Growing Together in Faith and Community
Summary
Today is a day of celebration and growth, as we honor mothers, witness the confirmation of our students, and reflect on the journey of faith that God calls each of us to walk. We rejoice in the generosity and unity shown through our Beyond the Horizon campaign, which not only raised significant resources for our church’s future but also drew more families into deeper commitment and service. The visible fruits—completed projects, new initiatives, and the involvement of our children—are all signs of a community that is alive and growing in Christ.
Growth is at the heart of our faith journey. Just as a child moves from milk to solid food, so too are we called to move from the basics of faith to deeper maturity. Peter urges us to crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s word, laying aside sin and grounding ourselves in the gospel. But we are not meant to stay spiritual infants. The author of Hebrews challenges us to move beyond the basics, to chew on the “solid food” of faith—wrestling with hard questions, discerning good from evil, and practicing obedience even when it’s uncomfortable.
Spiritual maturity is not about perfection, but about a willingness to be trained, to be stretched, and to let God’s word shape our lives. This means developing daily habits of engaging with Scripture, practicing obedience in the face of discomfort, and pouring into others through teaching and discipleship. Growth happens in community, as we encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and celebrate each step forward—whether it’s a student proclaiming faith for the first time or a seasoned believer taking on new challenges.
The invitation is open to all: come to the table, feed your soul, and grow up in your salvation. Whether you are just beginning or have walked with Jesus for years, God desires deeper relationship with you. You are not alone—God is with you, and this church family is here to walk alongside you. Let us press on together, reflecting Christ in all we do, and helping others to do the same.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual growth is a journey from milk to solid food. Just as infants need milk before they can handle solid food, we must first be grounded in the basics of the gospel before moving on to deeper truths. This foundation is essential, but we are called to mature, to move beyond the basics, and to let God stretch us into new understanding and obedience. [30:22]
- True maturity involves discerning good from evil and obeying Christ, even when it’s difficult. The “solid food” of faith is not just knowledge, but the ability to apply God’s truth in real-life situations—choosing what is right over what is easy, and being willing to stand apart from the crowd for the sake of Christ. This is the mark of a mature believer. [36:26]
- Growth requires intentional habits: wrestling with God’s word, practicing obedience, and discipling others. It’s not enough to passively consume spiritual content; we must actively engage, ask hard questions, and let Scripture challenge us. Obedience often means stepping out of our comfort zones, and teaching others is both a responsibility and a powerful way to deepen our own faith. [39:52]
- Community is essential for spiritual development. We grow best when we are surrounded by others who encourage, challenge, and walk with us. Whether through mentoring, small groups, or simply reaching out to someone in need, investing in others’ growth is a vital part of our own journey. [43:15]
- God’s grace is the foundation and fuel for all growth. We cannot lay aside sin or mature in faith by our own strength; it is only through Christ’s sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit that we are transformed. God is always with us, cheering us on, and inviting us deeper—no matter where we are on the journey. [44:45]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[19:27] - Greeting Newcomers & Announcements
[20:10] - Beyond the Horizon Campaign Update
[21:14] - Campaign Highlights & Prayer Events
[21:44] - Kids’ Involvement and Generosity
[22:10] - Campaign Results and Participation
[23:09] - First Fruits Initiative and Progress
[23:59] - Upcoming Projects and Vision
[25:01] - Message from Family Ministries
[26:05] - Honoring Mothers and Confirmation
[27:13] - The Journey of Growth
[28:34] - Spiritual Milk and Solid Food
[29:04] - Craving God’s Word
[32:45] - The Challenge of Maturity
[35:10] - Solid Food: Discerning Good and Evil
[39:38] - Three Steps to Spiritual Growth
[43:50] - Invitation to Grow Together
[46:04] - Baptism and Confirmation Service
[50:44] - Testimony: Riley’s Story
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Growing Up in Faith
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### Bible Reading
1 Peter 2:1-3 (NIV)
> Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Hebrews 5:11–6:1 (NIV)
> We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity...
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Peter 2:1-3, what does Peter say we should “crave” and why? What does he say we should lay aside first?
