We read in Isaiah 44:4 that God's people will "spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses." Our Christian walk should be a walk that desires to be pleasing to God first and foremost. When this happens, then we will see growth and maturity take hold in our life here on earth. Every one of us should have a constant desire to progress toward spiritual maturity in all aspects of our life. There are several areas in our life that God wants to see us mature and develop in. These are:

1) Fruitfulness: "Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (2 Cor 9:10). God asks that we share his word with others. This is something that should be on all of our hearts. We should look for opportunities to share the good news to those we come in contact with.

2) In Christ: "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-- Christ" (Eph 4:15). "that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10). In order for us to mature in Christ we must learn what a good work is (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17). When we speak "the truth in love," we are growing in Christ because we are speaking His truth and we are doing it in love, caring for the soul of another.

3) In Love: "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you" (1 Thes 3:12). "But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more" (1 Thes 4:9-10). The true Christian test of life is whether one can show a genuine love for the brethren. For us to be able to mature in the sight of God, this is something that all of us must possess. As Paul stated, it is also an area in which we need to continue to increase.

There is nothing that takes the place of loving and caring brethren who genuinely look forward to seeing and being with each other at every opportunity. May we all grow in our love for one another!

4) Unto Perfection: "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God" (Heb 6:1).

The word "perfection" means "completeness." Once we have learned the truth of God's word and have been obedient to the gospel, we should then progress onward to maturity, not returning to the basic elements again. We need to learn to be teachers (Heb 5:12-14), and the only way to do this is through the word, having a desire for God's word in order to grow to completeness.

Peter writes, "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet 2:2). When we are "perfect" or "complete," then we will never stumble (2 Pet 1:10). In order to progress to this point we must strive to put all the characteristics mentioned by Peter to use in our life.

We must add " virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love" (2 Pet 1:5-7).

5) Grace and Knowledge: "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18). When we learn and understand the great gift that God gave us in His Son, then we should be motivated to grow in the knowledge of our Lord. The more we know, the better we can defend the gospel and spread the gospel! Jesus wants us to know Him as He said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matt 11:28-29). We need to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord.

In conclusion, our spiritual maturity will be realized when we put away childish things from our life (1 Cor 13:11) and begin to cultivate an understanding of the word (1 Cor 14:20). If we will follow the example of Jesus (Eph 4:13, 15; Phil 3:15), and partake of the deeper truths of the gospel (Heb 5:14), then we will be able to overcome any temptation that is cast our way (1 Cor 10:13; 1 John 2:14). When this happens, then it will be obvious that we are pressing toward maturity in our Christian life. It may then be said of us: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other" (2 Thes 1:3).

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All things on this earth becomes old and soon vanishes away. Yesterday is gone, and today will soon fade into another yesterday. This year, 2001, is soon to be numbered with so many of the years which have gone before it. And so it is with LIFE, your life and mine. "We spend our years as a tale that is told" (Psalms 90:9), and Job said: "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope" (Job 7:6).

In the year that is passing, how have we used the time given us? And how much of the time was devoted to God, to prayerful study of His Word, and in His service? Physical life is God's gift to man and should be used as God has prescribed in His Word. The Wise Man said: "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour" (Proverbs 21:21). But he follows after righteousness who obeys the commands of the Lord (Psalms 119:172). Here the Psalmist says: "My tongue shall speak of thy word: For all thy commandments are righteousness." And in one’s faithful obedience one performs his whole duty in life (Eccles. 12:13). By one’s obedience one is made free from sin and becomes a servant of righteousness (Rom. 6:17,18; and by continued obedience the gates of heaven are opened and entrance is given (Rev. 22:14).

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3" John 2).

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Baptism is a time of rejoicing for man. In Acts 8:39 the joy of salvation follows baptism. The eunuch was baptized, and then went on his way rejoicing. It is a time of rejoicing for heaven as well (Lk. 15:10). Perhaps this is one time the Son acknowledges one before the angels of God (Lk. 12:8).

The important thing that happens when one is baptized scripturally is that their sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). They are translated from the power of darkness (the world of sin) into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:13).

In view of the thoughts above it is right that we acknowledge our joy for those recently baptized. The joy of this church for the two young people recently baptized can be added to that which I have just mentioned above.

If you are reading this and have not yet been baptized scripturally, i.e. in the right mode ("baptism" means to immerse, plunge, submerge, see Col. 2:13; Rom. 6:4), and for the right reason (to wash away your sins, Acts 2:38; 22:16) then we encourage you to do so without delay. Your obedience is something we look forward to as well. When you do it will bring both heaven and man great joy!

You are known now by the name you wear, "Christian." One passage where the name is found is in Acts 11:26. In context here the name "Christian" was first given to disciples as a result of the teaching of Barnabas and Paul at Antioch in Syria.

Some of the first teaching you do is by example, Matt. 5:16. To give emphasis to the importance of one’s example consider the purposes stated in Titus 2:5 and I Tim. 5:14. One says "that the word of God be not blasphemed;" the other "give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully." These show "how" the world reacts when they know someone is a Christian and they are not an example of what a Christian should be.

Consider this statement by Lydia "after" she was baptized. Acts 16:15, "And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."

