We have a saying in the recovery community that goes… “if you’re not going forward in your recovery, you’re sliding backward.” I think this is very true and applies to the Christian community as well. As Christians, we are followers or disciples of Jesus.  The word “disciple” means learner. As followers of Christ we are called to be life-long learners of Jesus. We always seek to be growing in our faith and in our relationship with Christ. This is what disciples do.  

As we enter a new church year together – along with all the increased activity that the autumn season brings – I must ask you a question. What are you doing to grow in your faith? How are you going to be learning from Jesus in the next year?  

Far too often, we give in to the inertia of the status quo… especially when the demands in other areas of our lives increase. In other words, we simply become content with the way things are with our faith. My opinion is that it is just not right that we think about our spiritual lives as being a peripheral concern… they are a primary concern. Spiritual growth needs to be a priority in all our lives and in Pilgrim Covenant Church. We need to keep growing deeper in our faith.

“How do I start?”  You may ask. Well…  I’m so glad you asked, because I have a great way for you to begin something new this fall to jumpstart your efforts to grow spiritually.

On September 16th an opportunity to “move forward” begins. For 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings there will be a bible study led by yours truly at the church parsonage. The study will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude at 8:30 p.m. At this point I am thinking about diving into the books of Ephesians and James. 
 
If you have never been part of a group bible study (or haven’t been for a long time), I beg of you to please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to experience how God shows up in remarkable ways as we read scripture and learn together. Who knows… maybe two or three home bible studies will be created as a result of this fall effort. That is my prayer.

This is an open bible study. Anyone may come on any given Tuesday night September 16th through November 18th. Everyone is invited!  

So I leave you with my original question: Are you going forward, or are you  sliding backward?