As one continues to be transformed, the believer seeks to become what God created him to be: a fruit-producing Christian constantly connected to and empowered by the Source of life.

As we mature into spiritual adulthood, we become more kingdom-focused, looking for ways we can serve and work toward God's purposes. Often, however, such actions are motivated by a desire to earn or feel deserving of God's love, instead of simply accepting what God has freely and unconditionally already promised.

In the process of transformational discipleship, while we learn important lessons during spiritual childhood, we also must grow up, leaving behind our childish self-centeredness.

It is not just new believers who are spiritual infants. Pastor Dave lays out the biblical indicators of someone who has some growing up to do and how to take those first steps toward spiritual maturity.

We begin a new sermon series asking the question: Have you experienced the tweaking power or the transforming power of Christ in your life? Over the summer, we will consider what may be impeding you from letting God take control of your whole life and hear from others on that same journey.

The books of Acts concludes with Paul finally arriving in Rome but that is not the end of the story. We are the continuation of the story, the story of God's work through us, reaching to the ends of the world.

Through Paul's experience in a literal storm, we find God's anchors in the midst of life's storms and His providence that we can trust in.

Beaten, imprisoned and with a mob wanting Paul killed, "the Lord stood by him" offering encouragement has He still does today.

As Jesus matured, Luke tells us that he "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man," a goal and reputation we should all strive to achieve.

In the midst of the predicted persecution as he returned to Jerusalem, Paul demonstrates his love for his fellow Jews and the peace of God as violence and chaos surrounds him.