STAGES IN THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY & SCRIPTURES

Introduction to the Journey: “Walking the Walk of Faith”

          Philippians 1:6, 1 John 1:5-7, James 1, 2 Peter 1:3-11

This is a presentation of the process of growing into someone who lives by faith.

Stage #1:    “The Initial Stage: Recognizing God”

          Exodus 3, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Luke 19:1-10, Acts 16:11-15, Acts 16:22-34, John 1:35-42, Acts 9:1-11

This is the time when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ and becomes a Christian.

Stage #2:    “The Instructive Stage: Learning About God”

          Exodus 4, 1 Samuel 16:14-17:37, Matthew 4:18-22, 5:1-7:29, Acts 9:19-31, Galatians 1:15-24

This is the time of leading a Christian into the basic biblical teaching about the spiritual life.

Stage #3:    “The Involvement Stage: Working For God”

          Exodus 3:1-4:31, 1 Kings 18:16-46, 2 Samuel 5:1-10, Matthew 16:13-23, 17:1-6, 26:31-35

This is the time when a Christian follows God’s leading and gets involved in ministry.

The Wall Experience:   “The Crossroads of Crisis: Time of Impossibility”

          James 1:2-4, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4, Hebrews 12:7-13, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

This is the time when a Christian has reverted to living life in their own strength and resources, leaving them searching, disappointed and confused. This can occur in between any of the stages, but usually comes after Stage #3.

Stage #4:    “The Inward Stage: Rediscovering God”

          1 Kings 19:1-18, Luke 24:13-35, John 21:15-23

This is the time when a Christian comes back to God in recommitment and renewal.

Stage #5:    “The Interactive Stage: Surrendering to God”

          Daniel 6, Acts 13:1-52, 1 Peter 1:13-25, 2 Kings 1:1-2:14

This is the time when a Christian deepens their personal relationship with God.

Stage #6:    “The Influential Stage: Reflecting God”

          Matthew 5:1-7, Philippians 3:7-16, 2 Peter 1:3-11

This is the time when a Christian experiences the “abundant life” in its fulfillment.