This post is part of a series of core Christian principles for new believers. For more, visit the series archive.
This post covers the necessity of spiritual development and the key to connecting with God.
How do I speak with God?
For Christians, Prayer is how we actively communicate with The Most High God.
Jesus' death gave us the privilege to use prayer at any time and anywhere.
"But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom..." - Matthew 27:50-51 (CSB)This curtain divided the Most Holy Place (God's throne room) from the rest of the Temple, creating a barrier that could only be crossed once a year by the High Preist.
When this veil was torn, it represented the new and unlimited access into the presence of God through Jesus Christ and prayer.
Even though we now have the ability to freely speak with God, there is a right and wrong way to pray. For example:
Must pray in Jesus' Name. (John 14: 13-14)
Must admit and apologize to God for your sins. (Psalm 32:5-6)
Forgive others before prayer. (Mark 11:25-26)
Pray with good intentions. (James 4:3)
And much more!
Prayer, in itself, is a detailed subject that I am unable to fitly analyze in this post.
Still, I encourage you to take advantage of this FREE in-depth study guide today!
How can I grow spiritually?
The Bible describes Christians in many ways, one of which is a newborn baby.
At the moment of salvation, we are born of the Spirit, a.k.a born again.
Nicodemus asked Jesus:
“How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”
Jesus answered, “...unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:4-6 (NASB)Our new spirit body needs spiritual food to develop properly.
The Word of God is our food, and it is jam-packed with nutrition for every stage of your Christian growth. Without it, you will end up with a malnourished spiritual life.
"...understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord." - Deuteronomy 8:3 (NASB)
Most parents can attest to bottle-feeding an infant constantly for healthy growth.
Like babies, new believers can not digest advanced biblical teachings, nor are they fit to begin working in the Church ministry right away.
As your capacity to understand increases gradually, so will your responsibilities to God and His Church.
"...you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the Word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." - Hebrews 5:12-14 (NASB)The Apostle Paul explains that Christians:
Must make an effort to grow spiritually.
Must advance from elementary teaching.
Outward behavior reflects their inner maturity.
Can train their spiritual senses with the application of biblical principles.
Milk (basic bible doctrine) is for infant believers, and solid food (advanced theological teaching) is for the mature.
Christians should be systematically introduced to new biblical concepts while dedicating time to self-study and practice.
Is there proof I am growing?
Your spiritual growth depends on daily efforts to learn and obey God's Word.
However, the proof of maturity is revealed in how you react or respond to life's circumstances.
God has the ULTIMATE authority in the universe, and He gives us all the freedom of choice.
Meaning, God will sometimes allow the consequences of our free will, good or bad, past or present, to occur.
Life's ups (success/fortune) and downs (sufferings/difficulties) test and expose our true understanding and obedience to God. (1 Peter 4:12)
Ask Yourself:
Do you trust God completely?
Are you taking God seriously?
Do you fear and respect God?
Do you honestly want a relationship with Him?
Is God your source for everything?
Major life-changing events uncover not only your degree of faith but also the motivation and character of the people you associate with. (See the book of Job)
No one can avoid hardships in life, but the idea is to apply God's Word to every situation.
Your sole trust in Him will help you make better choices, retain your faith, and spiritually blossom into perfect maturity.
Can someone teach me?
God: The Holy Spirit gives all believers at least one spiritual gift the moment they are saved. (More on that later)
One unique spiritual gift is called a 'Pastor' who leads Church members as a shepherd leads a flock. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
God Himself chooses who can minister on His behalf and has given strict rules plus responsibilities for that position.
For instance, a woman can not be a pastor, the spiritual authority in a Church. (1 Timothy 3) and (The Story of Korah Numbers 16)
The Bible was written over 3,000 years ago, yet it will forever be relevant.
The Pastor's gift is the ability to learn and sensibly explain the Holy and ancient knowledge. Their job is to teach fellow Christians how to study and apply it to their modern life.
Since the Bible is the History of Jesus Christ, every Pastor's sermon should be Christ-centered and scripturally sound.
Need help finding a bible-teaching Church?
Download this free comprehensive guide TODAY '5 Steps to Finding The Right Church' by I.I.M.
Why can't I teach myself?
The Holy Spirit is indeed living in us and revealing the mysteries of God. However, He uses pastors, teachers, and sometimes situations to help externally confirm His Word.
Let us be honest; how often do we neglect our inner moral compass?
Without proper guidance, we typically interpret biblical ideas using our old sinful viewpoint. Shaping scriptures into what we want to see and believe instead of what it actually says.
Illustration:
It could take many years to learn Quantum Physics by yourself with no prior knowledge.
Rather, you can study under a professor who has mastered the concept.
Offering you the result of trial and error as well as the relatable insight that saves you time and frustration.
Scriptures:
"We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him" - John 9:31 (ESV)
Songs:
'To Know You' by Spencer Annis
"But I admit that I don't know you,
The way that I should really know you,
I admit that I don't know you well.
But I want to, Lord, I want to..."
"Lord I don't want to rush on ahead In my own strength When You're right here
I'm not in a hurry..."
Sermons:
Jesus the King (25 mins)
Life's Greatest Pursuit - Part 1 (25 mins)
Knowing about God is one thing; really knowing him is something else. Join Dr. Tony Evans as he explores the difference on the subject of really knowing God.
Now that we know how to fill our spiritual belly, it's time to review the Key Terms & Concepts.
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