Living things grow!

If our faith is alive and dynamic, it will grow. 

Our growth can be likened to the growth of a plant:

1. Light from above

A plant needs sunlight to survive.  Sunlight provides the plant with warmth and the energy it needs to power the process of photosynthesis.

As a Christian, you need the Bible, God’s light from above, to survive, too.   In the Bible, God assures us of our salvation and of His love for us (warmth).

The Bible is also the source of our knowledge about how we can live as Christians:  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.  It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 4:16-17).

The Bible is our guide to Christian living:  “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

These guidelines may help you …

	Read systematically – rather than just opening at any page, choose a book (I suggest the gospel of John) and read right through it.
	Read regularly – find a time, every day, when you can read the Bible.  Try to read at least a chapter a day.
	Read thoughtfully – think about what you’re reading!  If you don’t understand, talk to someone (a pastor?), or get a Bible dictionary or commentary.
	Read prayerfully – pray before you read.  Ask God to teach you.  Expect Him to do that!  He will!
	Read with others – find a Bible study or partner with whom you can read, so you can discuss the Bible together.

2. Watering

For a plant to grow, it needs water.  Rain falls from the sky.  Or, we water it.  A plant without moisture wilts and, ultimately, dies.

For you as a Christian, prayer is like watering.  Prayer is talking with God.  And it is essential for growth.  It is worthwhile to note that the great men of the Bible — even Jesus, Himself — prayed (Daniel 6:10, John 17). 

Jesus expected His people to pray, and highlighted the results we can expect from prayer (Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 18:19-20, John 15:16, John 16:24).

In Matthew 6:5-14, Jesus gives us a short lesson on how to pray:  the Lord’s Prayer!  Many of us can repeat it word for word.  More helpful is to use it as an outline for prayer.  An acronym many people use to help them pray is A C T S – notice how each part of this prayer is in “The Lord’s Prayer”:

	Adoration – praise God for who He is and what He’s done in your life!
	Confession – confess your sins to God.  Be assured he forgives you (see 1 John 1:9)!
	Thanksgiving – take a few moments to reflect on God’s blessings --- your home, family, friends, faith!
	Supplication – what other people do you want to pray for?  What do you need to pray about in your own life?
	You can use this as an outline for your prayer.

There is no special position for praying (sitting, kneeling, standing); nor is there any special vocabulary you must use!  Simply talk to God!  Praise Him!  Tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Thank Him for His blessings.  Tell Him  your needs and concerns.  And, take time to listen!  God can talk to us through prayer, too!

As with Bible reading, it is good to get into the habit of praying regularly (at least once, if not twice per day), thoughtfully (think about what you want to pray for and why), and expectantly.

3. A solid foundation

Plants have to be “anchored” in good soil, or sunlight and water won’t do any good!  The soil helps the plant stand up, and it contains many of the essential nutrients the plant needs.

You need to be rooted in a good church congregation!  Christians in a local church fellowship, like First Baptist, can encourage you in your faith and help you through difficult times – they can help you stand up as a Christian.  And the other Christians at First can help you grow in your faith because they have “been there, done that” – they have wisdom and experience they can share with you. 

There is something wonderfully exciting about being part of a church like First Baptist where people encourage one another, learn from one another, and learn together through Bible study and prayer.

It is significant that the Bible knows nothing of “Lone Ranger” Christians – Christians who are not part of a local church.  As you read about the New Testament church (from Acts to the end of our Bibles in Revelation) – believers are always in churches!  Never on their own!  Indeed Scripture is firm that “meeting together” is the norm (see Hebrews 10:19-39).

Talk with one of our pastors today!