Category: Level: Intermediate

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 →

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 →

joy in the garden

What Will We Do On The New Earth?

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Jesus and his Apostles taught us to keep our focus on the next age. However, when it comes to the next age when we live on the New Earth it is important to remember that God has only revealed what he wants to reveal and we can’t force Scripture to answer questions it isn’t trying to answer. Yet, we have more than enough information in Scripture to assure us that the next age will be euphoric for God’s saints. In Revelation 21 the New Jerusalem will come down from heaven onto Earth (v. 2). Throughout Revelation 21-22 we find signs that this New Jerusalem is also a New Eden. From Revelation 2:7 we know that it is a paradise; remember that Eden means “pleasure” in Hebrew. We will live in delight. This new Eden will not just be a restoration of the first Eden but rather a vastly superior Eden. Continue Reading →

at home with God

How To Pursue God From Home

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Many people around the world are now spending almost all their time at home. If you have found yourself with some extra time or even feeling bored then please consider taking your pursuit of God up a notch. This is your chance to go deeper and discover a greater connection with God. Here are some ideas from previous posts that should help. Learn to let Scripture transform, of “Christform” as I like to say, you. Use this Activational Meditation format to let Scripture go deep and change your heart: https://www.meatformaturity.org/activational-reading-how-to-let-gods-word-change-you/ . Do a “deep clean” of your soul. This might be a time for you to let God work on your weaknesses, unbelief, lack of love and bad habits. Use this exercise to walk through the process of purification: https://www.meatformaturity.org/how-to-work-through-purification/ Here is a more thorough guide for purification for more deeply embedded issues: guide. Assess your spiritual life. Here is Continue Reading →

pay cash generous

God’s Call For Generosity To Our Brothers And Sisters

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After stating that the greatest commandment was to love God, Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39, NIV). He also said “Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12, ESV). In this time of financial hardship we need to keep an eye out for people in distress that we might be able to help. Even if we don’t have much money maybe we can help with our time. But those with resources should seriously consider offering financial assistance. The wealthy need to be careful that they manage their wealth in a way that pleases God. There is a point at which the pursuit of success becomes greed and Scripture warns us not even to associate with a Christian who is guilty of greed (1 Cor. 5:12). Certainly, Continue Reading →