Thank you so much for continuing to follow the blog! I pray God uses it to edify and equip you as you grow in grace. Here are the top ten most read articles from Growing in Grace this year:
10. The New Birth: 7 Evidences of Regeneration
A newborn shows signs of life by crying, moving, eating, etc. But, what are the signs of a person who has been born again?
9. Who Were the Calvinistic Methodists?
Many people viewed a “Calvinistic Methodist” to be a contradiction in terms; because of a misunderstanding of the term “Methodism.” Typically, one might define Methodism exclusively as Wesleyan Methodism.
8. Will the Return of Christ be Secret?
You’ve likely seen the movies. People are going about their daily life and then all of a sudden many just disappear. A pile of clothes is all that remains where there had been a person. Cars that previously had drivers now move on empty and uncontrolled. Chaos ensues as people try to figure out what happened. This is often referred to as a secret rapture. Those who hold this view say that Christ will secretly return to earth, gather the believers, and then return to heaven with them. Is this what the Bible teaches?
7. If God is Sovereign, Why Pray?
Scripture teaches that God is sovereign over all. Nothing happens in all the universe outside of his permission. From the smallest atom to the largest galaxy, all that occurs in his creation does so according to his will (Proverbs 16:33, Lamentations 3:37-39). No plan of God’s can be thwarted (Job 42:2).
Sometimes people will ask, “If God is sovereign, why should I pray?”
6. 7 Evidences of a Spirit-Led Life
What comes to mind when someone says they are Spirit-led? Your answer will likely depend on your experience and what you’ve been taught. For some, it will conjure up images of some highly emotional experience. Others might imagine a quiet prayer warrior or someone with a servant’s heart. If it’s true that “as many as are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God,” then it should be an important question for all of us to consider.
5. Is it Worth It?
Is it worth what it will cost you? Are you willing to trade eternal treasures for fleeting pleasures? Is the brief excitement worth all you lose?
Are you willing to trade a deep joy for a temporary high? Will you trade intimate fellowship with God for moment of pleasure? Is the brief praise of man worth more to you than confidence of God’s blessing?
4. Shrinking in Shame
There are certain moments a father never forgets. One of the sweetest memories of my young children occurred when I came home after work. Immediately, my children would drop whatever they were doing and scream “Daddy’s home” while running full speed into my kneecaps. Though I came home everyday, they greeted me as if I had been lost at sea for the past year and unexpectedly found my way back.
3. Trust the Process
There can be times when the day to day progress is unnoticeable. If I’m cutting calories to lose fat, I don’t always see the weight on the scale go down. It can be discouraging when you are limiting your food intake, being extremely disciplined, and yet hop on the scale and see little to no progress.
2. God Sees Your Intentions
Simon watched as people received the Holy Spirit when the apostles laid their hands on them. He had practiced magic most of his life, but he had never seen anything like this before and he wanted in on the action.
1. Do You Love Your Children Enough to Displease Them?
Part of our responsibility as parents is to hold our children accountable and teach them consequences. Understanding there are consequences for our actions, both good and bad, is important for thriving in this life and vital for understanding the gospel.
