How to Grow
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of prayer, personal devotion, fellowship, and evangelism for spiritual growth.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth for those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. He outlines key practices such as watching and praying to avoid sin, having regular intimate times with God through prayer and Bible reading, and maintaining fellowship with other believers. Stegen illustrates these points with a story of a stagnant church that revived after addressing hidden sin and committing to prayer. He stresses that spreading the Gospel is essential for personal and communal growth in faith. Ultimately, he encourages believers to actively engage in their spiritual lives to remain vibrant and fruitful.
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For those of you who have surrendered your lives to Jesus Christ you need to know how can one remain spiritually alive
WATCH AND PRAY. Don't allow sin in your life or give any room to the devil. Example: A certain Malawian church suddenly became stagnant. In response, the conregation met more regularly to pray for growth. The numbers continued to dwindle until a member confessed to having stolen money from a recently widowed family. When this was dealt with the church promptly gained new life and members.
If you want your personal life with God (and your church) to grow then remember to watch and pray.
HAVE REGULAR TIMES WITH GOD. Intimiate prayer and reading of the Bible are very important for spriritual growth. The Bible is your food - eat it daily as often as you can.
HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH THOSE WHO ARE SURRENDERED TO THE LORD. A red hot coal loses its fire if it is isolated.
SPREAD THE GOSPEL. Witness to others about Jesus Christ. The gospel is vital for any progress or civilization to occur. Spread the Good News
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Importance of spiritual vigilance - Role of prayer in spiritual growth
- II points: - Regular personal devotion - Daily Bible reading as spiritual nourishment
- III points: - Value of Christian fellowship - Impact of isolation on spiritual vitality
- IV points: - Necessity of evangelism - Gospel as a catalyst for growth
Key Quotes
“If you want your personal life with God (and your church) to grow then remember to watch and pray.” — Erlo Stegen
“The Bible is your food - eat it daily as often as you can.” — Erlo Stegen
“A red hot coal loses its fire if it is isolated.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Establish a daily routine of prayer and Bible reading to nourish your spiritual life.
- Engage regularly with fellow believers to strengthen your faith and avoid spiritual isolation.
- Actively share the gospel to contribute to both personal and communal spiritual growth.