Good morning and welcome to "A Word from the Vine", coming to you from the Danish Countryside Chapel in Exira, Iowa. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen. Today, we’re going to explore the concept of Christian maturity, a topic that is both challenging and rewarding.
Let’s begin with a word of prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day and the opportunity to gather in Your name. Open our hearts and minds to Your Word, and guide us as we seek to grow in our faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Christian maturity is a journey, not a destination. It’s about growing in our faith and becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. Today, I want to talk about three types of Christians that illustrate different stages of this journey.
The first type is what I call the “Santa Claus” Christians. These are individuals who believe in Jesus much like they believe in Santa Claus. They acknowledge His existence but don’t let that belief transform their lives. James 2:19 says, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” Belief alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by a change in heart and actions.
The second type is the unrepentant and immature Christians. These are people who know a lot about the Bible, attend church, and may have even gone through confirmation, but their faith doesn’t impact their daily lives. They haven’t truly repented or allowed their faith to transform them. James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” True faith is evident in our actions and our willingness to repent and grow.
The third type is the mature Christians. These individuals not only believe in Jesus but also seek to know Him deeply. They repent of their sins, acknowledge their need for Christ, and dedicate their lives to serving Him. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Mature Christians understand that their worth comes from Christ alone and strive to live in a way that honors Him.
Christian maturity is about more than just believing in Jesus; it’s about letting that belief transform every aspect of our lives. As we grow in our faith, let’s strive to move beyond mere belief and allow our faith to shape our actions, attitudes, and relationships.
Let’s close in prayer. Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the guidance it provides. Help us to grow in our faith and become mature Christians who live out our beliefs in every aspect of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today. May God bless you as you continue on your journey of faith.
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