Following are my message notes for the Day Services of August 26, 2012.
My intent is to show that 2 Peter 1 gives us a Biblical panorama of adult maturation. Unlike scholars who view adult maturity through the lens of hierarchies, stages, or phases, I view adult maturation as the total process of being saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and then dancing with God. Enjoy.
Identity: MCA Church Provides a Way Forward
Good news! There is a way forward for you.
In whatever condition you find your self today, there is a way forward.
• There was a way forward for Moses, who had committed murder.
• There was a way forward for David, who was an adulterer.
• There was a way forward for Peter, who intentionally denied Jesus.
• There was a way forward for Paul, who was an accomplice to the murder of Stephen (The first martyr)
There is a way forward for you too. 2 Peter 1:3
Adult development scholars have created a sort of development understanding apart from the work of Jesus.
• Some say that you develop based upon the interaction of your role in society and the corresponding expectations of society. Social Development theory by Havighurst
• Some say that you develop based upon age related development. Age Related Development by Gould and Levinson
• Others teach that you develop based upon non-age related development. Non-age Related Development by Erikson and Kohlberg
By far, the most important segment of your path forward is the first step of trusting in Jesus for salvation. Romans 10:9, 10
In my experience, the second most important segment of your path forward is being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
The person who is saved and filled with the Holy Spirit has a measure of spiritual maturity and is prepared to continue in maturation. Acts 1:5
In 2 Peter 1 Christian maturity is a dance between:
1. His divine power
2. Our knowledge of Him
3. His very great and precious promises
4. Our making every effort to add.
MCA Church provides a way forward by creating opportunities for you to:
• Experience God’s divine power
• Grow in your knowledge of God
• Grow in your knowledge of God’s very great and precious promises
• Make every effort to continually add.
MCA Church Kid’s Ministry launches The Big God Story tonight at 5 PM.
MCA Church Men’s Ministry launches September 8 in a breakfast meeting, Men’s LIFE group on September 18, and Monday Night Football Life Group on Monday, September 10.
MCA Church Youth Ministry launches tonight at 5 PM.
MCA Church Women’s Ministry launches Thursday, September 6.
MCA Church LIFE Groups launch the first session the week of September 16.
Wednesday in the Word launches Hebrews in Life Community with Pastor David Wilson and Headline News (Christian Ethics) with Pastor Fay and Pastor Brad Kesler in LIVE
Guest Services launches September 18 at 7 PM in LIVE.