Why Christian Fail to Grow

Why Christians Fail to Grow
By Frank King

In the book of Hebrews, the writer brings up an interesting church problem: “For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12, KJV). First, the writer is not talking to new converts, but he is talking to Christians who have been in the faith long enough that by now they should be serving as teachers in the church.

Secondly, not only did these believers fail to grow, but also they had actually regressed spiritually. They needed to be taught AGAIN, the basic doctrines of Christianity! Though God inspired the writer to pen the above verse over 1900 years ago, the problem is just as real today.

Let me quickly share with you several reasons why our failure to grow as Christians is a problem. The first one has to do with the will of God for us. He wants us to become like His Son. God is actively working in our lives to finish the good work that He has begun in us. He has no desire to stop until we attain unto the fullness of Christ so that as Christ was in the world so shall we be.

The second reason has to do with our service to God. If we fail to grow, we limit what He can accomplish through us. Of course, there are many things He can use us to do even when we are babes in Christ, but there are many things that only mature Christians can effectively do. A case in point is the verse quoted above. This portion of the epistle was specifically aimed at those members of the local church who by virtue of their time in Christ should now be teachers. Their failure to grow, however, made that impossible.

Thirdly, in a local church where Christians fail to grow, excessive carnality can be the result. Paul the apostle wrote to the church of Corinth regarding this selfsame problem (see 1 Corinthians 3). He said the evidence of their carnality was reflected in the envying, strife and divisions among them. It is certainly true that people who are spiritually mature handle conflict in more Christlike manners than immature and carnal-minded Christians do. A pastor whose church is plagued with carnality will feel the burden of the increased disharmony.

I could on and on listing the problems with Christians failing to grow. But a more important question is, what is the solution? How do Christians who have been babes way too long stem the tide and put themselves on the road to maturity? In the book of Hebrews, two verses down from the verse I quoted above, here is what the Bible gives for an answer: “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14, NIV). In other words, the key to spiritual maturity is to constantly use or put into practicethe truths that we are exposed to.

There is no groundbreaking revelation in that verse, but we know it’s right. The bottom line is that Christianity is not simply a religion, but more importantly, it is a way of life. We must live it each day. In doing so, we exercise our spiritual senses, thereby learning to discern good from evil. This dynamic is fundamental to Christian growth. Those who fail to do this will not experience significant spiritual growth.

Frank King is a former church pastor. He is currently an evangelist. Frank is also the author of two books, Indiscreetly Yours and Steps to the Victorious Walk. Website: http://www.efrankking.com. Blog: http://wwwefrankking.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

He Calls Me Beloved

Have you ever felt that you were not worthy of this oh so great salvation?  It might even seem that God would not consider you worthy to call His own and far be it from Him to speak directly to you.  Why would He want to deal with a wretch so undone?

Many times we initiate conversations with God out of desperation or need.  Being plagued with feelings of inadequacy and unrighteousness often cause us to feel very distant from our Lord instead of drawing us nearer to Him.  I can remember a time that I never expected a response at all.  I just assumed the conversations were one way.  I treated our Lord as a sounding board and nothing more.

Author Pamela Marhad candidly shares what she has experienced thus far on this tedious journey in her book, He Calls Me Beloved.   Marhad ,through intimate conversations,shares how our Lord Jesus introduced Himself to her.  Through their conversations readers learn that, as with any successful relationship, trust must be developed and personalities learned. Each conversation gives insight into the character of God and how we should learn to obediently submit and just trust.

Between the covers of He Calls Me Beloved, a true love story unfolds.  Rather than a vengeful, cold and distant Father, Marhad learns of the gentle, patient provider we serve.  Reminded of her futility, Marhad is strengthened and encouraged by a loving and reassuring Father that is confident in what He has poured into His beloved. I could easily identify with many of the exchanges in this narrative.

Even the strongest of believers often fail to realize that God desires for us to long to sup with Him like a deer pants for water as David so eloquently put it.  He desires that we recognize that our hearts were not designed to function without Him.  He continually woos us and reminds us that His love has no expiration date.  He wants to be the one we run to and call on first and not as an afterthought when man has failed us yet again.

Marhad shares how the enemy attempts to use the sins of our past coupled with lies to defeat us.  Yet, the answers she received in those seemingly dark times serve as encouragement to any believer to delight in the Lord and trust in His strength.