2. According to Hebrews 5:12-14, what is the difference between “milk” and “solid food” in the context of faith?
3. The sermon compared spiritual growth to a child moving from milk to solid food. What are some signs of spiritual “infancy” and “maturity” mentioned in the message? [[28:34]]
4. What are the three practical steps for spiritual growth that were shared in the sermon? [[39:38]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter uses the image of a newborn craving milk to describe our relationship with God’s word? What does this say about our spiritual hunger? [[31:23]]
2. The author of Hebrews challenges believers to move beyond the basics and “chew on solid food.” What might be some reasons people stay stuck on “milk” instead of growing deeper? [[33:06]]
3. The sermon said that spiritual maturity is not about perfection, but about being willing to be trained and stretched. How does this perspective change the way we think about our own growth? [[35:10]]
4. Why is community so important for spiritual growth, according to the sermon? What role do others play in helping us mature? [[43:15]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “crave” God’s word like a baby craves milk. What is one practical way you could increase your hunger for Scripture this week? Is there a specific time or method you want to try? [[31:23]]
2. The message talked about moving from “milk” to “solid food” by wrestling with hard questions and practicing obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable. Can you think of a recent situation where you had to choose between what was easy and what was right? How did you respond? [[36:26]]
3. One step to growth was developing daily habits of engaging with Scripture. What is one habit you could start, restart, or strengthen this month to help you grow? [[39:52]]
4. The sermon encouraged us to disciple and teach others as a way to grow ourselves. Who is one person you could encourage or help in their faith journey this week? What would that look like? [[41:54]]
5. Community was described as essential for growth. Is there someone in your life group, family, or church who could use encouragement or accountability? How could you reach out to them this week? [[43:15]]
6. The message reminded us that God’s grace is the foundation for all growth—we can’t do it alone. Are there areas where you’ve been trying to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” instead of relying on God’s strength? What would it look like to invite God into that area? [[44:45]]
7. The invitation was to “come to the table, feed your soul, and grow up in your salvation.” What is one next step you feel God is inviting you to take in your faith journey right now? [[43:50]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, asking God to help each person take their next step in spiritual growth, and to give the group a deeper hunger for His word and a heart to encourage each other.
Devotional
Day 1: Crave Spiritual Milk to Grow in Salvation
Just as a newborn baby urgently desires milk, we are called to long for the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word, letting it nourish and form the foundation of our faith. This craving is not just for knowledge, but for a deep, transformative understanding that leads to growth in our salvation. We cannot lay aside sin or grow on our own strength; it is only through Jesus’ sacrifice and the power of the gospel that we are able to begin this journey. Let nothing stand between you and the nourishment your soul needs—come to God’s Word with the same hunger and urgency as an infant, knowing that this is where true growth begins. [30:22]
1 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV)
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can make time today to “crave” and receive God’s Word, letting it nourish your soul like spiritual milk?
Day 2: Move from Milk to Solid Food—Pursue Spiritual Maturity
There comes a time when we are called to move beyond the basics of faith and begin to chew on the “solid food” of deeper spiritual truths. This means not just knowing the gospel, but letting it shape our ability to discern good from evil and to live out our faith in challenging situations. Spiritual maturity is about training our senses, wrestling with hard questions, and being willing to grow even when it’s uncomfortable. God invites us to press on, to not remain spiritual infants, but to become mature followers who can teach and guide others. [35:10]
Hebrews 5:11-14 (ESV)
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Reflection: What is one “solid food” area—a challenging question or situation—where you sense God inviting you to grow in maturity this week?
Day 3: Practice Obedience When It’s Uncomfortable
Spiritual growth often happens when we step out of our comfort zones and choose obedience to Christ, even when it’s hard or unpopular. Whether it’s walking away from gossip, making a difficult ethical choice at work, or standing up for what is right, these moments are opportunities to exercise our spiritual muscles. Growth comes from consistently choosing what honors God, even when it means being misunderstood or feeling alone. God is with you in every uncomfortable step, cheering you on as you become more like Jesus. [41:14]
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reflection: Where is God calling you to practice obedience today, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky?
Day 4: Feed Your Soul Daily—Develop Habits of Engaging God’s Word
Feeding your soul is not a one-time event but a daily habit of engaging with God’s Word, wrestling with its meaning, and letting it shape your life. This means going beyond surface reading—asking questions, seeking understanding, and allowing Scripture to reveal God’s character and your own need for change. As you develop this habit, you’ll find your faith deepening and your relationship with God growing more vibrant and real. [40:08]
Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside today to engage deeply with God’s Word, asking Him to speak and transform you?
