Growing Deep & Reaching Out
Fellowship's aim is to present every individual as complete in Christ. A similar experience exists in the life of the believer, just as a healthy, mature tree produces a deep root system while also branching out and bearing fruit. As a person's connection with Christ deepens, the Spirit of God causes a proportional development of Christ-like character and spiritual fruit in the Christian's life. Our goal is for everyone to grow in Christ and display real maturity.
"We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." Colossians 1:28-29
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:1-3
Jesus is God's greatest gift for humanity's greatest need. We believe that people are born enemies of God and slaves to sin. God is holy, and he can't stand sin. However, God has given a means to be freed from his rightful anger via his immense love and grace - Jesus died the death that sinners deserve and resurrected from the dead. Sinners can now be rescued, released, restored, and forgiven by repenting of their sin and placing their confidence in Jesus.
We believe that God feeds us via his Word, the Bible, to help us develop. Every week, we gather to hear God's Word delivered and to worship and honor Him. This is carried over into our various ministries, whether they be weekly official ministries or casual occasions to meet and support one another.
COPYRIGHT_FELW: Published on https://www.fellowshipbcwaco.org/vision/ by Bernard Horne on 2022-03-09T08:54:38.884Z
Growing In Grace
God has not abandoned us in this world but has provided us with His Word and the almighty power of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to die to sin and live to righteousness. Recognizing that we can never earn our own salvation, we seek purity and obedience to our God only as an expression of our gratitude for His generosity and compassion in Jesus Christ.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18
To mature as a Christian, one must grow in grace. Grace alone saves us via faith, and grace alone matures and sanctifies us. We understand that grace is a gift that we do not deserve. God's grace is what justifies, sanctifies, and ultimately glorifies us in paradise. Growing in grace is associated with the sanctification process, which involves becoming more like Christ.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8–9
Reading God's Word and allowing it to "dwell in us fully" as well as prayer help us develop in grace. Those activities do not mature us on their own, but God utilizes spiritual disciplines to help us mature. As a result, growth in our Christian lives is about what God accomplishes in us via His grace, rather than what we do. It is critical that we comprehend and implement God's grace in our lives. We are not to sabotage it by being arrogant, for God says that the haughty will be resisted, but the humble will receive grace. Grace is God's characteristic that allows us to overcome our wicked nature and follow Him. It shields us and provides us strength. We would be completely lost in this world if it weren't for God's love and kindness. The more grace we have and pray for from God, the more mature we shall become as Christians.
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16
Growing in grace does not imply receiving additional grace from God. God's grace never diminishes; it is infinite, so it can't become any bigger, and it can't get any less, either. He sent His only Son in order for anybody who trusts in Him to be saved. I mean, how much more grace could there possibly be? However, to develop in grace, we must get a better knowledge of what Jesus did and a greater appreciation for the grace we have received. The more we study about Jesus, the more we will value what He has done, and the more we value His love and sacrifice for us, the more we will recognize God's never-ending grace.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Reach Out To Jesus
"The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God." Psalm 14:2
When you hear the phrase "reach out to Jesus," what comes to mind? Perhaps it conjures up images of a worship session, Bible study, or prayer? What do you think God wants us to do to reach out and seek him?
The Lord is waiting for those who understand and seek him, according to the passage. Before we can reach out to Jesus, we need to know who he is and what kind of relationship he desires with us.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
In all our ways, submit to him, says this passage, implying that we seek his guidance in our decisions.
"Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
This scripture also instructs us to follow Christ. Now, if we are to follow Christ as he leads us to make godly decisions, we must communicate with him frequently.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When we spend our days reaching out to the Lord in praise, thanksgiving, and direction, he is delighted. This demonstrates our faith in the Lord and our willingness to serve him. We hand over authority to him, and he hands over control to us. The more we reach out to the Lord, the more freedom, serenity, calm, and confidence we feel.
The Lord's love for us is flawless, and it is greater than we can comprehend. He cares about every element of our life, and his aim is to walk beside us every second of every day, guiding and assisting us with his love and strength.
Reach out to Jesus today by looking internally at God. Praise the Lord, be grateful to him, and seek his guidance while making decisions. Ask him to open your eyes and ears and lead you to those who need to talk to someone who looks like Jesus. When serving to others, seek God's counsel.
Jesus Christ - Life Changing Quotes
