Spiritual growth is imperative for us to be healthy Christians. Lack of growth causes us to be impeded and unable to function on the spiritual level that is required to walk in victory and defeat Satan. Many Christians do not stop and periodically examine their spiritual progress. We go for physical checkups annually, but never go for a spiritual examination. We cannot just hope we are growing spiritually. We must rigorously follow a disciplined plan to assure our growth is positive and leading us to experience Christ in all of His fullness. It is sad to watch Christians living below their potential because of failure to look deep inside and ask tough questions about their spiritual growth. Please take an inventory of the important disciplines that draw you closer to Christ and see how you are progressing!
One way to enhance your spiritual growth is to be in Sunday School this Sunday at 9:30 A.M. The Service and Children’s Church will begin at 10:30 A.M. each Sunday from now on. Hope to see you this week.
If you have not signed up for The Kingdom Marriage Class & Steak Dinner this Friday night at 6:30 P.M., please call the church office and ask Sheila to add you to the list.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart:
Colossians 2:19, “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth (grows) with the increase (growth) of God.”
There is a proper growth and an improper growth in the Christian life.
The context of the above verse alludes to an improper growth.
The Colossian believers were being robbed of their experience of Christ and the proper growth of God.
Paul describes this by saying, “Let no man rob you of your prize” (v. 18).
Do you know what your prize is?
Your prize and my prize is Christ Himself.
Our prize is our present possession and enjoyment of Christ.
Do not let anyone rob you of this.
It is not merely that Christ will be our prize in the future.
Christ is our prize right now as a present possession.
The normal Christian life is that Christ is all to us at every stage of our growth.
Nothing should replace Christ in our experience regardless of where we are.
Paul exposes the things that were replacing Christ and robbing the Colossian believers: a false humility, worship of angels, being vainly puffed up by a fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head.
When Paul says, “and not holding the Head”, he is telling us that there is a way to grow and a way not to grow.
The way not to grow is to be focused on yourself, having a relationship with yourself, your flesh, your own energy, the law, and man-made religion.
That is the way not to grow.
Growing comes from holding the Head.
“Holding the Head” is in the present tense, which means that you are continuously holding Christ as your Head.
Whenever you hold something, you handle it.
The Colossian believers did not hold the Head.
They were not handling Christ.
Handle Christ before you handle anything, especially yourself.
Until Tomorrow
With a Shepherd’s Love
Pastor
…….
TODAY’S PRAYER LIST
Jill Haines – Covid – Pray
Ashley & Jason’s Friend
Bill Lawhead – Prayer Needed
Doris Strickland
Jeff Fowler
Johnny Page
Richard Blount – Home
Amy Garner’s Mother
Ashley Burn’s Sisters
Barbara Shed’s Family
Bill Moody
Carol Lawhead
Charlie Sessom – Waiting
Colby/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Denise Stubbs – Kim Allison’s Mom
Greg Payne – Lisa’s Brother
Hanna Hall – Pray For Grace
James Garner’s G’Son
Joyceann – James Garner’s Daughter
Kimberly – Dustin’s Sister
Larry Barker
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lynn – Nancy Brown’s Daughter
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford – Pray For Guidance
Michael Stanley
Nancy Brown’s G’Daughter
Nora Allison – Dustin’s Mom
Pastor Stucke– Nikki’s Dad
Paula Ferus’ Missionary Friend
Ricky Stubbs
Roseleigh Osborn
Scott Lanier – Linda’s Son
Shaelyn – Jill’s Friend
Sharon Blalock
Sheila Simmons Cousin
Tom Witcher