A “stagnant Christian” should be an oxymoron. God's plan for His children is that they be edified, constantly moving forward in faith. But the Christian can't become spiritually mature alone...

Notes:

Focus verse - Ephesians 4

We don’t stand in our own strength, but we are built up together on the foundation of Christ.

Upward – glorify God
Inward – edify each other
Outward – reach people with the Gospel

Edification happens inside each of us when we submit ourselves to God and allow Him to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus.

We are built up so that He is lifted up.

1. Edification Is Jesus’ Blueprint.
Ephesians 4:11–12

Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,
A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;
Whoever believes will never be shaken.”

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles—
it’s up to you to make sure these children are prepared for spiritual battle.

Be proactively teaching your kids Biblical truth or they will be led astray.

When Jesus is the cornerstone, and when His people are equipped and built up in truth, the church stands strong.

Romans 14:19 (ESV)
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Let us pursue.

2. Edification Produces Maturity.
Ephesians 4:13–14 (NKJV)

Edification gives us:
- discernment
- stability
- resilience

Longevity doesn’t equal maturity.

Jesus loved them enough to tell them the truth and call them to repentance.

True love doesn’t enable sin; it confronts it.

3. Edification Requires Every Member’s Contribution.
Ephesians 4:15–16 (NKJV)

It is essential, that we speak the truth in love.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Our goal is to lead people to Christ, to be a light in the world.

Speak the truth in love.
Use your gifts.
Pour into others.

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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wave of tragedies has swept through our nation, including the recent loss of our powerful Christian leader, Charlie Kirk. In the face of such evident darkness, where can we find hope?

In this special and timely episode, Pastor Greg Laurie joins Franklin Graham to confront the recent heartbreaking events in our troubled nation. Together, they encourage us to embrace the hope found in Jesus Christ and keep the truth of Romans 8:28 stored in our hearts: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV).

Plus, hear Billy Graham’s timeless National Cathedral message after 9/11. His words ring just as powerfully now as they did 24 years ago.

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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every time something huge happens in the world, people start asking, “Wait… is this it? Is Armageddon about to begin?” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie examines what the Bible actually says about the End Times, and why we don’t need to panic. God’s not caught off guard by any of this. He’s had a plan from the very start. And that plan includes you . . . your peace, your hope, and your future. It’s a reassuring reminder you don’t want to miss.

Listen on harvest.org

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Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org

A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.