Get Connected
Click here to fill out the Get Connected Card
Message Notes
West Ridge Church Mission Statement – Leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
What is a fully devoted follower of Jesus? It’s a Disciple of Jesus!
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” —Matthew 28:19-20
Spiritual Growth – Moving from being a new believer to full maturity in your walk with Jesus Christ.
“When you grow spiritually you become more you; you become more that person God had in mind when He first thought you up.” —John Ortberg
What does the Bible say about spiritual growth?
- Spiritual growth for a follower of Jesus begins at the moment of salvation.
“Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” —1 Corinthians 6:11
- God is the architect of spiritual growth and He is personally involved in the process.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” —2 Corinthians 3:18
In what areas does God want us to grow?
- Knowledge and understanding of God’s Word
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” —2 Peter 3:18
- Grace
“But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” —2 Corinthians 8:7
Faith
Generosity
Obedience
Love for God and for others
“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.” —1 Thessalonians 3:12
- Prayer
- Spiritual growth is a lifetime journey
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 1:6
- Spiritual growth happens best in community.
How Does God Grow Us?
- In partnership with Holy Spirit
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” —John 14:26
“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” —Galatians 5:25
- Through spiritual disciplines
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” —2 Peter 1:5-7
How does that happen?
- Reading and memorizing God’s Word
- Prayer
- Personal and Corporate Worship
- Serving
- Giving
- Fasting
- Silence and Solitude
- Confessing sin
- Celebration
- Sabbath
- Journaling
- Through our acceptance of trials and refining
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” —James 1:2-4