ON to MATURITY

Dearest Saints, I sense that God is re-directing my ministry. I not only like to encourage Saints, but I strongly sense from God to tell each of us who have been Christians for many years that it's time to Grow Up. I think more importantly, I not only want to encourage, but I would love to see Saints be committed and rise up as a mightier warriors for God, especially when we are at a time that is critical. When we fail to see Christians Grow Up after 10, 20+ years and still act like an infant, we lose out so much more then we can ever think of what God wants to do through us to benefit others. I believe when we fail to want to grow up, many people fail to be blessed because of it. It saddens me that over the years I encourage Christians, it often falls on deaf ears and many do the exact opposite of what the preachers and teachers teach and what the Word tells us to do. Gods kingdom is lacking in advancing because people are not grown up when they should. They fail to be aggressive to do wbat is Right in order to advance the Kingdom of God. In Matt 11:12, it mentions that the Kingdom of God advances simply because the bold confident people of God are the ones who take it by force. These are not the ones who remain complacent, or fight and cause divisions amongst themselves or remain self-centered. I feel lead by the Lord to tell many that it's time to go to a new level and go on to maturity so we can be part of those who advance in Gods Kingdom. Many times, elemental teaching on forgiveness and other basic topics are preached. Unfortunately, it often falls on deaf ears and many people become dull of hearing because their heart remains calloused (Matt 15:16). He tells us that when we don't forgive others, we can't ever expect God who is totally loving to ever forgive us (Matt 6:14,15). Yet, many Christians who should know better continue to make excuses why not to forgive, even though God is clear in His Word that this is UNACCEPTABLE! This is an example that Christians who should be mature still require to be spoon-fed with this basic teaching and other elemental teachings that they should have learned long time ago. How many times does a preacher have to preach on forgiveness before Gods people decide to do this? I am so glad that God doesn't act like many Christians, otherwise none of us would have any chance of being forgiven or having renewed peace of mind. We are to imitate Christ (Eph 5:1) and strive to fulfill the law of Love (1 Cor 13:4-8) and fulfill the Law and the prophets (Matt 22:37-40). Just think of when Judas Iscariot came with a number of warriors with clubs to slay Jesus and yet, Jesus in His last attempt chooses to call him "friend" (Matt 26:50) hoping he would come back to Him and forsake his evil ways. How far are we willing to go when He Himself went to that great extent? I always admired Stephen who was being stoned and he also asked God to forgive his accusers because they knew not what they are doing because Stephen knew the consequences of their actions (Acts 7:59,60). Mature Christians see the big picture and don't become so focused on current circumstances. In order for us to grow into maturity, I think it is essential to understand that we should know He loves us and has done immeasurably for us who wants to work mightily through us and be willing to surrender under His loving authority. When we receive His Mercy, we can extend that same mercy. When we receive His Grace, we can extend that to others. And mostly, when we receive His love in full for us individually, we can extend that love to others. We also have to NOT be UNAWARE of the schemes of the enemy. When we understand that the real enemy is satan and his demonic forces and not flesh and blood, we will pray and fight for one another instead of falling into his trap and fighting against one another in the body. We also have to know and use our God given authority wisely and always see our desperate need for Gods help of His Spirit. We need to be confident in this simply because of who He is and knowing who we are in Him. As this email is solely for mature Christians like yourselves and those of whom read this to the end, this is simply an awareness so we don't criticize others which is another sign of immaturity. But we need to pray for them instead because this is a serious issue with many within the Body of Christ. With Gods help, let's be mature Christians who go the extra mile, (pray for those who come against us), help encourage young believers and admonish others who have been in the faith awhile to rise up as true Believers in Christ. Christ already won the war at Calvary. We have to be like Soldiers, use His Word as a Mighty Sword and do all the crisis demands by being confident in Him to be able to stand our ground upon the Rock (Jesus) Matt 6:13. It's time for many to leave the elemental teachings of a child and Grow to maturity. I hope this blesses you that together, God will use us to advance His Kingdom. Please email to the undersigned should you wish to unsubscribe from receiving my Blogs. In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/