Category Archives: christian growth

What Would That Look Like?

I once had a conversation with a member about her commitment to Christ and her involvement in the local church.  I was asked: What would proper involvement look like? This is an excellent question to ask.  Let’s try to answer … Continue reading

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Some Questions For Us

Many members say that they desire the growth of the local church.  Many say that they desire many visitors at the annual Gospel Meeting. However, are we doing what it takes for these things to happen?  Desire without action will … Continue reading

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Put On… (Colossians 3:12-15)

It is said that a tradition sprang up, in the early years of church history, concerning the garments worn following baptism.  The historian Philip Schaff wrote, “During the week following, the neophytes wore white garments as a symbol of purity” … Continue reading

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Spiritual Growth: (#3) Motivation/Necessity

Johnny Ramsey was one of the instructors when I attended Brown Trail School of Preaching.  One of his classes was General Epistles (James – Jude).  He taught us to remember each chapter by one key point.  He provided the following … Continue reading

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Spiritual Growth: (#2) Need/Opponents

The book of 2 Peter puts a premium on knowledge.  The word knowledge appears in some form 16 times in this book. Why such an emphasis and value on knowledge?  One source provides this answer, “Just as 1 Peter warned … Continue reading

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Spiritual Growth: (#1) Ingredients

The key word in the book of 2 Peter is “knowledge.”  It appears in some form 16 times [knowledge (1:2, 1:3; 1:5; 1:6; 1:8; 2:20; 3:18); know(s) (1:12; 2:9; 3:17); knowing (1:14; 1:20; 3:3); known (1:16; 2:21 x2)].  Value is … Continue reading

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The Testing of One’s Faith

Make no mistake about it.  One’s faith will be tested, and tested again, in this life.  James writes of “the testing of your faith” (James 1:3).  These tests are common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13).  We should not be surprised … Continue reading

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The Truly Wise

“Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). The truly wise demonstrate their wisdom in two ways.  (1) They demonstrate it by good … Continue reading

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7 Spiritual Tests

The book of 1 John was written for four stated purposes: (1) “that your joy may be full” (1:4); (2) “so that you may not sin” (2:1); (3) “concerning those who try to deceive you” (2:26); (4) “that you may … Continue reading

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Do We Have Absolute Truth?

We do not know all things.  In the physical realm, not all has been discovered (Proverbs 25:2 cf. Job 38 – 42).  In the spiritual realm, not all has been revealed.  We do not know when the Lord will return … Continue reading

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