1. Solid Steps of Christian Growth A Study of 2 Peter 1:1-11

2. God’s Call to Spiritual Growth Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:8 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23,24

3. Faith Believing God as He Promised in His Word Acts 27:25

4. Introduction - Christianity begins with FAITH (Acts 27:25) Faith is believing and trusting in God You start with faith as the first step of a new life, and then constantly add to it. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "We walk by faith, not by sight." We don't live by the media; we don’t live in fear! We live by faith in the eternal God. God wants us to live in absolute dependence on Him. That’s belief – that’s faith! I can't get very upset over troubles when I know everything is under God's control – that’s faith!

5. Two kinds of Faith: Wrong Faith… Wasted Faith It is a Blind faith, guessing kind of faith, hoping, trying, wishing for something to happen, with no idea and no guarantee that it will happen It is a neglecting faith that leaves firm beliefs to parents, to pastors, and to religious fanatics It is trusting ANY other source for truth other than the Bible – period! –Your Experiences – “well, I know what I saw…” –Your Feelings – “I just can get over how I feel…” –Your Past – “How could God ever forgive ME?” –Astrology, evolution, superstitions

6. Two kinds of Faith: … and Right Faith – Real Faith Real faith has substance Real faith is precious (rare) Real faith is common – it is universal Real faith is proven Real faith is Biblical (1Thes 2:13)

7. The Effect of Faith Accesses the free gift of forgiveness and salvation from hell (Ephesians 2:8,9)! Accesses peace with God (Romans 5:1) Pleases God – not your efforts, but your faith and confidence in Him (Hebrews 11:6) Gets answers to your needs (Mark 11:24) Brings all good things into your life (2Peter 1:3) - just by personally knowing Jesus!

8. How to Grow Your Faith (Luke 17:5; Mark 9:24) Constantly Feed it (Rom 10:17) Constantly Force it Constantly Fight with it Constantly Live in it There are NO short-cuts… We fail in our Christian life because we fail at THIS step! What Will You Do With Your Faith Now?