The “Main Event”

For many of us the moment we chose to place our faith in Christ is unforgettable. Between the flood of emotions and the revelation of freedom that we can’t quite put our fingers on, it’s hard to imagine anything better. There is a reason that Jesus tells us that the angels rejoice when someone repents and comes to Christ (Luke 15:10) — it’s exciting!

But that moment is not intended to be the climax of our Christian journey. While we can rest assured in our salvation through our faith in Christ, we are called into much deeper waters:a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. In a recent episode of Update with Bill Harris, Bill asks the question, ‘Are You a Growing Christian?’, and reminds us that there is so much more to be discovered after surrendering our lives to God:

“The Christian commitment involves more than just going to church on Sunday, singing a few songs and putting a little money in the offering pan, enduring a sermon as you glance, periodically, at your watch, and then walking out of the sanctuary with a smile as though you just did God a favor.”

“Christianity involves a commitment 7 days a week – 24/7.”
— Bill Harris, “Update with Bill Harris”

No such thing as status quo.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him…” (Colossians 2:6)

In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, one of the first things he emphasizes to his fellow believers is walking in obedience with the Lord. Why? Paul had heard that the Colossians were being led astray by false doctrine and teachings. He knew that it is only by steeping ourselves in Christ and clinging to his word that we can stay on the right path!

Bill says in his teaching, “in our daily walk with the Lord, there is no such thing as a status quo. You are either a growing christian, or you are lagging behind.” This is because we are always growing in one direction or another. Either we are growing closer to Christ or we are growing closer to something else — our spirit is never stagnant.

No fruits, no roots

..rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2: 7)

Bill refers to the fruits of our life as a “barometer” for our faith. In other words, as we grow deeper in relationship with Christ, it will manifest outwardly through our actions, thoughts and other relationships with those around us. Good fruit is a natural byproduct of being built up in God!

This is the process of being changed from the “inside out”. Without establishing roots in Christ through a personal relationship, the old habits and hangups will continue to lead us astray. Our own strength to change will not be enough: it’s only through the power of a close relationship with God that we begin to see outward change in our lives.

God has a benefits package

“..in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)

Behavioral changes aren’t the only result of a growing relationship with God. As Bill puts it, God has a benefits package! His Word clearly tells us that as we mature and become more Christ-like, we also grow in our understanding of his ways. Bill highlights some of these in his teaching:

• Treasures of divine wisdom (wisdom to deal with people and circumstances)
• Comprehensive insight (keen apprehension)
• Ways and purposes of God
• Riches of spiritual knowledge (a special “knowing” in your spirit)
• Enlightenment (intellectual or spiritual knowledge into the unforeseen)

God didn’t sacrifice his only Son just to get us into Heaven and forget about us. He did it because he wants to know us deeply and wants to spend eternity with us. Spending time growing in him and enjoying the blessings of that intimate relationship is just the first step we take in an eternal life with our Creator!

Bill Harris is the founder and President of Rapture Ministries located in Holland, OH. His weekly TV show, Update With Bill Harris, can be viewed regularly on WTLW. Go to our programming schedule to find the air times.

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