Christians Under Construction

In today's fast-paced world, many Christians find themselves constantly striving for help in their spiritual growth and development. To aid in this process we will use the analogy of a Christian being under construction, where one builds a strong foundation and gradually adds layers and structures to become a complete and mature Christian. In this article, we will explore the concept of "Christians . . . under Construction."

Building a Solid Foundation

The Complete Authority of the Scriptures:

Just as a strong building starts with a solid foundation, a Christian's spiritual journey begins with a strong foundation based on the complete authority of the Bible. In a world filled with information overload and conflicting beliefs, it is crucial to find a source that can guide us with unwavering clarity and complete authority. The Bible stands as a beacon of truth, offering unparalleled expertise and trust for believers seeking guidance in their lives. The unmatched authority found within the Bible is why it continues to be a trusted source of wisdom for millions around the world.

The Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is much more than a mere book. It is a compilation of writings that span centuries, written by over forty one authors under the guidance of divine inspiration. This truly sacred scripture offers a comprehensive account of humanity's relationship with God, providing answers to life's most profound questions.

One cannot deny the expertise that the Bible holds. It is not an ordinary book written by fallible human beings; rather, it is divinely inspired by God Himself. Through the Bible, God imparts His wisdom, giving humanity unparalleled insight into His plans, purpose, and expectations. It serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life and offers timeless principles for ethical living.

Also, the trustworthiness of the Bible is built on a solid foundation of historical and archaeological evidence. Scholars and experts have extensively studied the Bible's historical accuracy, affirming its reliability. Countless archaeological discoveries further validate the accounts and events mentioned in the Bible, providing confidence in its accuracy and trustworthiness.

John MacArthur on the Authority of Scripture

Understanding the Atoning work of Jesus:

Now, besides all of the above, the foundation that a Christian must put in order also includes understanding the atoning work of Jesus, fundamental to a Christian's walk. Atonement, in its simplest form, refers to the act of making amends or reconciling with someone. In the context of Jesus, the atoning work refers to His sacrificial death on the cross, through which He bore the sins of humanity and made reconciliation possible between God and mankind.

Why did Jesus have to die for our sins? This question plagues the minds of many. The purpose of Jesus' atoning work was to bridge the gap created by sin, restoring the broken relationship between God and humanity. By willingly taking upon Himself the sins of the world, Jesus paid the price required for our redemption.

The process of atonement begins with acknowledging our need for a savior. We must recognize that we have fallen short of God's standards and accept Jesus as the One who paid the price for our sins. Acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice is the first step towards experiencing the transformative power of His atoning work.

The importance of repentance:

The next part of building a solid foundation is true repentance. Repentance is a process that involves acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and striving for personal growth. Repentance encourages personal accountability for one's actions. Instead of shifting blame onto others or external circumstances, it requires individuals to take ownership of their behavior and its consequences.

The first step in practicing repentance is to acknowledge our wrongdoings honestly. Sincere remorse is essential in true repentance. It involves expressing genuine regret and empathy for any harm caused to others through our actions. True repentance also involves taking concrete steps to repair any damage caused to others, such as apologizing, offering restitution, or taking actions to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

In Christianity, repentance is a pivotal aspect of the faith. It involves recognizing and confessing one's sins before God, seeking forgiveness through genuine remorse, and making that solid commitment to completely turn away from our wrongdoings.

When we repent and turn away from our sins, placing our trust in Jesus, we are forgiven and declared righteous in God's sight. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness, freeing us from the guilt and shame of our past. This forgiveness gives us a fresh start and the assurance of eternal life.

The atoning work of Jesus is not limited to the moment of salvation. It has a profound impact on our daily lives as well. His sacrifice empowers us to live a life of victory over sin and enables us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to overcome temptation and walk in righteousness.

The atoning work of Jesus is a testament to His love and grace towards humanity. Through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. The power of His atonement transforms our lives and enables us to experience a deep and intimate relationship with God

It is by immersing oneself in the Word of God and studying the Bible, coupled with daily prayer, repentance and earnest seeking that one will be helped to establish the solid foundation needed for their faith.

***

One key aspect of Jesus' sacrifice is the concept of substitution. He took on the punishment that was rightfully ours, standing in our place before the judgment of God. By doing so, Jesus fulfilled the requirement of justice, providing a way for humanity to be acquitted from the eternal consequences of sin.

