Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

The angels always seemed to have a special enthusiasm for the birth of the Savior. What did they know, that mankind would soon hear? They called it good news. It was a great joy. It was for all the people. And was all about a Savior, Christ the Lord.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

The book of 2 Peter begins and ends with an inspiring call to spiritual growth in Christ. Though we already know Jesus Christ, spiritual growth involves getting to know him better. This includes growth in our understanding of Christ, as well as our experience of his grace. What a simple and beautiful road map for the growth of every follower of Christ!  It's good for all of us to ask the question, "What is the next step for my growth in Christ?"

I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)

Overheard:
Molly: "I LOVE our new church web site! It's better than our church!"
Mike: "Now Honey, I wouldn't go THAT far."

The famous passage from 1 Corinthians (above) gives us a window into the heart of the apostle Paul. Love will use every legitimate means to bring the gospel to people for their salvation. When Paul says, "I have become all things to all people" he's not referring to compromise. Rather, it's a great reminder of how Jesus became man, in the incarnation, for the sake of our salvation. Christians creatively use neutral tools to bring the gospel into the space being occupied by real people.

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2:5)

On the day of Pentecost, there were people from every nation in one city. In a reversal of the Tower of Babel, these people heard the gospel in their own tongue. The Holy Spirit was poured out, and Peter preached the gospel. Those who believed were baptized, and 3000 souls were added that day. This historic day was no accident. God had said in the Old Testament, "I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh."

...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel... (Ephesians 6:18-19)

A number of the verses in the New Testament about prayer include a call to "alertness." Sometimes our spiritual senses can grow dull, and there is a kind of spiritual alertness needed in prayer. One reason for that is the spiritual conflict that rages in the unseen realm, what Donald Gray Barnhouse called "the invisible war." That's the context of these verses in Ephesians 6. The only way to wage such a conflict is on our knees, with spiritual alertness. 

Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord. (Exodus 14:13)

This scene from the Book of Exodus finds the people of Israel between a rock and a hard place. Behind them: the fearsome army of Pharaoh. In front of them: the impassable sea. These stirring words of Moses call them to stand and see the salvation of the Lord. 

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Have you noticed how the parts of your physical body are interdependent? So it is, with the body of Christ, the church. When we're connected in healthy ways to others in the church, we grow up into Christ. Notice that the body "builds itself up in love." Each person has something to give, and is vital to the community. And, each person has something they need from relationships in the community. In a growing church, the relationships are dynamic, not static. Time and space are given for new people to be added, adding new richness to our community.