This book, brief and colloquially written at times, was a quick but convicting read. The book flows quite freely with the exception of a few short stories scattered throughout the book.  The end of each chapter offers a unique feature.  “Enter In” encourages the reader to apply what was learned in the proceeding chapter in practical ways-baby steps.  The reader is challenged with some self examination and encouraged to “delve deeper” along with a scripture to encourage.

Overall, I was truly blessed by the exchanges Marhad chose to share. I found He Calls Me Beloved to be a refreshing glimpse into the the walk of one believer that was brave enough to share her most intimate thoughts and fears in order to help others win the war– one battle at a time.

 

Please enjoy this excerpt from He Calls Me Beloved

Beloved, do you have time for Me?
Yes, Lord. Thank You for stopping me from rushing off to get things done without visiting with You. You know how anxious I get when I have several matters that need my attention.
I stopped you because you need Me, daughter. Refresh yourself in My love for you. Let this be a day of creative activity together. The things you must do will never satisfy you unless they are shared with Me.

Lord, My “to do” list is made up of everyday responsibilities.  Are these the kinds of things You want to share with me?  They seem so ordinary and unimportant compared with the serious needs in our world.

Daughter,  most of human life is made up of the ordinary.  If you only allow Me to meet with you in the extraordinary matters, not much is left for us to share!  I delight in living your ordinary life with you.  In fact, it is only in living the ordinary with me that you will be able to enter into the extraordinary.

The routine matters of your day take on new purpose when you share them with Me.  I say this to encourage you to persevere.  Seek Me in your day-to-day, moment-to-moment life.  Talk with Me, laugh with Me, listen to Me.  Become familiar with My voice and My ways.  In doing so, you will bring both of us great pleasure as we share life together.

The things I have called  you to do are all around you each day.  Be faithful in those things and let Me have the responsibility for whatever comes next.

Beloved, the important thing to learn is to follow My lead.  I don’t want to be structured into your day; I want to be your day—all of your life shared with Me, the Lord of Life.  This is not an impossible goal.  This is My will for you.  We will not give up on this goal, because the rewards will be great.

• Publisher: Pleasant Word-A Division of WinePress Publishing
• ISBN-10: 1414113145
• ISBN-13: 978-1414113142

Our Father in Heaven

Our Father in Heaven
By Anne Simpson

A woman’s view of her Heavenly Father is often tainted by her view of her earthly father. A cold and distant father? A cold and distant God. Likewise, a generous, loving father renders her view of God as generous and loving as well.

How about you? What was your father like? A stern disciplinarian? Strict but loving? Gentle and quiet? Fun-loving and playful? Now, how do you view God as He relates to you on a daily basis? Faithful, but far removed from the details of your life? A stern judge who demands punishment for every infraction? Or a loving God Who guides you through all of life’s valleys and mountains?

It is a heavy burden to place on a human father, that of portraying the Heavenly Father to his children. No matter how loving or wise a father may be, he could never adequately demonstrate the truth of Who our Heavenly Father is and what He is like. Of course, the truth is found in God’s Word He often refers to Himself as our father (Galatians 4:6), and tells us in great detail exactly what He is like and how He feels about us, His children. If you ever find yourself projecting your father’s qualities onto your perception of God, turn to these passages for the truth:

Our Father in Heaven

1. cares for even the smallest of His children.

Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:10

2. protects and cares for those who have no earthly father.

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Psalms 68:5

You [God] are the helper of the fatherless. Psalms 10:14b

3. gives good gifts to His children.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11

4. is perfect and holy; He never sins.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48

Because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” I Peter 1:16

5. meets the needs of His children.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:27

For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:32,33

6. is both merciful and just.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14, 15

7. in His mercy gives us salvation and the hope of eternal life by the sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I Peter 1-3-5

Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. Galatians 1:4

8. teaches us about Himself.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Ephesians 1:17

9. gives grace and peace.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 1:2

10. must discipline His children.

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Hebrews 12:7

11. deserves glory.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:6

Anne Simpson, stay-at-home-mom to one toddler and one on the way, loving wife to a loving husband, faithful member of a local church, prone-to-wander child of God

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Sweet Little Lily

Sweet Little Lilly
By Bob Valleau

Little Lilly’s Sunday school teacher had his five-year-old students bow their heads and say a one-sentence prayer at the end of every class. For several weeks, he would hear Lilly pray the same thing: “Lord, please make my mommy feel better.”

The teacher wondered what could be afflicting Lilly’s mother. Then, one Sunday, when it was time for Lilly to pray, she was silent.

“Are you okay, Lilly?” asked the teacher.

