Signs of Spiritual Growth- Col. 1:9-14

Take your spiritual pulse and see if you have these "signs of spiritual growth" in your life (Col.1:9-14)? Ephesians 4:15 says, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him (Christ) in all things…"

1. Am I cultivating a deep, growing, personal knowledge of God (v. 9a)?
- Are you stagnant spiritually? Is your love for Christ growing daily?

2. Does that knowledge control my life (v. 9a)?

- Are you dominated by it? Is it producing a Christlikeness in you?
- "filled" means consumed or controlled completely

3. Does that knowledge translate into action (v. 9b)?

- Do I get defensive? Do I get angry? Do I feel slighted or worry?
- Do I respond poorly to criticism? Am I highly opinionated or critical?
- I Cor. 14:20- “Brethren, be not children in understanding..."

4. Is my conduct continually pleasing to the Lord (v. 10a)? What is not pleasing?

- Any ambitions or attitudes or music or thoughts displeasing to God?
- "worthy" means humble, appropriate, loving and pleasing
- Psa. 66:18- “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

5. Am I bearing fruit regularly (v. 10b)?

- Examples:

Pointing people to Christ (I Cor. 16:15)
Overcoming temptations (I John 2:14)
A deeper love for God’s Word (Ps. 119:97)
A more perfect obedience (I John 2:3–5)
A greater love for Christ and others (Eph. 3:17-19)
A strong doctrinal foundation (I John 2:12–14)
Sacrificial giving (Rom. 15:26–28)
Godly living (Heb. 12:11)
Displaying holy attitudes (Gal. 5:22, 23)
Praising God for passionately (Heb. 13:15)
An expanding faith (II Thess. 1:3; II Cor. 10:5)
Partaking of the deeper truths of Scripture (Heb. 5:14)
Memorizing more Scripture

6. Am I growing in love and understanding of God’s Word (v. 10c)?

- Is the Word becoming a part of me? (see Col. 4:16 & Heb. 5:12)

7. Is there a continuous supply of God’s power in my life to deal with difficult people and difficult circumstances (v. 11)?

8. Am I a grateful person on a regular basis (vs. 12-14)? Do I complain and have a negative attitude? Am I thankful?

New Year's Goal: Follow the "One Anothers" of the Bible

If you want to be more like Christ in 2009, live and follow these "one anothers" of the Scriptures. They are powerful, convicting, and full of wisdom for everyday living. The answers are below if you need them.

1. ______________ one another- I Thess. 5:11 (build up and encourage each other)

2. ________________ to one another- Eph. 5:21 (“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”)

3. ______________ one another- Gal. 5:13 (“by love…”)

4. ___________ one another’s burdens- Gal. 6:2 (“…and so fulfill the law of Christ.”)

5. ________________ ye one another- Rom. 15:7 (“…as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”)

6. _________________ one another- Rom. 15:14

7. _________________ one another- Rom. 12:10 (“in honor…”)

8. Kindly ____________________ one to another- Rom. 12:10 (devoted to one another)

9. _______________________ one toward another- Rom. 15:5 (“according to Christ Jesus”).

10. ____________ __________ one another- Eph. 4:2 (“With all lowliness and meekness…forbearing one another in love.”)

Answers:
edify
submit
serve
bear
receive
admonish
prefer
affectionate
like-minded
bear with

Christmas Service and Invitation

Who Celebrated Christmas in Jesus' Day?

It has been stated that every personality attached to the birth of Christ worshiped God with jubilation and sincerity of heart. The proper emphasis and spirit of Christmas is always worship! It is an attitude of the heart that is so filled with wonder and thanksgiving to God that it simultaneously comes out in adoration and praise to the Lord.

Here are a few biblical examples of those who celebrated Christmas in Jesus' Day:

1. Elisabeth (mother of John the Baptist)
"And she spake out with a loud voice" (Luke 1:42)

2. Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people." (Luke 1:68)

3. Angels
"A multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13)

4. Shepherds
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen." (Luke 2:20)

5. Simeon
"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God." (Luke 2:28)

6. Anna
"She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord" (Luke 2:38)

7. Wise Men
"Come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2)

8. Mary
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)

Are you celebrating Christmas properly? May our main focus this Christmas be centered on the worship of our King of Kings!


Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

II Corinthians 8:9
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

Matthew 1:21
‘And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Missions to Russia and Native America

Post Election Reminders

Now that we have a new President, here's a few reminders for God's people:

1. "...the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will" (Daniel 4:32).

2. "The King's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water he turneth it withersoever he will" (Proverbs 21:1).

3. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained (appointed) of God" (Romans 13:1).

4. I Timothy 2:1-3 admonishes us to pray regularly for those in authority.

5. Every believer should be a law abiding citizen. When the Christian obeys civil government, he is actually obeying God because the government is only exercising authority which God has delegated.

6. The Christian's ultimate duty is to always obey God!

7. How do we get involved in Government?

a. Write letters or e-mails to legislators.
b. Make phone calls to your representative.
c. Visit with your legislator or local official.
d. Support a good candidate and VOTE!
e. Share the Gospel with local, state, and federal officials.

New Life Pictures/Church Calendar

CHURCH CALENDAR:

Oct. 26th – Congregational meeting near the end of our AM service (discussion & voting in regards to the new Bedford leasing location)

Nov. 23rd - Guest Speaker missionary Tom Watson, Bended Knee International

Dec. 7th - Annual church Business meeting

Dec. 14th - Christmas Sacred Music Concert