This past Sunday in The Highest, Part 8 [You
can listen at www.centerpointfl.org/seriesarchive.php]
we looked at this important truth: every single day we as Jesus followers are
growing in complacency or growing in faith. There is no neutral ground because our
“enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to
devour.” – I Peter 5:8 He knows where we are weak, he knows where we are
vulnerable to temptation, he knows what dark days are prone to drive us toward,
he knows what happens when we feel the pressure from other people, and he knows
how to sell us on compromise at just the right time.
So Paul warns us that our faith must grow. It
has to grow beyond the feelings of waiting on the next emotional message, right
song, or perfect verse for the day. It has to become something we personally
know and grow in. If not eventually the wrong emotion will override our
devotion no matter how strong we think we were. But as we begin to personally
get to know what God says, God’s spirit begins to confirm God’s truth in our
lives and our faith grows. Paul says is this way,
6 So then,
just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in
him, 7 rooted and built
up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and
overflowing with thankfulness –
Colossians 2:6-7
It all starts with taking a step. Here are a
couple ways you can begin to make the scripture personal.
- Make it a priority to attend weekend services and when the Scripture is preached, personally engage by having a Bible [or youversion app on your phone] to look at and highlight. Certain passages will become very personal to you.
- Download a personal reading plan at www.youversion.com. If you are new to reading the Bible, start with the life of Jesus or the book of John. Just begin with 5 minutes a day.
- Join a community group at www.centerpointfl.org/grouplink. This helps apply the truth to daily life. Truth without community leads to arrogance.
- Sign up for free video based Bible studies to do individually, as a couple, or as a family provided through CC. Go to www.centerpointfl.org/rightnow to sign up.
- Use the tools we provide each weekend to help your children. We have a Parent Cue card that gives you questions so you can interact with your children about what they are learning [K-5th grad] and God Time Cards your children can use to begin to learn the verses they are studying each month. Each is given away free as you sign out on Sundays.
- Check out the weekly blogs for our children and student ministries to follow what they are learning: Kids Point: http://kidspointministries.blogspot.com/ Velocity and Fuel Student Ministries: http://velocitystudentministries.blogspot.com/
So are you growing in faith or growing in
complacency? Is the scripture becoming personal or are you waiting for the next
spiritual high? Join a community group and choose now to take a step for you and your children to be rooted and strengthened in faith.
Bryant
Bryant
Golden [Lead Pastor]
