Sermons About Spiritual-growth
Pleasing Jesus
“Because Your mine, I walk the line.” Those words of the familiar Johnny Cash hit could have been penned by the Apostle Paul nearly 2000 years ago. In the letter to the Colossians, Paul motivates us to follow Jesus wherever He takes us. He repeatedly points out the need for us to grasp the significance of our position in Christ and how our walk is transformed by His presence in our lives. In this short letter, Paul refers to Jesus by name more than 50 times. As we work our way through this letter over the next couple months, the significance of this will become evident. Paul’s objective is clear to point the Colossians to Jesus Christ and encourage their walk in Him. The equation that we will find in Colossians is Jesus + nothing = Life. This is not the equation that the world proposes to us, Jesus + our job, our family, our friends, our car, our hobbies, our (you fill in the blank). This isn’t even the question that the church has proposed for much of history, Jesus + works, Jesus + tradition, Jesus + experience, Jesus + ____ (you fill in the blank). With all these obstacles that are placed in our path it is no wonder that we have trouble walking the line. Fortunately for the Colossians and for us, Paul knows that in Christ we can walk the line.
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Pt. 2, The Challenge to Grow
How should people look out for each other? How do we challenge each other to grow? The Bible says we are supposed to challenge each other to go further in our "walk" of faith...how? This message explores the practical ways to experience spiritual growth.
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The Friendship Factor
Just as the Lone Ranger has his faithful companion Tonto to cover his back, we must all have 'spiritual backup' by way of close spiritual friends in our churches and communities. But in today's society, there are many aspects that stifle or prevent us from building such relationships. God never intended for us to live as loners or in spiritual isolation. We all need to be continually stimulated and challenged so that we may be sharpened. Indeed, our spiritual survival depends on consistent, close fellowship with other believers for God's tenents are most effectively learned through relationships. Those who don't cultivate close, intimate relationhips cannot become spiritually all that they can be. But as good soldiers of Christ, we should suffer hardship and trial together. By living our lives intertwined with others, we will grow stronger spiritually!
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Let the Church Move Out
For the month of August we are going to look at how God designed us and how He designed the church to operate. Through the month we will take three online tests: a personality test, a spiritual gift assessment, and leadership style evaluation. We will do this to learn more about ourselves and how we can best fit together to connect the unconnected to God and others here at Church! at bethany.
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Discipleship in Community (Jeff Lawrence & Dianne Miller)
Is it possible to follow Jesus alone? Well, Jesus began his work by inviting a small group of seemingly unimpressive men to become his disciples. Over three years, Jesus' character was shaped in them, Jesus' beliefs were refined in them, Jesus' mission was instilled in them, and Jesus' heart was nurtured in them. This vision for "discipleship in community" has rippled throughout centuries and continents, taking many different forms. What is undeniable, however, is that you can not fully follow Jesus on your own. The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to become a disciple as a part of a community of people who are learning to follow Jesus together. Do you have a small group of people that you connected to as a Christ-follower?
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Discipleship in Community (Jeff Lawrence & Dianne Miller)
Is it possible to follow Jesus alone? Well, Jesus began his work by inviting a small group of seemingly unimpressive men to become his disciples. Over three years, Jesus' character was shaped in them, Jesus' beliefs were refined in them, Jesus' mission was instilled in them, and Jesus' heart was nurtured in them. This vision for "discipleship in community" has rippled throughout centuries and continents, taking many different forms. What is undeniable, however, is that you can not fully follow Jesus on your own. The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to become a disciple as a part of a community of people who are learning to follow Jesus together. Do you have a small group of people that you connected to as a Christ-follower?
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Facing Temptation with God on Your Side (Luke 4, Psalm 119)
Life is filled with all sorts of landscape. An all terrain faith is equally balanced for the breathtaking view from the mountaintop and the confusing trek though a cold, dark valley. It provides adequate support for walking in rough, rocky stretches and stability for the slippery spots. In this exploration of the Psalms, we will see that no matter where you find yourself in life there is an appropriate faith response to your life situation. Are you ready for the hike?
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Keeping Your Way Pure and Avoiding Self-righteousness (Psalm 119, Part 2)
Life is filled with all sorts of landscape. An all terrain faith is equally balanced for the breathtaking view from the mountaintop and the confusing trek though a cold, dark valley. It provides adequate support for walking in rough, rocky stretches and stability for the slippery spots. In this exploration of the Psalms, we will see that no matter where you find yourself in life there is an appropriate faith response to your life situation. Are you ready for the hike?
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Learning to Live (Psalm 119)
Life is filled with all sorts of landscape. An all terrain faith is equally balanced for the breathtaking view from the mountaintop and the confusing trek though a cold, dark valley. It provides adequate support for walking in rough, rocky stretches and stability for the slippery spots. In this exploration of the Psalms, we will see that no matter where you find yourself in life there is an appropriate faith response to your life situation. Are you ready for the hike?
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