Sermons on Gradual Growth:

Five Anti-Growth Attributes To Avoid

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Jul 17, 2011

Peter urges us as believers (especially new ones) to be nourished and grow closer to Jesus, and he highlights five anti-growth attributes that will keep us from doing so! Avoid the evil, cling to what is good!

Text: 1 Peter 2:1-3 1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Opening Prayer Paul wrote about the 'fruit' of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The "Rapid Growth" Towards Christ-Likeness!

Contributed by Herbert Armstrong Bosantog on Nov 5, 2012

I learned that DISCIPLESHIP is not MANDATORY! DISCIPLESHIP should not be MOTIVATED by FEAR. Let me ILLUSTRATE my LIFE, when I was in the ENGINEERING, I was DOMINATED by FEAR! I wasn’t STUDYING to LEARN, rather I was STUDYING because of FEAR of FAILING,

INTRODUCTION: It’s about 2 yrs. have passed when I DENIED myself, CARRIED my OWN CROSS and FOLLOWED Jesus CHRIST! I encountered a lot of TRIALS that TESTED my FAITH, endurance, patience, self-control, humility & forgiveness. I learned to FOCUS in PURSUING my CALLING and not to ENTERTAIN ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-34

Denomination: *other

How To Stunt Your Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Dec 5, 2011

Paul confronts the Galatians about how they lost their first love for God and for the servant God had sent because of their following a false message.

• How discouraging is it to invest so much into something only to see it go in a dangerous direction after you are no longer there to influence it. a) Business you once owned b) A child after he/she moves out of the house c) Church you once were a member of(or pastor of) • Paul is ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:8-20

Why Trying Is Not Enough For Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 17, 2015

Paul commands us to do more than try - we are to train.

WHAT DOES A VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE LOOK LIKE? Christlikeness. - 1 Timothy 4:7a. - The goal of the Christian life is for us to literally become like Christ, not just claim allegiance to Him. - The mention of “godless myths and old wives’ tales” earlier in v. 7 is telling. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Always Evaluate Your Spirtual Growth Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Nov 11, 2013

Until Jesus returns, the Christian must continue to grow in faith.

We continue to learn from the First Letter to the Thessalonians; please open your Bibles there… What have we noted so far? In Chapter 1 we noted what the right motives are for the Christian life! In Chapter 2 we noted 2 things, how to effectively share the Gospel and the importance of being ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

United For The Growth Of The Church And The Glory Of God Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 8, 2014

Paul has finished telling the Ephesians about their riches and inheritance in Jesus and now begins teaching them about their responsibility to Jesus. True understanding of correct biblical teaching should lead to correct Christian living

Intro: The Christian life is not based on ignorance but knowledge. Knowledge of Jesus! We are never taught the Bible nor do we study the Bible merely to learn what it says but instead we learn it to live what it says. True understanding of correct biblical teaching should motivate us to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Education And Service Promote Growth In Faith Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 12, 2015

Our catechesis must constantly reinforce the truths accepted in the early proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.

Thursday of 24th week in course 2015 Joy of the Gospel Today the Franciscans celebrate the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis. The few saints who have legitimately borne the marks of Christ’s passion live out in a physical and spiritual way the long hours of Christ’s passion and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:14-18

Denomination: Catholic

Two Keys To The Path To Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 4, 2015

What are some of the keys to pursuing spiritual growth?

THREE MISTAKES CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GROWTH: 1. I’m already there. - “This is as good as it’s going to get.” - “I’m mature enough.” - “My life looks like the other Christians around me.” - We need to recognize that God has more for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

Grow Up -- Stages Of Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by David Welch on May 12, 2015

Message six from 1 John dealing with spiritual growth stages.

“Grow Up” Stages of Spiritual Growth 1 John 2:12-14 Like any personal letter, John wrote for a number of reasons. However a clear theme winds its way through he whole letter. How do I attain and maintain an intimate relationship with the God who is LIGTH and LOVE? I. GOD IS LIGHT ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-14

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Seven Significant Signs Of Spiritual Growth

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 23, 2010

Have you ever been told to grow in grace and knowledge of God but not given practical steps to do so? Seven signs or steps to spiritual growth

Intro: From Jeff Hana; the TOP TEN WAYS TO TELL IF A CHURCH IS SPIRIT-FILLED 10) You have to assign numbers to people who want to share their testimony in worship 9) As the pastor closes the sermon, the chant of “We want more! We want more!” erupts. 8) The ushers have to empty the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Individual Most Essential For Church Growth

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Dec 2, 2005

The characteristics of the Holy Spirit that make Him uniquely essential to help grow the church.

[Note: this sermon is largely based on Calvin Miller’s work: "A View From the Fields".] Any attempt to grow the church apart from the Holy Spirit will be disastrous! We can have the most clever programs conceivable, plan the most motivating promotions available, sing the sweetest songs and preach ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Iva4 The Law Hinders Growth Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 21, 2020

Paul uses the example of the athlete because it was something his readers were familiar with, and the idea he wants to convey to them here is that they began the Christian life with dedication and enthusiasm.

December 14, 2013 The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians Tom Lowe Chapter IV.A.4: The Law Hinders Growth (5:7-10) Galatians 5:7-10 (KJV) 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

God's Plan For Growth Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 21, 2020

The 1) Prayer (Eph. 1:15-16), 2) Person (Eph. 1:17), 3) Promise (Ephesians 1:18), 4) Power (Eph. 1:19-20) & 5) Position (Eph. 1:21-23) that believers have in Christ.

Ephesians 1:15-23 [15]For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, [16]I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, [17]that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23

Denomination: Other

Why Deacons Are Vital To Church Growth

Contributed by Mark Stevens on Jan 7, 2017

When the Apostles felt overwhelmed they created an office....DEACONS, and the church GREW!

Acts 6:1 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” We see, here, the church growing to a large number. As long as the church was small and they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Church Growth Or Church Set Up Series

Contributed by Brad Yock on Mar 14, 2011

"A survival guide"

What every Pastor, Church Leader and seminary student should know. What they don’t teach you in seminary, yet 8 out of 10 pastors fail as a direct result of a church expansion program. This is the most pro active, preventative advice available today. Empowering, enlightening and powerful. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:19

Denomination: *other