How
You Can Grow Spiritually This Year
All of our members and
many of our friends want this to be a strong, effective, successful
congregation. But to build this kind of congregation – there are several
essential components necessary: (1) Good leadership on every level. (2) Challenging;
positive preaching that builds faith in God. (3) Good teaching & learning
opportunities. (4) A willingness to deal with the real needs of our members.
(5) Committed, involved, serving, members. God expects us to use the talents
and abilities we have for service in His kingdom. Lk. 12:42-48 - To those who
have been given much, much is expected.
I. The key to a strong, effective
congregation lies with me.
A.
We need members who are:
1.
Committed to their own personal growth and development.
2.
Committed to the congregations growth and
development.
B.
As we go into 2006 let us realize:
1.
Key to our spiritual success is our individual
spiritual growth.
2.
We must work with a desire to do it at the highest
level of my ability.
C.
The more we grow and develop spiritually, the more
spiritually secure the congregation becomes.
D.
Let us all make a commitment today where we:
1.
Realize how much God & my brethren depend on
me.
2.
Spiritually, I must improve my mind, develop my
abilities,
3.
Spiritually I must become a better:
a)
servant and worshipper
b)
student and pray-er.
II.
God expects each of us to grow.
A.
2 Pet. 2:1-3 – Look at how Peter challenges
them.
B.
Heb. 6:1-3 – How did the Hebrew writer
expect?
C.
1 Cor. 3:1-3 – the Corinthians had not grown as
to accept instruction.
D.
Ephesians 4-5:
1.
4:14-16 – every Christian must grow, mature,
and develop.
2.
4:22 – lay aside the old self.
3.
4:23 – be renewed in the spirit of your mind
4.
4:24 – put on the new self
5.
4:25-32 – this will be seen in practical
areas of life
6.
5:1-2 – become an imitator of God
7.
5:8 – walk as children of light
8.
5:10 – learn what is pleasing to God
9.
5:11- do not participate in unfruitful deeds of
darkness
10.
5:15-16 – be careful of how you walk, making
most of your time.
III.
Today’s specific challenge:
A.
Let’s take our prayer life to a new level.
B.
Let’s grow to a new level of worship.
C.
Let’s reach a new level of service.
D.
Let’s work to grow to a new level of closeness with
the family at Brownsburg.
Conclusion:
A.
Imagine how the spirit and spiritual atmosphere in
our congregation will grow to levels we’ve never seen. (1 Cor 15:58)
B.
There is no more positive way to begin the New Year
than with a positive relationship with God.
1.
Become a Christian today and let God make you part
of the family.