Christian Maturity
Christian Maturity4
How Lives Are Built
By K.P. Yohannan0MAT 11:28LUK 6:28JHN 17:15ROM 8:28HEB 5:8K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of responding to life's challenges by reflecting the character of Jesus. He shares a story of a leader who faced betrayal from two disciples, encouraging him to bless those who left rather than retaliate. Through trials, believers can grow in maturity and Christlikeness, as exemplified by Jesus and biblical figures like Abraham and Paul. Yohannan reminds us that true transformation takes time and is a daily process, urging us to seek Jesus in Scripture to learn how to imitate Him in our lives. Ultimately, he reassures that all things work together for good for those who love God, as we are conformed to the image of His Son.
His Image
By K.P. Yohannan0MAT 11:28JHN 17:15ROM 8:28HEB 5:8K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that Christian maturity and Christ-likeness are forged through life's difficulties rather than in comfort. He highlights Jesus' prayer for His disciples, noting that we are left in the world to learn from trials and reflect His character. Drawing on biblical figures and modern saints, he illustrates how enduring hardships shapes us into the image of Christ. Yohannan reassures that this transformation is a gradual process, requiring daily commitment to reflect Jesus in every situation. Ultimately, he encourages believers to engage with Scripture and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in their journey of becoming more like Christ.
The Power to Love
By Theodore Epp0JER 31:3ROM 5:51JN 4:7Theodore Epp emphasizes that love is not something we create but rather something we release, as instructed in 1 John 4:7-21. He explains that while natural love may falter, divine love, which God has bestowed upon us, empowers believers to love even the unlovable. This love, rooted in God's nature, grows within us through the Holy Spirit and matures as we walk closely with the Lord. As Christians allow God's love to flow through them, it becomes a testament to Christ's presence in their lives. Epp concludes with the reminder of God's everlasting love as expressed in Jeremiah 31:3.
The Local Church That God Blesses - Power for Christian Living
By Peter Brandon51:03:13EPH 5:14Peter Brandon emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit for living a holy life and experiencing true Christian maturity. He explains that the Holy Spirit is not merely an influence but a divine person who empowers believers to walk in righteousness and grow in their faith. Brandon outlines the steps to being filled with the Spirit, including hunger for God, exposure to His presence, consecration, and faith. He highlights that a Spirit-filled life is characterized by love, joy, and submission to one another, ultimately leading to a vibrant and effective local church. The sermon calls for believers to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and to allow Him to transform them into the image of Christ.