“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'” Luke 23:43 (ESV)
The thief on the cross received the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life. In our vernacular, we would say that he was in the ninth inning with two outs and a full count. His next decision would determine his future. When the thief made the decision to turn to Christ, his forever was radically changed. Instead of going to hell, the thief, now as a newly converted child of God, went to heaven.
We rejoice in the immense mercy and grace Jesus demonstrated upon the cross for this thief. However, this thief had no time to grow spiritually and to develop his spiritual muscles. Was he authentically saved? Yes! Did he have time to develop into a mature follower of Christ? No!
Fortunately, you have the privilege of knowing Christ personally and growing in your love relationship with Him. The challenge for you is not the matter of salvation, but the matter of sanctification. Are you growing? Are you becoming who Christ made you to be? You have both the privilege and responsibility to maximize the time you have in order to grow spiritually.
What have you learned so far in your spiritual journey? Life on earth is a classroom of preparation for the life to come. How are you utilizing what God has given you with the time you have? Are you intentional about your spiritual maturation? Are you growing in your love relationship with Jesus?
Drawing Near,
Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
8 replies on “Knowing and Growing”
298861 872848This internet page is often a walk-through its the internet you wanted about this and didnt know who to question. Glimpse here, and you will totally discover it. 976791
903477 545409I was trying to find this. Really refreshing take on the information. Thanks a good deal. 443006
461199 247256Id want to verify with you here. Which is not one thing I typically do! I take pleasure in reading a submit that will make individuals think. Moreover, thanks for permitting me to remark! 754803
502669 567813The the next occasion Someone said a weblog, Hopefully so it doesnt disappoint me approximately this. What im saying is, I know it was my choice to read, but I in fact thought youd have something fascinating to express. All I hear is often numerous whining about something that you could fix in the event you werent too busy looking for attention. 396926
938973 750080Spot lets start function on this write-up, I truly think this fabulous internet site needs an excellent deal much more consideration. Ill apt to be once more to learn far far more, appreciate your that information. 789209
347862 438387Hi. Cool post. Theres a dilemma with the website in chrome, and you may want to check this The browser is the marketplace chief and a big component of other folks will miss your exceptional writing due to this dilemma. I like your Post and I am recommend it for a Web site Award. 799731
213477 347821Spot on with this write-up, I truly assume this web site wants a lot a lot more consideration. probably be again to read significantly much more, thanks for that information. 279519
282668 146597Our own chaga mushroom comes with a schokohutige, consistent, charcoal-like arrival, a entire lot of dissimilar towards the style with the regular mushroom. Chaga Tincture 843071