***

Why did Jesus have to undergo such a profound act of sacrifice? Simply put, it was an extraordinary display of divine love for humanity. Jesus knew that mankind was incapable of reconciling with God on their own. He willingly took upon Himself the sins of the world, bearing the weight and enduring the excruciating pain of crucifixion. His ultimate sacrifice was an expression of His unparalleled love and grace for all humanity.

***

Adding the Walls of Faith

Once the foundation is set, it is important for Christians to build on that faith by establishing and building on their personal relationship with the Lord. This involves daily prayer, seeking guidance through the Holy Spirit and by various Christian activities. By continually working on deepening their connection with God, Christians will strengthen their faith and develop a trust in the Lord that surpasses mere belief. It will become experience. Their relationship with the Lord will 'become alive'!

To supercharge the process of developing your relationship with the Lord the following is three examples of some of those who have gone on before you, who truly developed "general" status while serving the Lord. The following persons are truly inspiring examples of spiritual growth that you would do well to follow!

1. John Hyde:

John Hyde, often referred to as "Praying Hyde," was a missionary in India in the early 20th century. Hyde dedicated his life to fervent prayer and intercession for the salvation of souls. He was known for spending hours on his knees, seeking the face of God and interceding for others. Through his passionate prayers, Hyde saw remarkable spiritual breakthroughs, witnessing thousands coming to know Christ.

2. Jack Coe:

Jack Coe was a renowned healing evangelist known for his powerful ministry of miracles. He emphasized the importance of faith and believed in the supernatural power of God to heal the sick. Coe's simple but unwavering faith in the Lord's ability to perform miracles touched the lives of many, demonstrating the transformative power of a genuine relationship with God.

3. RW Schambach:

RW Schambach was a dynamic Pentecostal preacher who witnessed remarkable manifestations of God's power through his ministry. He conducted powerful revivals, where thousands experienced the touch of God that transformed their lives. Schambach's unwavering belief in the Lord's ability to bring about revival and transform communities showcased the significance of surrendering oneself completely to God.

As we look at the remarkable examples of John Hyde, Jack Coe, and RW Schambach, we gain insights into how they nurtured their relationship with the Lord. Through their lives and ministries, we see the importance of prayer, spreading the Gospel, faith in God's power, and surrendering to His divine plan. By emulating their dedication, commitment, and trust, we can deepen our own relationship with the Lord and experience His transformative presence in our lives.

>>> May their stories inspire us to draw nearer to God, ensuring that our journey with the Lord is marked by continuous growth, steadfastness, and an unwavering faith in His love and power!!

Installing the Windows of Character

Just as a home without windows is dark inside, Christians under construction must grow in character and virtue, to fully let Gods light and character shine through them. This includes cultivating traits such as patience, humility, and self discipline. As Christians continue to develop these qualities, they become more like our Lord and will begin to be the light our Lord needs, to truly affect a broken and hurting world.

Laying the Floor Tiles of Gods Love

You don't just know of Gods Love. You make it the substance on which you daily walk. Throughout the scriptures Jesus emphasized the importance of loving one's neighbors, going the extra mile and showing kindness to those in need. By actively demonstrating Gods love through acts of giving, service, forgiveness, and Godly compassion, Christians grow in character and cultivate their ongoing relationship with the Lord.

Roofing it with All with Wisdom

Spiritual wisdom and maturity comes into our lives from practicing and doing the Word of God, over a period of years. To the degree that a Christian 'presses in' to fully please the Lord and makes the hard decisions that come from being a Christian, the more the Lord will grace that person with wisdom for life.

It is through continual, life long, regular study and application of scripture, learning and receiving from anointed teachers along the way, and praying through personal experiences each Christian goes through, that they have the opportunity to truly grow in Gods wisdom

-which in turn places the roof over the building they are creating.

Conclusion

In the journey of faith, all Christians are continually under construction. By building on the solid foundation, seeking God in the midst of all things, allowing God to develop their character, abiding in Gods love and receiving Gods wisdom through continually making right choices, Christians will experience radical growth and transformation. Remember, the construction process takes faith, time, patience, and perseverance.

Press On, Soldier :)