Christian Maturity
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32376&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Dr. Richard J. Krejcir
We must have a firm, forward and moving commitment and trust in His work...
One of the clearest evidences of being a mature Christian is an increased awareness and knowledge for the need to be in Christ, and not to be to ourselves. When we have an increased need that goes beyond our self, an increasing need that goes beyond our self-confidence, so confidence is in our Lord and the Holy Spirit; then our self-confidence becomes rooted and dependent in Christ working through us. So we are not self-driven but Christ driven (II Cor. 4:16-18; II Tim. 2:15-24; I Pet. 5). Thus resulting i bn our will to be in total surrender to God's will as the driving force for our existence. For us to grow we must surrender our will, desires, plans upon our Lord Jesus Christ. The municipal center of the Christian life is Jesus Christ (Col. 3:4).
We must have a firm, forward and moving commitment and trust in His work (Rom.12:1; Gal. 2:20, Phil.1:20-21 ).
The believer has support from other mature believers (Matt. 28:20; John 15:5)
Has purpose, direction, and is filled with Christ's power (Eph. 3:20; Phil. 4:13; Rom.12:1-2).
Is discipled in the gifts of the spirit (I Cor.12).
All in: Word of God (Matt. 4:4; I Pet. 2:2).
Prayer and praise (Phil. 4:4-7; Col. 3:16-17).
Love (I Cor.13; Mark 12:28-34; John 3:16).
And Fellowship (John 13:34-35; I Cor.12:12-21; Eph. 4:15-16).
In Christ, all that comes to us is for God's glory, purpose, and our good. (Rom. 8:28). He seeks to bring us closer to Himself by His love, joy, and peace (Rom. 5:1-5) that we may share His love with those around us to convey God's purpose for His people (John 17:20-24; Acts 2:24; 44-47).
© 1992, 2001 R.J. Krejcir, Into Thy Word www.intothyword.com
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=32340&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The main names for the Holy Spirit: Counselor; Comforter; Baptizer; Advocate; Strengthener; Sanctifier; Spirit of Christ; Seven-Fold Spirit; Spirit of Truth; Spirit of Grace; Spirit of Mercy; Spirit of God; Spirit of Holiness; Spirit of Life. He is symbolized in the OT and NT by (1) breath or wind; (2) fire; (3) water; (4) oil; (5) light; (6) a dove.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=32328&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
What is TULIP all about? Is it Biblical or just crazy man made doctrine?
The Five Points of Calvinism in the acronym of T.U.L.I.P. is system of theology that came a generation after Calvin in the Synod of Dordt in Holland in 1619. This was a response to the five points presented by the Arminians in 1610. Both of these doctrines sought to define how we go to God through salvation. Both claim that the formula of salvation is presented and contained only in the Holy Scriptures. For the most part, in all the essential Doctrines of the Christian faith, there is...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=78730&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The Resurrection is the heart of Christianity, the ultimate climax that has come for the Church and for the Christian! It gives us our eternal life, hope for the future, and effectual life for today. It encompasses all of our Lord's life and mission and the incredible undeserved miracle of our redemption! The history of humanity, our fallen state, the move of our Lord through time and history and our lives were interwoven to the finishing point. Jesus Christ lived on our behalf. He has died in our places to absorb God's wrath and pay our debt of sin; Easter, the Resurrection, tells how He rises back to life, conquering death, and giving us new life by His victory and the product of grace for a life of fulfillment and fullness!