Our Stewardship theme for 2012 is “Generations of Generosity.” This has started several of us thinking about passing the torch of Christian discipleship from Generation to Generation.

We need mature Christians! Unfortunately, Christian Maturity is not just about our chronological age. It spans the Generations. On the one hand, we all know young Christians who possess an amazing degree of spiritual maturity, like the boy Jesus in the temple. On the other hand, we know those who become more immature with each passing year, and never grow up mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Growing spiritually takes intentionality on our part, and a willingness to accept God’s help!

During our Stewardship Emphasis month I intend to preach a short series of sermons based upon the idea that Christians can choose to grow spiritually. My text is based on a saying of Jesus with roots in the Law of Moses: ”

“‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’” Mark 12:29

• The first sermon is entitled, “Growing Spiritually: The Heart.” In the Bible the heart is the center of the mind, emotions and will. Jesus is talking about maintaining a proper balance between all three. Oct 14
• The second sermon is entitled, “Growing Spiritually: The Soul. This sermon is about controlling and using our emotions. In the Hebrew Bible the soul is the center of the emotions. We are drawn to the touching. We give to those people, organizations, and causes that touch us emotionally. Oct 21
• The third sermon is entitled, “Growing Spiritually: The Head.” Like Jesus our task is to grow in wisdom even as we grow in stature. The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong occupation. John Calvin the great Reformer said that the mature Christian remains in a state of “perpetual adolescence,” meaning that we are always ready to learn. Oct 28
• The fourth sermon in my series is “Growing Spiritually: Strength of Will.” It does no good to have a warm heart, and a wise head if we are not learning to act on those things that we feel and know. God desires not just talk from his people, but a walk, a way of life. Nov 11

Some will notice that I have skipped November 4th, but we have not. On that Sunday Pastor John Rights will preach on, “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants.” John’s grandfather was a Bishop Elect who died before he was concecrated. His father is a Bishop of the Unity. John is a pastor, and his son, Matthew is just a child. However, both his grandfather, who belongs to the Church Triumphant in Heaven, and to “the great cloud of witnesses”, and his father, who is very much a part of the Church Militant, the church at work in the world, would like nothing better than for John and Matthew, and the rising generations to exceed them in every achievement! DON’T MISS THIS SERMON.

I am really excited about this series. I hope you can be a part of it all.

Blessings,

Pastor Green

Photo by Bill Ray III