Personal Growth in Christ

There are many today (both individuals and churches) who call themselves “Christians” but the truth is that they do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They grew up in a church, denomination, culture, etc and believe to be “Christian” but the truth according to God’s word is that they are not.

I remember in Oct 2001 when I was taking a class in the seminary (a few blocks from World Trade Center bombing site) and a Pastor stood up and said, “Isn't great that many people are going to church!” I stood up and said “It is good but we need to pray that they stay in church!” Six months later in the NY Times (secular, liberal paper), the paper stated that church attendance was even lower than before the destruction of the WTC Towers.

Jesus Christ is clear especially to those who are religious and think they are “Christian” and are doing “Christian” things by stating in Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to me that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!”

“Ok, Anil and Marisol, so what do I need to do to get closer to Jesus Christ?” To walk with Jesus Christ as a new a believer in Him, one must understand that it is all about genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 1:17 states that “the righteous will live by faith”. A new believer must have genuine faith and must be discipled according to the Holy Scriptures. I consider discipleship very important, for many “Christians” do not know God’s word and they will not be able to survive in this evil world without God’s written word.

Genuine faith is developed daily by

• seeking God each day in prayer
  
• growing in the knowledge of God by reading and studying the Bible
  
• worshipping God and fellowshipping with fellow Spirit filled believers in a Christ centered, Bible based & Holy Spirit filled church
  
• serving Him as He has directed
  
• as God leads by His Holy Spirit