WHY YOU SHOULD PRAY & FAST (2 OF 3)
by Scott Maze
Scripture: John 3:3-5
This content is part of a series.
Why You Should Pray & Fast (2 of 3)
Series: Taking Charge of My Spiritual Growth
Scott Mase
John 3:3-5
Many of you love to measure your progress. You can measure your progress in so many areas of your life. Tools are available to measure your Body Mass Index where you assess your body fat. You can measure your carbon footprint so to know your impact upon the climate. Athletes will measure the size of their biceps. You can even monitor your social media influence over the Internet. Yet, few Christians have a significant handle on how to measure their spiritual maturity. How do I measure myself in terms of my growth as a believer? Time-lapse photography will allow you to see physical growth over a span of years. But there are no photographs that can show you your spiritual growth.
I want to speak to you about forming some great spiritual habits. These habits are called spiritual disciplines. These personal habits that shape and focus your life. I want to serve as a catalyst for your personal spiritual growth by specifically speaking to you about prayer and fasting.
Find Matthew 6 with me and I'll be there in just a moment. First, let me offer three quick hitters if you will before we get to Matthew 6.
1. Three Stages of Your Growth
I want you to understand the stages of your personal spiritual growth. Watch carefully how the Bible frames the Christian life.
1.1 Your Growth Begins at Salvation
In 1998, 8,000 college students were survey in a nationwide research project known as QuEST. One question presented students with the following scenario: ''Your best friend comes to you and says, 'I want to become a Christian, but I don't know how.' What would you tell your friend?'' Assume your friend wants you to answer the question and not to be sent to a pastor or minister. The most common response suggested going to church or encouraging some religious practice. Only fourteen percent of the students interviewed, mentioned Jesus in their answer ...
Series: Taking Charge of My Spiritual Growth
Scott Mase
John 3:3-5
Many of you love to measure your progress. You can measure your progress in so many areas of your life. Tools are available to measure your Body Mass Index where you assess your body fat. You can measure your carbon footprint so to know your impact upon the climate. Athletes will measure the size of their biceps. You can even monitor your social media influence over the Internet. Yet, few Christians have a significant handle on how to measure their spiritual maturity. How do I measure myself in terms of my growth as a believer? Time-lapse photography will allow you to see physical growth over a span of years. But there are no photographs that can show you your spiritual growth.
I want to speak to you about forming some great spiritual habits. These habits are called spiritual disciplines. These personal habits that shape and focus your life. I want to serve as a catalyst for your personal spiritual growth by specifically speaking to you about prayer and fasting.
Find Matthew 6 with me and I'll be there in just a moment. First, let me offer three quick hitters if you will before we get to Matthew 6.
1. Three Stages of Your Growth
I want you to understand the stages of your personal spiritual growth. Watch carefully how the Bible frames the Christian life.
1.1 Your Growth Begins at Salvation
In 1998, 8,000 college students were survey in a nationwide research project known as QuEST. One question presented students with the following scenario: ''Your best friend comes to you and says, 'I want to become a Christian, but I don't know how.' What would you tell your friend?'' Assume your friend wants you to answer the question and not to be sent to a pastor or minister. The most common response suggested going to church or encouraging some religious practice. Only fourteen percent of the students interviewed, mentioned Jesus in their answer ...
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