After salvation, the goal of each and every person should be to have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ; one that is nurtured, strengthened, and encouraged daily. As a church, we deeply desire to help people in their spiritual journey by providing specific opportunities to "lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ." There is nothing more beautiful than seeing new Christians grow in their personal relationship with Christ. We have seen that as people grow individually, they develope a deep desire to see others grow in the Word also.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE A GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST?
Whenever a person begins a new significant relationship, their heart is immediately filled with happiness, joy, curiosity, and hope. This is especially true in our relationship with Jesus Christ. While most of us know the thrill of new beginnings, few of us understand the satisfaction of a long, consistent, and fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, many begin with excitement, but some never fully enjoy all the benefits of a long, permanent relationship. That's where the church comes in. As a Church, we are dedicated to helping and encouraging people to maintain a close, intimate walk with Christ.
A relationship with Jesus Christ is not a one time event, it is a process that begins at salvation and will continue until death. Even after death, we will enjoy a perfect relationship with Christ our Savior forever and forever.
It takes time and patience to grow anything except weeds. If you want shade, the best time to plant a tree would have been ten years ago. But, if you didn't plant a tree ten years ago, the next best time to plant is today. When it comes to growing our relationship with Jesus Christ, there are no shortcuts. We must also understand that no two people are exactly alike and no two people are at the same place in their spiritual journey. With this in mind, consider the following spiritual disciplines that are absolutely essential in the process of helping you to grow consistently:
GET IN THE WORD OF GOD:
Believe it - As Christians, we must accept the Bible for what it is; the divinely inspired, infallible, inerrant, Word of the Living God; it is the only reliable source for truth and lifestyle.
Read it - There is no substitute for the reading of the Word of God on a daily basis. When God saved us, He put within us a natural love for His Word. It is God's primary means of communicating to us. As we read it, God has promised to reveal it and to give clear understanding in our hearts and minds in order to guide and direct our lives. Unsaved people have no ability to understand the Bible.
"But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto them, because they are spiritually discerned" (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Study it - While many Christians and even churches seem to be content today with the shallow and superficial, the Bible makes it clear that there is a reward for those who study diligently to know Jesus Christ. Because of this, SouthPointe offers many opportunities for individuals to study and learn the great truths of the Bible.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Obey it - The Christian life demands that we personally respond to the Word of God. Obedience is the response that God expects and desires from each one of us. The Bible will be useless to us in the spiritual growth process if we choose not to obey it.
"Then said Jesus unto them, If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed. " (John 8:31).
COMMIT YOURSELF TO A LOCAL CHURCH THAT BELIEVES AND PRACTICES THE TRUTH
In a day when people are reluctant to commit to anything, it is essential for every Christian who desires to grow spiritually and come to full maturity in Christ to "belong" to a Bible-believing Church. There is no such thing as a "Lone Ranger Christian" in the Bible. God never intended for us to make it on our own. If we could, we would not need a relationship with Christ or the Church. According to the New Testament, after people came to salvation in Christ, they were immediately baptized and added to the Church (See Acts 2:42-47).
PRAY DAILY
Prayer is one of the spiritual disciplines that must be learned over time. Because of a lack of teaching on the subject of prayer, many new Christians only think of prayer as a way to ask God for things they need or want. Others think of prayer as praying for the sick, or asking God to help out during times of special need. But according to Scripture, prayer is much more than just these things. First and foremost, prayer is communion with God. Communion with God means that we begin by thanking Him and praising Him for who he is; asking Him to teach us and instruct us; asking for wisdom and knowledge. For new Christians, we recommend that you pray the words and prayers found in Scripture. The Book of Psalms is a good place to start in this part of your spiritual journey.
GET INVOLVED IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH
SouthPoint Church offers a wide variety of ministries that are designed to provide opportunities for people to use their God-given gifts and talents in ministry. We have found one of the best ways for a person to grow in their faith and in their relationship with Christ is by serving others. Serving others forces us to get our eyes off of ourselves and to see more clearly the needs of others. For more information, check out our Ministry links to find opportunities for you to make a difference at SouthPointe.
JOIN A COMMUNITY GROUP
As a Church, we believe that Community Groups is the best place for sustained life-change to take place. It is also the best place for strengthening our relationship with Christ and with others. At SouthPointe, we emphasize many different kinds of Community Groups:
One on One accountability
Lunch around the Word of God
Home Bible Studies
Men's and Women's Monthly Groups
And many more
Community Groups are a safe environment where people can study and discuss the Word of God freely and openly; a place to talk about the challenges of everyday life; a place to pray, care, and share; a place to talk about what God has been saying to you personally in His Word, and a place to encourage those who may be discouraged. For more information, check out the Community Group Link on the main page.
