Couples For Christ Christian Life Program Talk 10 Growing in

These are: prayer, study, service and fellowship. In order to grow, we need to make use of the basic means of growth which the Lord provides us. These are: prayer, study, service and fellowship. The baptism in the Spirit is only a beginning. Now we need to grow in this new life in the Spirit.

Christian life can be pictured as a wheel of a cart. Note: For Catholics, there is a fifth tool to growth: the sacraments. The outer rim. The hub. The spokes.

Prayer

Jesus-Centered Relationship Holy Spirit-Led Our prayer must be… Faithful Jesus-Centered Relationship

In the Catholic tradition, the intercession of Mary and the saints is a powerful tool of prayer. A devotion to Mary and the saints is part and parcel of a Catholic’s faith.

Study

Three ways we can learn more about God. The Bible Spiritual readings. Teachings and preachings. Three ways we can learn more about God.

Service

As we put the Lord first in our lives, he calls us to reach out also to others.  Service helps us grow because it touches the most basic attitudes we have of ourselves and our independence. To serve others is to be humble. We need to take on a mentality of service so that we see our whole life given over to God's work. We need to take on the heart of a servant. Mt 20:26‑28.

First we serve God by the way we live. We also serve by performing the basic responsibilities God has given us in our daily lives. Then we serve our fellow men by recognizing the many built‑in opportunities for service in day‑to‑day life. We give witness to our faith in Jesus by the way we live our lives. Be alert to opportunities to share your faith verbally with family, friends, neighbors, co‑workers, and the world at large. Make ourselves and our resources available for God's work. Our time, talent, treasure. Ways we can serve:

Fellowship

We need the support of others. We need their wisdom and strength. We need to do things together. Fellowship is not an optional extra. We do not become complete Christians by ourselves. We must be joined to others in order to experience the fullness of Christian life.

Some ways to experience Christian fellowship. Worship in liturgies, prayer meetings, conferences.  Coming together for teaching and formation.  Serving together.  Social gatherings. Mention invitation to join Couples for Christ, which will be discussed fully next week.

In the Catholic tradition, the most important tool for spiritual growth are the sacraments. They are the main channels of God's grace for our lives. The Sacraments

We recommend frequent confession and communion. Though confession is required only once a year, we should avail of this more often. Though communion is required only once a year, we should receive communion much more frequently, with the proper disposition. We recommend frequent confession and communion.

If you are faithful, you will not be disappointed. This CLP, your commitment to Christ, the baptism in the Holy Spirit‑‑all these are just the beginning of a new life. We are "babies in Christ" and we need to grow. Make use of the tools provided by God. If you are faithful, you will not be disappointed. Conclusion.

Couples For Christ Christian Life Program Talk 10 Growing in

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