Day 5: Help Others Grow—Teach and Disciple in Community
Spiritual maturity is not just about personal growth, but about helping others grow as well. Whether it’s volunteering with students, encouraging a friend, or simply checking in with someone about their faith, teaching and discipling others is a vital part of following Jesus. As you pour into others, you’ll find your own faith strengthened and your sense of community deepened. God’s vision is for every person to know Him, and He invites you to play a part in that story. [43:15]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage or help grow in their faith this week, and what is one step you can take to reach out to them?
Quotes
These are the 15 spiritually significant quotes, each between 30 and 100 words, with their starting timestamps in hh:mm:ss format:
We need the gospel because through Jesus, through his sacrifice, he takes those sins away. He takes the cross that was meant for us. And then when we believe in the gospel, then and only then can we start to lay aside these sins and these things. [00:30:12]
Peter is saying we should desire the word like an infant desires the pure milk, right? We should desire that because there's nothing that's going to get in the way from that baby and the bottle, right? So, there should be nothing that we should let stand between us, between us and the gospel and wanting to desire God's word. [00:31:23]
This is the spiritual milk. This is what lays a foundation, right? We were all infants once. We all had to drink milk. We all had to have formula, right? We This is a foundation. that we just can't gloss over. We can't just overlook that. [00:31:55]
There has to be some solid food in there. And Peter speaks to the beginning of our faith journey, right? the people who have just accepted Christ, maybe a confirmation student who's deciding to be baptized today, right? This is the spiritual milk that you should be drinking. [00:32:26]
The challenge is, are you still living on milk when you should be eating solid food? Are you You should be eating solid food. So, we're going to be in Hebrews 5 starting in verse 11 here. And it says this, we have a great deal to say about this, but it's difficult to explain since you have become too lazy to understand. [00:32:48]
But solid food is for the mature, those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil. And read that again. But solid food is for the mature. those who senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil. And starting in chapter six, he says, "Hey, we should go on to maturity. We shouldn't just stay where we are." [00:35:10]
That's when we start to graduate from, you know, formula to rare dun steak or tofu, whatever, whatever you decide. And u right and we start to chew on some harder things. We start to ask God these questions like, "How do I trust God when I don't know what's going to happen next? When my career is uncertain, what do I do? Or when my relationships are hard? How do I trust you in those spaces, in those places?" [00:35:43]
Deciphering between good and evil and obeying Christ in that moment. That's hard stuff to do. It's so hard to do. And that's walking into your school or your workplace and maybe you find yourself in a situation where you're like, man, I don't know how I got here, but I'm here. That h that happens every day. [00:36:36]
The question is, we have to be obedient to Christ in a broken world. We have to be obedient to Christ in a broken world. And this is why it's solid food. This is why we need the gospel. Because without the gospel, we can't chew on these harder things because we are freed from the way the world looks at us through the gospel. [00:38:20]
What are you feeding your soul with every day? What are you feeding your soul with every day? Are you staying spiritually hungry and trying to be intentional? Are you settling for a snack when asking you to feast, right? God wants you to grow deeper. He is calling you to grow. And that invitation is for everyone. [00:38:56]
Develop a daily habit of wrestling with God's word. Develop a daily habit of wrestling with God's word. Solid food doesn't just mean reading scripture, but it means digging into it. digging into the context. What does it mean? And you want to write this down or type it out when you're reading. Here are some questions you can ask yourself. [00:39:48]
God's word is alive. It's beautiful. And when we read it and we start to ask ourselves these questions, we start to grow a little bit more then all of a sudden I hate reading. I've maybe finished two books in my whole entire life. But I love reading this thing. Like there's so much good stuff in here and I love reading it. [00:40:27]
We have to practice when it's uncomfortable and we have to do it consistently, right? That's how we work out that muscle. That's how we're chewing and digesting that solid food. And the last one is teach and disciple others. Teach and disciple others. [00:41:31]
So growing spiritually is helping others also grow. So that every tongue, every nation would bow and know that Jesus is Lord and that he is king. So these three things, I've seen these in my life, I've seen these in others lives, this is going to help you grow deeper. [00:43:18]
Come to the table, feed your soul, and grow up in your salvation. And the beautiful thing is you're not alone. You have a church here that wants to come alongside you. There's amazing staff here that wants to talk to you. If you ever want to get coffee or lunch, please let me know. I would love to meet with you. [00:43:50]
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