We continue with the biblical step-by-step path to maturity in Christ. In the New Testament we have five levels of relationship to God, which are:

1. Believer
2. Disciple
3. Bond-servant
4. Friend
5. Son

     The beginning of our relationship to God is when we become a believer in the atonement of the cross for our redemption and reconciliation to God. This results in our being born again into the new creation we are called to be. When we are born into this world, we are just beginning our life. The same is true when we are...

         We continue with the biblical step-by-step path to victory, acknowledging that these are also step-by-step paths to maturity in Christ. We continue with the exhortations about this in II Peter 1:2-8:

         “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 

         “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 

         “For by these He has...

         Jesus said that “in the world you will have tribulation” (see John 16:33). So, we are going to have trials in our life, but it would be much better for us to avoid the ones that are not necessary. This week we will address the main reasons we are subject to unnecessary trials. 

         A choice we can make that will help us avoid unnecessary trials is to make every major decision by seeking the kingdom first, and put the interests of the kingdom above every other consideration. He said that if we would seek...

         We continue with the biblical step-by-step path to victory, acknowledging that these are also step-by-step paths to maturity in Christ. We continue with the exhortations of Peter as he was the one given the keys to the kingdom, and they do provide an opening of the door. Now look at I Peter 5:5-10:

         “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives His grace to the humble. 

       ...

         In biblical times, to show anything but joy in the presence of a king could cost you your life. This is why Nehemiah was terrified when the king noticed the grief he had for the condition of Jerusalem while he was serving the king. With our King this is not dangerous because in His presence it can’t happen. In His presence you simply can’t be depressed or distraught about anything, as Psalm 16:11 declares, “In His presence is fullness of joy.”

         It’s not possible to be depressed or...