I am greatly blessed, in this order: First, My name is written in the Lamb’s Book of life. Second, Pam is my wife with 3 wonderful kids. Third, I have been granted the honor of being YOUR pastor! As your pastor I want to take the first Sunday of 2012 to encourage you.
When I think of you, Colossians 1:28-29 is the first thing that crosses my mind. Listen…
Him we proclaim, warning everyone & teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present EVERYONE mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.
Did you hear it? “Present everyone mature in Christ.” That’s my prayer & goal for you! I want you to grow & mature in Christ every day! My greatest joy is you maturing in the faith (3 Jn 1:4)!
To begin 2012 let’s look at how maturing in Christ happens. I pray this encourages you.
Christian Maturity Is Massively God Oriented. Note how Peter credited GOD. “HIS divine power” (3a). “HE granted to us” (4a). “HIS… promises” (4b). God is THE source of all things… including our maturity! That’s good because otherwise it wouldn’t happen, (Ro 3:10) “No one seeks God!”
Let me press this a little. These three passages build one on the other (Not in your outline)
Ro 8:29 Those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…
Phil 2:13 It is God who works in you, both to will & to work for His good pleasure.
Phil 1:6 I am sure of this, that He (God) who began a good workin youwill bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
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