11. Growing in Christ
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He
who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken
their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us
victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with
Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells
within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour
and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do
we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and
meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus,
we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with
Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His
providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and
participating in the mission of the Church. We are also called to follow
Christ’s example by compassionately ministering to the physical, mental,
social, emotional, and spiritual needs of humanity. As we give ourselves in
loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His
constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and
every task into a spiritual experience. (1 Chron 29:11; Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4;
77:11, 12; Matt 20:25-28; 25:31-46; Luke 10:17-20; John 20:21; Rom
8:38, 39; 2 Cor 3:17, 18; Gal 5:22-25; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; Phil 3:7-14;
Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; 1 Thess 5:16-18, 23; Heb 10:25; James 1:27;
2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 1 John 4:4.)