Lilly mumbled, “Yes.”

“Is there some reason you don’t want to pray?”

“Well, I want to say more.”

“That would be fine. And the reason why?”

Lilly raised her head and said with the biggest grin, “Because Jesus made my mommy feel better.”

“Oh? How so?”

“He took her away to be with Him in heaven.”

The teacher gasped and was astonished at Lilly’s perspective about her mother’s death. Not wanting to dampen Lilly’s happiness that her mother was no longer suffering, the teacher said, “In that case, take as much time as you need, Lilly, and use as many words as you want to say.”

That day, the teacher learned a valuable lesson from sweet little Lilly: It matters not what happens in life that affects us. It is how we see things that determines our joy or sadness.

Copyright 2010 by Bob Valleau. Bob has over 25 years of writing experience for the Christian market. He was once named Christian Writer of the Year by the American Christian Writers Association. Currently, he freelances and lives in Texas.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Walter Hawkins…Goin’ Up Yonder

Gospel music legend Bishop Walter Hawkins has died at age 61. The Grammy Award winning contemporary gospel singer succumbed on Sunday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. During his 30-plus-year career in gospel, which consisted of at least 14 albums since 1975, Hawkins created an extensive catalog of music both as a solo artist and with his family ensemble.

Hawkins, the pastor of Love Center Church, leaves two children to celebrate him– Walter Hawkins, Jr. (aka Jamie Hawkins) and Trystan Hawkins.  His older brother, Edwin Hawkins, shared: “I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend. Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more, and he will be greatly missed.”

 

“Lord Jesus Christ” Hit by Car?

This is certainly not the Jesus Christ we know.  Talk about blasphemy!  This is certainly one for the books.  What in the world?

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/us/2010/05/11/dnt.lord.jesus.christ.hit.by.car.wshm

VeggieTales Legend Releases All New DVD Series

From Chicago-based Jellyfish Labs, Vischer and team open the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, to new generations: how the Bible formed, its major themes and leading figures, even terms such as Vulgate, Septuagint, Canon, and Apocrypha.

“I picture the kid in the back of Sunday school class–with the questions teachers dread. I know that honest answers now help solidify faith long-term,” Vischer said. Select theologians comb every script to accurately present the Bible on ground common to the broadest number of believers. “We work hard to show respect all around,” Vischer said.

VeggieTales has sold more than 50 million DVDs and produced two theatrical films around Bible stories. WITB plugs in the entire Bible. This comes in a groundswell of new concern for Bible literacy and because today’s kids learn visually.

Bestselling author Randy Alcorn emailed Vischer: “[My grandson and I] watched together and again the next day and the next, bonus features and all, until we had to leave. Matthew is now a devoted fan of Buck Denver and the other characters.”

Alcorn also liked, “the depth of biblical background and commentary on God’s great drama of redemption.”

Episodes one, two, and three?

1. In the Beginning — Kids learn God’s big story and how Genesis’s first 11 chapters set up the whole Bible–and life.

2. Let My People Go! — Kids meet Abraham and learn how God used him to start a great nation called Israel.

3. Wanderin’ in the Desert–goes into Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, joining Genesis and Exodus in the Law Books and setting up trials and victories of God’s people.
“We must learn the language of our audience,” said C.S. Lewis, who connected children to God. “For this generation, visual is fundamental to learning,” Cambridge scientist Alister McGrath said. “By the time kids see the final DVD,” Phil Vischer said, “they’ll know the entire Bible.”

www.WhatintheBible.com

Have you watched any of them yet?  Let us know what you think!

Unchurched Christians?

Nearly two-thirds of all unchurched adults—people who have not attended a church activity in the last six months—identified themselves as “Christians,” according to a recent study by the Barna Group.

The survey revealed that 28 percent of the population—some 65 million adults—have not participated in any church activities or services in the past six months. As many churches try to attract this group to worship on Sunday, the study showed that the makeup of unchurched Americans may be surprising.

For example, 18 percent of unchurched Americans say they are born again, that they have “made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today” and that they will go to heaven only because they have accepted Him as their Savior. Two-thirds (68 percent) say God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the universe. However, slightly more than one-third (35 percent) agree that the Bible is totally accurate in all its principles, and only 15 percent say their religious faith is very important in their life.

Demographically, among the unchurched, women outnumber men, baby boomers and older generations outnumber younger generations, and conservatives outnumber liberals.

