Growing in grace and knowledge...

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory both now and forevermore." 

- II Peter 3:18

This is how Paul ends his second letter. Much of this letter is spent telling the believers to watch out  false leaders and false prophets. There are people that will come, and perhaps were even there then, that will try to lead believers astray.

One of the chief ways to prevent that from happening, from being led astray, is to be constantly growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. When we know His voice, when we know His commands, and when we are intimately connected to His Spirit, we will know when someone tries to mislead us in issues of faith.

We need to be always looking for opportunities to grow in our faith, to understand our faith better, to know Jesus better and better. This is the most important step you can take in being able to identify false teachers.

No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world will always try to challenge our beliefs. There is always room for growth. If every day brings new opportunities to draw nearer to Christ, we will be prepared to stand firm in all circumstances.

So, if you don’t already, begin a reading program to spend a little time each day in reading the Scriptures. Set aside time everyday for prayer. And join others in a Bible Study. You would be surprised how much you learn by discussing Bible passages with others.

A couple of things I would like to see us start would help here.  The Alpha course is a great way to grow.  The course features short videos and discussions, and I’ll probably introduce it in a small group, and then see about offering during the summer to the full church.  The talks each week in the Alpha course can help us to see things in a little different light.  They can challenge us and help us as we grasp at the meaning of our faith. 

Also corporate prayer would help.  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we might be able to bring back a Prayer Group, or a time when we could pray corporately, that would look very different from what we used to do, but that would bring us together for a time of prayer. 

Sometimes we need to step outside our comfort zone. That’s how we grow, and growth is what living a life of faith is all about. Seek growth, and you will find Jesus.