Maturity in Christ

Posted on: Sunday, December 20, 2009
Posted at: 2:37 PM
Posted by: Yi Ren...
Hi. It seems long since I last posted something here. Pardon for my grammar mistakes, etc. >.<

I have this constant worry about the members of E290 (including myself). It's on the subject of maturity in Christ. Not exactly maturity, but enthusiasm one has for Christ + maturity of someone in Christ.

I am deeply concerned if one has a proper relationship with Christ or not. Many people assume that their presence in Church only would mean having a proper relationship with Christ. It is not necessary.

Having this proper relationship with Christ requires time, and of course, one's willingness to sacrifice one's time and energy. You have to pray and communicate with God constantly. Maturity in Christ will come forth when you have a proper relationship with Christ.

How can one have a proper relationship with Christ?
You have to pray to God, talk to Him everyday. Have a intimate conversation with God. You don't have to be too formal. Talk to Him like a normal friend. You can talk to God about every thing which had happened in your life on that day. You can also tell God about your expectations, what you want to see in your life, et cetera. Prayer is not only prayer. Prayer is actually talking to God. You will have a stronger faith when you keep talking to God.

However, having a proper relationship with Christ does not rely totally on prayers.
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." - Romans 10:17

You have to read the bible constantly in order to have a closer relationship with Christ. When you talk to someone, you expect an answer from that person. Similary, when you talk to Christ, you may want an answer from Christ regarding a particular question. God can talk to you through the bible. He may want you to know certain information which will help you.

When you read the bible, you may highlight those verses which you find meaningful/encouraging. Have a notebook and a pen by your side. When you read certain verses which you don't understand, write down those verses on that notebook. Ask your leaders or someone who is more spiritually matured than you, and they will be glad to explain those verses to you. Also, when you are reading the bible, you may come across certain verses which may speak directly to you. Write down those verses, and further elaborate these verses by writing down what you think/feel about these verses. You msy also think about how you can encourage others using those verses which you had read. You are also welcomed to share these verses with your cell group friends on the next cell group meeting/gathering. Do tell God about what He has spoken to you!

You will definitely meet people who are of different level of maturity in church. It will be good if you are able to share with people from different cell groups about your Christian walk, your faith in God, et cetera. Also, you will get to experience and encounter God during church services. You will also get to worship God in a bigger place, with greater atmosphere. The message which is going to be shared by the speaker will bring you to another level of maturity.
You are encouraged reach church 15 to 30 minutes before the service start, so as to fellowship with your cell group friends and people from other cells. Use this time to encourage one another, pray with one another, pray that the sermon will speak to and impact each other's life.
During the service, do pay attention to the speaker, jot down notes, et cetera.
Do not be in a hurry to go home after the service. Have dinner with one another, fellowship with one another.

Cell group meeting is important too! Do turn up so as to fellowship with one another. It's not a waste of time.

Ultimately, it's your attitude which determine your relationship with God. When you have a proper relationship, you will have true maturity. You can't possibly wait for your leaders to make certain phone calls to encourage you in order for you to start reading your bible, et cetera. If that's the case, our leaders will be super super super busy, as they have to make phone calls to everyone else whom they know.

Start doing what you're supposed to do today. Start having a closer relationship with God. God is waiting for you everyday, waiting for you to talk to Him, listen to him, spend time with Him. Are you willing to make the sacrifice, to be a true Christian?

What do you really want?

Posted on: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Posted at: 11:54 PM
Posted by: Geng Hao
Are you really satisfied with what you get out of life? Will things that you can see, hear, smell, taste and feel provide you with an everlasting abundance of value and joy?

Oftentimes, what we desire the most in our lives are outcomes that can only be fulfilled from within ourselves. Will dollar signs provide an answer to having a closer relationship with God? Will an impartial society mould a person into one who possesses deep values of integrity? Can an improving economy possibly make way for a clear direction in life?

According to Psalms 16:11, "In Your presence is fullness of joy". It's an inevitable fact that humans are greedy beings. Earthly gifts from God can only clear our skies for a day. We will not be satisfied unless we receive the fullness of joy that God provides.

So, remain in the right relationship with the Lord! Become thankful in prayer and trigger his power, worship and praise Him with an attitude that's truly expressed through your mind & body, but most importantly, let Him and His word rule in our hearts. :)

As the spirit's strength continues to build up our "inner man", we will realise that it's not up to an external entity to fulfill our desires, but that it's all about God and letting Him have a place in our hearts; within ourselves. Let Him be the right choice as we begin to realise and achieve our heartfelt outcomes and goals. He is and will bring us true happiness. :)

I know not by what methods rare
The Lord provides for me,
I only know that all my needs
He meets so graciously.

Just trying to revive this almost "dead" blog by putting up my first entry. I hope you like it - this entry is basically how I felt after reading my Daily Bread. :)

Cell Group Outing 2009!

Posted on: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Posted at: 12:19 PM
Posted by: Ruth. Ai Lin .





Thank God for all of YOU!

<3 E290 :)