The Bible talks about “spiritual maturity” and “growing up” in Christ. What does this mean?  Let’s take our spiritual temperature. God tells us we can make steps forward in our relationship with Him, and is always calling us closer, deeper into His ways. In fact, growing closer to the Lord is the most important task in your life. More important than reaching your dreams or even fulfilling your calling.

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

1 Peter 3:13-16

Genesis 12:1-3

12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

in·teg·ri·ty  /inˈteɡrədē/ noun 1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness."he is known to be a man of integrity"  Romans 12:1-2 [1] I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

What do you need to unpack in your life in order to move forward?  - FUTURE CONF was a complete success, thank you Culture City Church for celebrating with us!

The struggles of this year have led to friendships ending, churches dividing and much more turmoil. As a nation and the Church, we are hurting, and everyone is feeling the consequences of strife from the Covid Virus and all the political bickering. It is impossible to serve God to the best of our abilities while we are divided from each other. When we are caught up in our quarrels, it distracts from our true purpose of seeking first the Kingdom of God.  As we pursue godliness and a closer relationship with the Lord, one of the chief ways we can begin achieving both is by helping the Christian community unite.  Here are a few ways to promote unity among our fellow Believers and help our churches come together.

Hebrews 11:1 now faith is The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

One of the great problems in the world is also one of the most invisible, because – by its nature – it asks to be hidden and saps our ability to spot its symptoms. But, to generalize grossly, few things so undermine human well-being as the sickness of shame.

Philippians‬ ‭3:12-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things pass away; behold all things are become new.