Dear friends,
At staff meeting this week we continued a discussion about welcoming and helping people connect in with our church so they too can be part of the growing Christian community devoted to maturing in Jesus for the Glory of God. As part of that discussion, Simon suggested that perhaps we need to get everyone thinking about What’s Best Next in your own Christian walk?
It is clear from the Bible that being a Christian is not a state you enter into but a process you participate in. The language of the New Testament is overwhelmingly littered with active encouragements to continue changing and growing to be more and more the person God wants you to be in Christ. Just look at the following examples:
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18
“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10
Have a read through any one of the New Testament letters this week and you will see over and over again, the challenge for you to continue growing as a Christian, maturing as a Christian, putting off sin, imitating Christ, shining like stars and learning more and more of the riches of God’s grace.
To this end, each one of us should ask ourselves a couple of times a year, What’s Best Next for my Christian growth. The answer for each of us will be different.
Unclear on the basics of Christianity and Jesus? Get into Exploring Christ.
Unclear on how to think and live as a Christian? Get into Firm Foundations.
Wanting to understand more of God and his Word? Get into a growth group.
Wanting to be equipped to share the Good News? Get into an Exploring Christ training group.
Wanting to dig deeper into theology? Get into PTCgo!
Wanting to think about a particular topic? Ask for a book recommendation.
Wanting to exercise your gifts and talents? Get involved in serving.
That’s just the start. Speak to your growth group leader or a member of staff for help on What’s Best Next for you!
Of course, this has application to welcoming and connecting new people too, but I’ll tell you about some of Leanne’s thoughts on that next week!
In Christ
Nigel