We notice that whatever participation she had with Christians prior to her baptism it was NOT that which she now has as a sister in Christ. Based upon her baptism they could judge her as faithful to the Lord!

Recognize Paul’s instruction in 1 Cor. 5:11, "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."

One is "named" or "called" a brother at baptism. Having begun in the faith you have the right to expect "all" Christians to be faithful to our Lord. Should you find one "named" a brother who is not, then obey Paul’s command here.

They are NOT what you are in Christ (Acts 26:28-29). You are going to meet many who "think" they are. You should deal with them scripturally (I Pet. 3:15) rather than emotionally. Remember, you don’t bring others whom you meet to Christ by acting like they are in Christ’s church when they are not.

Let’s review here two examples of temptations that came not long after one’s baptism.

First, there is Ananias & Saphirra, Acts 5:1-11. The point is not just that two people fell down dead. It is important that you realize God did not spare them just because they were "new" Christians! Rom. 11:22 tells you to "consider" the goodness and severity of God. "Consider" is a simple request, but new Christians often don’t like to consider the severity of God.

Secondly, there is Simon the sorcerer, Acts 8:9-24. Again, Simon proves that old temptation "come back soon" so to speak. What came back for him? The wrong use of money; the desire for power. God put this here as a lesson for new Christians.

You cannot survive spiritually without it. There is what is called the "old disease" that makes children age quickly. It robs children of physical and mental growth because they have no time. This is an unnatural process.

Growth in Christ is a natural spiritual process. Peter identifies new converts as "babes" in Christ who need the sincere milk of the word (I Pet. 2:2). However, unlike the physical infant God intends that certain things be put into your minds, comprehended, and executed! This process is to continue until you grow up in all aspects (Eph. 4:15).

Do not be the Christians mentioned in Heb. 5:12, who "by reason of time" ought to be teaching but have need of being taught again the first principles of the oracles of God.

Allow me to quickly answer, "How?" You will grow through the collective worship and work of the local church. Read Acts 2:42 and note the things continued steadfastly in mentioned there. Growth for you will come the same way it did for those in the first century.

Really, truly, actually read and study the Bible, 2 Tim. 2:15. If you don’t start NOW you will not grow in the "faith." Nor will you develop faith (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, make "time" for the things that promote growth.

One simple, but effective method I recommend is the "One Year Bible." That’s all it is, the Bible. Buy yourself one. The daily reading in the O.T. will help them understand how God deals with man; the readings in Psalms, Proverbs, and Eccl. will show how "foolish" this world really is and you will see how foolish you’ve been in the past, and when you still are at times; the New Testament will tell you what you need to know about Christ, the church, our hope, and godliness.

Here’s where work and acquaintances come in again! Peer pressure for young adults quite often consists of a few beers in the wrong place; a lie to cover for someone; theft that all know about but no one does anything; mistreatment of another that is being overlooked for others’ own selfish reasons, etc. Drinking parties are very popular in the work force. I Pet. 4:1-6 keeps us ALL on the right path here.

If there is hardship then "endure it" for God will be there to help you through it, 2 Tim. 2:3.

This is a necessary part of your life now, Heb. 10:24-25. Attendance is necessary whether young or old; or young or old in the faith! You must give as well as receive.

One can’t be gone all the time for sports, etc., one after another and fulfill their obligation.

Notice passages where it mentions "older," "younger." Begin thinking the rules are the same for ME as for ALL others. Read Titus 2:1-7 and see that it is as consistent for the old as the young! Some will teach when young, but say "No" when they are old. Adults when young might take three weeks vacation and speak proudly of their obligation to the local church. When old that three weeks sometimes turns into three to six months and they are gone all the time. No obligation is seen as "really" necessary. You may see someone older breaking God’s rules. Paul said, "Let no man despise thy youth."

You’re just beginning. Run the race well! (Rev. 3:5) Your lives will be over in a shorter time than you realize.

THE TRUTH IN PRINT, July 2001

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Let us begin now if we have not already to be sure that we attend every service, and thereby encourage others to do the same.

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The man lost something more valuable than his legs ... he lost his friends.

I saw a documentary about people with spinal cord injuries. One man was paralyzed from the waist down and had to work hard to regain the use of his upper body. As he was discussing the emotional ups and downs of the first weeks after his injury, his eyes filled with tears and he said, "I wish I had my friends. Some called and told me they couldn't bear to see me like this, others never call or visit. It would have helped me so much if they would have come to see me and told me they loved me."

This happens quite often to the ill and injured and it happens among God's people. Friends become so afraid that they'll say the wrong thing or not know what to say that they decide it is best if they say or do nothing. This ends up being the most harmful thing they can do because their ill/disabled friend feels neglected and unloved. This is, by far, more painful than having a friend visit who stays quiet for fear of offense.

In fact, the ill/disabled is never offended when someone cares enough to call and visit and may not find the right words to say. Instead, they feel loved and they understand that their friendship is not based on the external. If the injured man's friends would have realized that a loss of legs does not mean a loss of the individual, they would have gained an even greater relationship with a man who now has much more understanding of the value of friendship.

Little did the friends know how much they needed this man. Their separation caused anxiety in their friend and he could identify with David's feelings in Psalm 142:4, "Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul."

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 27:9-10

Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel. Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

Proverbs 27:14

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him.

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