It was an honor to present the Spiritual Growth devo at the LOG #98 team meeting on Sunday, September 30, 2018. The scripture text was taken from the N/T Gospel of John 3:1-21. The story is about Nicodemus. The devo was based mainly on verses 1-3 and 5: “Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again, and, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
We talked about the reason Nicodemus went to see Jesus at night, supposing that he was afraid of being seen by his friends with someone they opposed and an outsider of their peer group, and his fear that he would lose his social status and high position. We made the connection of Nicodemus to many people in the world today, and some of the people the team is trying to invite to the LOG weekend, and the possibility of their fear of what their friends will think and losing their acceptance.
We emphasized the point that not being afraid to share your faith with others is the key to spiritual growth. Going to church, studying the Bible and prayer are very important, but sharing faith is what helps us grow and to take our faith life to greater fulfillment.
We discussed the importance of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual growth process, and understanding that born again means more than being saved, it is living in the presence of the Holy Spirit, living a spirit-filled life. Similarly, we talked about how Jesus and the apostles needed the Holy Spirit, (AKA the Helper) in their ministry and sharing faith with others, and by their example we don’t have to do it alone and by ourselves.
Lastly, we also discussed the importance of understanding and using our God-given gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they will be a blessing to others and to us as well. I told the team that nearly every young person I’ve spoken with in LOG has said their main goal in life is to serve God and help people and stressed that spiritual growth is the way to do it, sharing your faith with people, and seeking the presence of the Holy Spirit, in all things and at all times!