Fine Print
Welcome to another week. I sincerely apologize for not posting yesterday. As I thought about this blog, it reminded me of the several individuals baptized this past Sunday. Our discovery of Christ's sacrifice may start slowly, then ignite. We realize we need him, therefore, eagerly acknowledge our humanness and God's divine attributes. We were once under the law; however, accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior set us free from the law (Ten Commandments). Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24
Fine Print: The law showed us our sins and their danger, leading us to Christ. Therefore, we made things right with God by faith.
Though 1 John 2:12-14 compared growth to children, I am comparing growth to fire. Though fire has three to five stages, I am most concerned with the first three. Stage one is ignition or start of the fire; two is growth, and three engulfs structures. Let's recount a fire stage by stage, which may not be typical for everyone. That said, if we compare a person to the components of a fire, we would most likely see the following: A spark begins the fire, which is when someone speaks with them about salvation. (Some individuals may not consider salvation unless someone approaches them first.) Upon hearing Christ died, was buried, and rose again and that he died because of our sins, the person may realize he died for them. At any rate, our conversation may be the spark that causes them to question their lives and decisions.
Fine Print: All of us come to salvation differently and at different times through this process.
Fire begins in the development or child stage when the person accepts Christ upon hearing the word. During this stage, the person develops a thirst for righteousness. Faith ignites, and they begin learning and reading the Bible. Students may ask questions attempting to understand verses. They begin attending church regularly because they are eager to hear the word of the Lord. Their lives begin to change. New converts may not want to participate in activities that corrupt their minds and souls. (I am not saying all at once. Sometimes it takes time.) There is excitement in their voices, and they smile, realizing the gospel of their salvation. The person no longer wishes to keep such a fantastic event to themselves but instead desires everyone to hear the gospel of Christ.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16
Fire enters the second stage, fueled by oxygen, generating heat, and spreading. It is similar to teenagers in the Lord who continue growing. Prayer, the Bible, pastor, and others become oxygen as a new convert picks up speed. The person begins to grow in grace, service, and holiness by learning Bible verses and asking many questions, which is essential to the person's transformation. It is as if the heart becomes a sponge soaking up every word from reading and sermons. Prayer life increases, as does meeting with other believers. Meetings encourage more prayer and participation. Hearts become vested in Christ as minds focus on Heavenly rather than earthly things. Their character continues to change and mature. (Fine print: Each person's walk is different.)
The final stage of a fire is a tested and developed individual. I am not setting these stages in stone or concrete as God changes and molds each one according to his perfect will. That said, not one Christian ever comes to Christ fully developed. Some will continue growing in the word by, desiring to see others saved; reading God's word, attending Bible studies and church regularly; meeting with others, and inviting others to church. Accepting Christ becomes a lifestyle unmatched by any other event in life. The old life leaves (may surface here and there); however, hopefully, it will not cripple development nor deter progress. Sadly, some give up and walk away. https://brandonkelley.org/9-terrible-reasons-walk-away-god/ However, God, waits for the person to return if they leave.
Fine Print: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37
Paul's gospel is the gold standard, as I call it. Once we believe this verse from the heart we are saved from the wrath to come. They read: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: It says Christ died, he was buried, and he rose again on the third day. Once one believes these verses from the heart, the person will be saved from the wrath of God.
I hope this blog is a blessing to all who search for Christ. His love is unmatched and will always continue. He offers salvation- no questions asked. I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.com I hope you have a great week. Please do not forget to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Thanks for stopping by. For more information, please visit:
https://www.newcovenantgj.org/web_documents/The%20Three%20Stages%20of%20Spiritual%20Growth.pdf