Why does such a large group of people who believe in God avoid church? The Barna Group claims that a previous study may shed some light on the question. The study showed that 37 percent of non-churchgoing Americans avoid churches because of negative past experiences in churches or with church people. [barna.org, 4/12/10]

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV)
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Many people have become disillusioned with the current state of the “church.”  Often, the unchurched have an innocence that we life-long, card carrying members have lost.  They tend to recognize that the church should be a movement.  The early church gives us numerous examples of that fact.  They also recognize that the church is not a monument.  There is nothing wrong with being proud of the facility in which you worship, but many take it too far.  However, they miss the mark on the importance of assembling ourselves together.  Sure, they have a personal relationship with Jesus, but how is that relationship being cultivated?  The fact is that we need each other.  We should be encouraging one another, organizing ourselves in order to win souls for the kingdom and so much more.  How can we accomplish any of these goals if we are not on one accord?  And what example are we for the lost if after we have been given the privilege of drawing near to God, thanks to salvation through Jesus Christ, yet we fail to do so?

Failure to assemble ourselves also makes us easy targets.  I can not help but think of National Geographic when a lion is on the prowl.  Beautiful antelopes or gazelles suddenly sense danger and they communicate the need to rally together and flee.  Meanwhile, the lion is always on the lookout for the slowest, weakest or better still, the loner.  Our enemy works the same way.  He would love to get us by ourselves with no one to encourage us or pray us through our situations.

Many will argue that the assembly spoken of in scripture was much different from our Westernized assembly and they are correct.  However, once we choose to join a body we should be useful parts of that body. Whether you assemble in the basement of a house, a mega-church, tent or college dorm it is up to believers to encourage one another.   Let us not be of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved!

Thanks for Godly Mothers

Throughout the Bible we are given portraits of both good and bad mothers.  The Word of God highlights the many roles of mothers and the rewards that come along with the job.  Below you will find some verses that help shed some light on what a Godly mother is and why you are truly blessed if you have/had one.  Enjoy!

1. Hebrews 12:11: “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Praise the Lord for a mother that raised you properly.  It truly could have been another way.  This verse is a great way to express your gratefulness.

2. Proverbs 6:20-23: “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.” You can use this verse to thank you mother for her wisdom and guidance and remind her that you will always hold what she has taught you close to your heart.

3. Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-30: “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life … Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ‘Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” This passage describes God’s vision for motherhood. Husbands, this verse is especially perfect for a Mother’s Day card or letter to your wife, the mother of your children.

4. 1 Timothy 1:5: “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” While growing up, and especially during our teen years, many of us have probably felt that our parents’ discipline was too strong or too strict. Over the years, however, we come to realize that our parents disciplined us because they loved us. Even becomes even more evident once you have children of your own.  Sound “instruction” is truly a blessing.

5. 1 John 3:18: “Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” This is a verse for the mom who has always communicated how much she loves you not just with her words, but also through her actions.

6. 1 Corinthians 13:13: “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Has your mother given you all three? Tell her so, with a thankful heart.

7. Proverbs 29:17: “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.”

8. Isaiah 66:13: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you …”

Spontaneous Worshipper

Spontaneous worship.  Would you? Could you, without the prompting of the praise leaders on Sunday morning– just worship?  Could you really lose sight on yourself, your situation and the things around you and simply worship?  I’m not referring to the automated hand claps and victory laps that we have been programmed to think are “real worship.” Not just physical worship because the praise team just sang our song–it has to be more.  Our hearts and minds have to no longer be so cognizant of who we think we are.  We must make a decision to worship God for who He is!

Today, I ran across an interesting video that I believe captured worship. An up and coming musician, Carlos Whittaker, was attempting to record a promotional video for his upcoming release when a homeless man, Danny, walks up to him as he prepares to sing.  Danny appears to kneel in reverence as he worships through song. It is difficult to ignore the sincerity in both of their voices.  The result is amazing.

Carlos shares some more on his blog that is hard to pick up from the video:

If you listen carefully at the end you hear me saying this to Danny. “Keep trying to make it man.”

He looked me square in the eye… cocked his head sideways with a confused look on his face… and said, “Trying to make it? No man. I ain’t trying to make it… I’m making it. Jah puts his soldiers everywhere. Jah says, Yea though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death… So he places some of us, in that valley.”

What is so amazing is that this obviously homeless man understands that he might just be there for a reason.  I know that would be a hard pill to swallow for most of us.  Yet, with humility he seems to have accepted the call and continues to simply worship.  Could you?

Next Page »