of the passage? If Continue Reading →

spiritual pride

Freedom From The Prison Of Spiritual Pride

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Have you noticed that as you grow you run into new kinds of sins that are more subtle and hidden? As we mature we don’t wrestle as much with obvious sins like lying and ungodly speech. This can trick us into thinking that we have conquered the major sins in our life. Yet growth brings with it a whole new set of vices. The 16th century Christian teacher John of the Cross called these spiritual vices. They are spiritual versions of the seven deadly sins. These vices block our spiritual growth and oneness with God. Thus, they are spiritual enemy number one! The first spiritual vice John describes is spiritual pride. We develop pride in our spiritual accomplishments and spiritual growth. This can especially apply to our spiritual disciplines. We find ourselves being critical with others for not having enough devotion. We may also dislike praising others for their maturity because Continue Reading →

resurrection new adam

Jesus Makes Us Into New Adams

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Do you ever think about how wonderful it would be if you could be like Adam or Eve before they fell? Wouldn’t it be fantastic to live in perfect harmony with God and others? During the holy week when our hearts are so focused on Jesus and the end of his life it is helpful to remember why he came: so God could restore our Adamic nature and our Adamic relationship with God. In fact, Jesus does this and more! Remember that the old arrangement, or Mosaic covenant, that God had with his people did not succeed in producing a nation of people who loved God and followed his ways. The people could not produce a new garden on earth where everyone lived in harmony and prosperity. This was all rooted in the fact that they could not eliminate the corruption from their nature. The condemnation from the Garden remained. Continue Reading →

spiritual marriage wedding bride groom

What Is It Like To Live In Full Intimacy With God?

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We often hear about being intimate with God. We all want to be closer to God although it may be unclear to us what that really means. Today we will taste some of that life, and I suspect that this taste will fire our hearts and bring us closer to complete loving surrender to God. And if you are wondering how to motivate people to pursue Jesus then consider beginning with this kind of material. Once people see the treasure then they will be more willing to “sell all they have” in order to get the treasure. When people understand what God wants to do for them then they are much more willing to embrace your leading. John of the Cross was a 16th century Spaniard who pursued and loved God as much as anyone ever did. We are blessed that he was also a great writer and could express Continue Reading →