Refresh

by The Salvation Army Gwinnett

Religion & Spirituality Christianity Spirituality

Season 14

Growth (Week 2: Issue of equipping rather than time)

Spiritual growth requires intentional effort and obedience, not just passive church attendance or biblical knowledge. Paul calls believers to walk worthy of their calling through humility, gentleness, and unity. True maturity comes from applying God's word, not merely hearing it. God equips the church through gifted leaders who prepare all members for ministry. Every believer has spiritual gifts meant to build up the body of Christ. Spiritual maturity is marked by unity in Christ, stability against false teaching, speaking truth in love, and active service in community.

Growth (Week 1: Intentional Development)

Spiritual growth is the lifelong process of maturing in faith, moving from basic teachings to deeper spiritual truths. Many Christians remain spiritually immature despite years of faith, still needing to be spoon-fed rather than developing the ability to discern good from evil. The writer of Hebrews uses the metaphor of milk versus solid food to illustrate this problem - believers who should be teachers still need elementary instruction. True spiritual maturity comes not from age or years of church attendance, but from consistently applying God's word and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our character. This week, commit to moving beyond spiritual milk by taking concrete steps toward growth in areas like Bible study, prayer, and serving others.

Enrollment Sunday

Being a Salvation Army soldier means making a sacred covenant to put God first and live by biblical principles. The Army exists for two primary purposes: evangelism and Christian compassion, following Jesus' command to preach the gospel and serve those in need. Loyalty to leaders and principles requires understanding that the main thing is winning people for God's kingdom and relieving human suffering. This spirit of salvationism means putting salvation first and foremost in everything we do. When Jesus is truly at the center of our lives, every word and action should bring glory to His name and show His love to others.

Renewed Strength

As we enter a new year, true renewal comes not from our own resolutions but from God's inexhaustible strength. Isaiah 40 reveals God's incomparable greatness - He holds the waters in His hands, knows every star by name, and rules over all nations. Spiritual renewal begins with repentance and humility rather than presenting our achievements to God. When life gets difficult, we can trust that the God who created the universe is never too busy to see our struggles. Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, soaring like eagles, running without growing weary, and walking without fainting.

Season 13

Advent: The Journey (Joy)

The Christmas story reveals God's radical love through His choice to announce Jesus' birth to shepherds - society's most marginalized people. These humble workers, considered the lowest class in first-century Judea, were the first to receive the angelic announcement of the Messiah's arrival. Their inclusion demonstrates that God's kingdom operates differently than earthly systems, offering salvation to all regardless of social status. The shepherds responded with joy, becoming the first messengers of the good news. This shows us that God sees and values everyone, no matter how overlooked or forgotten they may feel by society.

Advent: The Journey (Peace)

The story of the Magi reveals profound truths about God's redemptive plan for all nations. God initiated their journey by placing a supernatural star in the sky, demonstrating His heart to reach outsiders. When they found Jesus, the wise men responded with true worship, bringing gifts that declared His kingship, divinity, and sacrificial mission. Their encounter with Christ transformed them completely - they returned home by a different route, symbolizing the life change that comes from genuine worship. This journey shows that Jesus is not just a personal savior but a public king who demands surrender from every heart.

Advent: The Journey (Hope)

Angels are God's created messengers who played a crucial role in announcing Jesus' arrival. After 400 years of divine silence, Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph with messages of hope and divine purpose. Angels also proclaimed Christ's birth to shepherds, declaring good news of great joy for all people. These heavenly messengers prepared the way for salvation and demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promises. Just as angels delivered God's messages with enthusiasm and obedience, we are called to become messengers ourselves, sharing the hope and joy of Christ with others around us.

How to be Thankful: Fostering a Heart of Gratitude (Week 3: Kingdom of God & Faithfulness)

In a world of constant uncertainty, Hebrews 12 reminds us that God's kingdom cannot be shaken. Unlike the terrifying Mount Sinai where God gave the law, believers approach Mount Zion through grace - the heavenly Jerusalem filled with angels and Jesus as our mediator. Every earthly security can fail, but God's kingdom remains unshakable throughout history. Our response should be gratitude, not just as a feeling but as a discipline rooted in our identity in Christ. We live in the already but not yet, walking by faith while awaiting the full realization of God's eternal kingdom.

How to Be Thankful: Fostering a Heart of Gratitude (Week 2- Thankfulness & God's Will)

Paul's commands to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances can seem impossible when facing hardship. The Thessalonian church received these bold imperatives while enduring persecution, social isolation, and internal fears about Christ's delayed return. True joy doesn't depend on our circumstances but flows from the unchanging foundation of our salvation through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit enables us to pray continuously and find gratitude even in trials. When we turn our eyes upon Jesus and focus on the cross rather than our conditions, we discover that Christ Himself is the source of joy, prayer, and thanksgiving.

How to Be Thankful: Fostering a Heart of Gratitude (Week 1- Love & Gratitude)

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