Are you Graduating in the School of Grace?

I Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Are you a grace-giving person? Where does grace come from? How do we grow in grace?

- A Challenge To be Spiritually Mature

It is graduation time! We honor all those who have accomplished another step in their educational path. It reminds me of how far we have come spiritually and how far we have yet to go.

A family from rural Tennessee made their very first trip to the big city. They checked into a grand hotel and stared in amazement at the impressive lobby… the gleaming marble, sparkling chandeliers, rich wood and polished brass.

Leaving the front desk, they stood before the elevator.

They had never seen anything LIKE an elevator before. They just stood there staring at it, wondering HOW it worked and WHAT it was for.

Just then, an elderly lady walked up to the metal doors, pushed a button and ‘DING’ - the doors opened. She got in and the doors closed behind her. 15 seconds later, a light flashed, another ‘DING!’ and out walked a beautiful young woman.

The father of the family couldn’t stop staring at this INCREDIBLE device! Without even blinking, he elbowed his son and said, “Quick, son! Go get yer mom! I want HER to try this thing!”

Folks, that isn't real.. and putting yourself in a magic box that goes "Ding" isn't how Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity happen, either. Yes, when we become a Christian we are a new creation, the past is forgiven and a new life has begun, but it takes time to grow into the person God wants us to be. We need the Bible, mentors, a church family, a great spiritual diet and spiritual exercise before growth can occur.

Peter was very concerned about many believers lack of spiritual growth back in the first century. He had growing pains and he wanted others to benefit from his own experience, so, he offers three lessons on spiritual growth.

1. The Building Blocks of Growth are found in God's Word.

a) Hear it: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word of God that you may grow thereby."

b) Study it: "Let the Word of God dwell in you richly..."

c) Live it: "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly..."

2. The Blessings of Growth will result:

a) You will "Grow in Grace." Meaning you will have assurance of salvation, you will begin to live a grace-filled life, and you will see others through the lens of grace and be less critical and more compassionate. Everyone needs more grace from each other.

b) You will "Grow in Knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." You will find that as you pray and practice God's Word that you grow in the knowledge of Christ, you have the mind of Christ, and you will begin to do things as Christ would do them.

3. The Barriers to Growth can be overcome. In verse 17 Peter warns us to "Watch out" because there is a lot of trouble on the road ahead. Peter mentions two barriers to growth:

a) First, the world of people who have different values who think it is foolish to trust the Lord. Their counsel will lead to folly and will act as a Barrier to Growth.

b) The second barrier to growth is YOU! You are always your own worst enemy when it comes to spiritual growth. You sabotage God's plan by your stubborn pride. Remember, "I did it my way" was likely not written by a committed Christian. Don't be a doubting, half-hearted, selfish "Christian." Beware of being carried away with the error of lawless people so much that you lose your own footing. Here is a prayer to help you on your path to spiritual maturity:

“Lord, I need You more than anything… and I need You to help me. I realize that I can’t grow on my own – I need You working in my life. There are many things influencing me to go the other way. Lord, help me to hear YOUR voice that I might grow and be what YOU want me to be. When I stray, help me to hear the Spirit’s gentle call. When I need encouragement and perseverance, be my strength. Oh, Lord, I commit myself to You!”

Imagine you had a school-age child but the child hadn't fully grown physically or intellectually. What would you do? You would try to get some professional help, I'm sure. Friends, that's how God feels about many believers. Will you make a fresh commitment to spiritual growth today? God wants you to graduate to the next level and so do I!

Yours for growth in grace,

Pastor Ken

Photo of Christopher Boda who will speak at Faith Fellowship on June 1 at 10 AM.  Please come.

This Sunday (6/1/2025) we will be having Christopher Boda, a native Indian missionary at Faith Fellowship.

Christopher has been translating the Bible into the Banjaran Language in India.  There are 150 million people who do not have a Bible translated into their language. The project is nearly complete. Then money is needed to print the Bibles.

Christopher has started 105 churches among his Banjaran tribe and has a large orphanage for outcast children.  He needs support for these children.  The cost per child is $30. a month. Come and learn more about his life and ministry at 10 AM this Sunday.  A potluck lunch will follow. Please spread the word and be sure to come out this Sunday to Faith Fellowship in Luck, WI.

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FAITH FELLOWSHIP

2497 State Hwy 35

PO Box 265

Luck, WI 54853

715-475-7666

Pastor Ken Mettler, 715-483-9202

Happy Graduation! But keep growing in grace!

I hope to see you at Faith Fellowship real soon!

Pastor Ken

Each week:

Wednesday 7 PM -Prayer Meeting / Friday 7 PM -Prayer for the Nation

Saturday 7 AM -Men's Bible and Breakfast

Sunday 9 AM -Sunday School, 10 AM Worship

Faith Fellowship -Our Forever Family, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715)475-7666