The reason the church tries so many other things besides preaching Christ is because it suspects the kingdom can be established some other way. But there is no other way. People will not come into the kingdom because they like the minister, support the children's program, or enjoy the music. They may come into a church that way, but not into the kingdom. The only way people ever come into God's kingdom is by hearing His heralds proclaim a crucified King.
Philip Graham Ryken

Full Maturity

Full Maturity FULL MATURITY

The goal of our ministry is not simply to see a whole lot of people born into the kingdom of God and leave them squalling as spiritual babies.

Our goal for ministry is the same that the apostle Paul wrote of to the Colossians:

“To them (the saints) God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:27-28 NIV)

The Greek word here translated “perfect” could also be translated “complete” or “mature”.

The Scripture-based goal for our ministry is full maturity in Christ for EVERYBODY. God has given us all the equipment that we need in the Scriptures of the Old and New Covenants. Paul wrote to his trainee, Timothy:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)

We are learning that the Bible is not only inspired and inspiring, but also USEFUL for identifying and CORRECTING problem areas and teaching us how to live.

We challenge you to read the Bible for yourself. Start in the New Testament in the Gospel of John. Come and grow with us.
[Clyde Price Arrows 1]