On the Line. (Not on line!)

But first, the Lord has seen fit to bring trial to parents around this area, causing area schools to be closed with 6 inches of fresh powder snow. Its always interesting to think how some see that having never seen snow. What we know is youngsters who never seem to be able to get up and off to school arise to the occasion with NO problem.

Our cell group began to develop some interesting conversation regarding Christians and their walk.

And the basic scripture we developed from was this.

1 John 3:12

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

We discussed where do you fall on the line of Christianity and is your progress upward and onward. Obviously we begin as babies and the hope and desire of Christ is we end as mature Christians.

1Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

We began the line with babies and as you can see from the above scripture there is little responsibility. They simply need to show up and receive, being genuinely converted. Like a baby they rely on others.

The next step would be the "children" and let's use 1Corinthians 3:1

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ." This group has begun to trust the Lord for their needs, becoming secure in God's love for them. They are beginning tomove inthe things of God, reaching out to others. This is the place "fathers" need to be of great encouragement(just like real life!). They need to be given chores and responsibilities.

We move on to the scriptures from 1John 2:13, 14.

13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

This young man has developed a responsible lifestyle. He should be carrying out tasks without multiple requests, simply plugging in as he has been trained, holding down a job in ministry. He has become an overcomer.

And now we move to the "fathers" of the church. This stage has men and women who have clear understanding of their purpose, as well as God's purpose. They exhibit this to others. They encourage others, helping them into ministry. These are the people who start churches and ministries.

So...where do we fall on this line of growth? Is our Christianity maturing or just staying still, stagnating? Why do I ask? Because I believe we are moving into an era, where my life may depend on the maturity of you? I need you. (How's that?!?!)

This list is not to condemn(its the Word!) but to cause you to look at where you are today, and develop the mentality and the goals of where you need to be. Many asked what do I see as the divisions of time on this line of growth. I think it is not unreasonable to at least express these in biblical terms of growth and the cultures they were written in. So let's wade in.

Babies (brephos) are new-born children, infants, a babe, a little child of a year and under.

Children(nephos) are little children who are childish(duh!)unskilled and yet have begun to take on a great deal of life doing many things for themselves.

Young men(neaniskos) are a youth used as young attendants or servants.

Fathers(paters) are both parents, the Abraham/Sarah teams of the church.

The youngest should be reading their Bibles, devoting their time to prayer, praise and worship, gradually beginning to do the work of the ministry and ultimately developing their own spiritual children. But, keep in mind a father doesn't give up reading their Bible or praying, anymore than I gave up eating and walking.

And everyone may have areas that need polishing. But I have realized that many churches don't cause their people to grow, don't give them a blueprint to follow, don't point them to maturity and ministry, and then wonder why the pastor does all the work. Now if you are a church leader, I am sure you know what I am talking about, and if you are not a leader, are you plugging in?

Bless God this is a weekend. There is snow on the ground and I will have time to put out fires from this letter. But right now I am headed out to the winter wonderland.