The Abc's of Christian Growth

By Dr. Gloria J. Lewis

After the New Birth comes growth. If there is no growth, there is no life. To be in Christ means to be saved, converted, regenerated, sanctified, and continually growing in grace and knowledge. Christian growth is learning what God wants through his Word; doing what God wants; and living our lives through his love.
The evidence of growth in grace and knowledge can be found in (1) an increase in love; (2) an increase in faith (3) an increase in respect for God's Word; and (4) an increase of the fruit of the Spirit. God wants us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. But how can we who are in Christ grow in a suitable and wholesome manner?
In the ABC's of Christian Growth you will find guidelines for growth in the Christian's life. We will explore from A to Z some basic principles to embrace in the day to day walk with the Lord. When these ideologies are applied to the life of the believer, growth is inevitable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468536539

Dr. Gloria J. Lewis

Dr. Gloria J. Lewis is the Presiding Prelate of True Holiness Temple, Inc. with churches located in the United States, Africa, and Europe. She is a Professor of Bible and Communication and Founder and Director of THT Schools of Ministerial Concepts and Theological Studies. Dr. Lewis and her husband, Robert, currently reside in Bear, Delaware. They were blessed with four children (one deceased), ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Book preview

The ABC’s

Of Christian Growth

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Dr. Gloria J. Lewis

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2012 by Dr. Gloria J. Lewis. All rights reserved.

All scripture references are from the King James Version of the Bible, unless otherwise noted.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 12/28/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4685-3655-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-3653-9 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011963488

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Introduction

Abstinence

Brokenness

Contrition

Chapter One

Deliverance

Earnestness

Faithfulness

Chapter Two

Gentleness

Holiness

Integrity

Chapter Three

Joy

Kindness

Love

Chapter Four

Meekness

Newness

Overcomer

Chapter Five

Perserverance

Quietness

Resistance

Chapter Six

Sanctification

Thankfulness

Understanding

Chapter Seven

Vision

Willingness

eXample

Chapter Eight

Yearning

Zeal

Chapter Nine

Dedicated with much love to the memory of my brother, Donald Andrew Easley, who always strived for excellence in his Christian walk

Introduction

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our

Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever, Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 KJV

The purpose of salvation, scripture, and of Christian teaching is to bring one into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Christ. It is necessary not only to have knowledge of Christ but also to have knowledge about Christ. The latter is necessary in order to achieve the former. After the Apostle Peter gives an exhortation on the second coming of Christ, he encourages purity and godliness. The sincere Christian is looking for new heavens and a new earth. Only those who are clothed in righteousness and sanctified by the Holy Spirit shall gain admittance to this holy place. Peter ends his letter in 2 Peter 3:18 with an acknowledgment that glory belongs to Jesus. When we worship, praise, and obey him, we give him the glory that’s due his name. We should continue to do so in this present life and continue until we see his face and be with him forever.

It is therefore imperative that we avoid being led away by error. We must strive to grow in grace, faith, virtue, and knowledge. We must also work diligently to know Christ; get a deeper understanding of his will and his way; and develop a true relationship with him.

God wants us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. But how can we who are in Christ grow in a suitable and wholesome manner? Without a good foundation in the Word of God it is impossible to grow. We must learn to walk in the light of God’s Word so that we can grow and prosper.

After the New Birth comes growth. If there is no growth, there is no life. To be in Christ means to be saved, converted, regenerated, sanctified, and continually growing in grace and knowledge. Christian growth is learning what God wants through his Word; doing what God wants; and living our lives through his love.

The evidence of growth in grace and knowledge can be found in