Stepping Up to Spiritual GrowthActs 2:41-47 & Selected

Cross Creek Community Church, Pastor Dave Martin – April 26, 2015

Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

30-Day Challenge• Cultivate authentic community• Experience worship as part of your daily lifestyle

Today ---- Take successive steps of spiritual growth

• Practice personal stewardship• Reach out to the world around us

“They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching…”

WHY?

Colossians 2:6-7 6

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him…

Dave’s old hickory tree!How are you doing spiritually?

Three signs of slowly dying inside…

1. We Stop Learning

Three signs of slowly dying inside…

1. We Stop Learning

2. We Stop Maturing

Three signs of slowly dying inside…

1. We Stop Learning

2. We Stop Maturing

3. We Stop Caring

1. Life is about Growing

Colossians 2:6-7 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7

rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing

with thankfulness.

2. Growing is about Transformation

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will

is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Word of God & Prayer

3. We were Born to ReproduceJohn 15:5-8 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches.

If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch

that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If

you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit,

showing yourselves to be my disciples.

“Abide” – To keep in fellowship with Christ so that His life can work in and through us to produce fruit.

Choose to Abide in Jesus, His Word & Prayer…

God is Glorified!

Choose to Abide in Jesus, His Word & Prayer…

God is Glorified! Fruit is Abundant!

Choose to Abide in Jesus, His Word & Prayer…

God is Glorified! Fruit is Abundant! Life is Incredible!