Spiritual Maturity

This book consists of overviews of the Gospel of John, The Acts of the Apostles, and the majority of the Apostles' letters, (Epistles) in the New Testament. Various essays and relevant quotations are included, as well as a few pages of interesting biographies on each of seven people, from prior centuries. Spiritual growth is a sublime endeavor going hand in hand with the ultimate goal of salvation. Prevailing beliefs must be evaluated Scripturally prior to, or in conjunction with the forward advance. Untruths are powerful; they can make a person less involved, increasingly docile, and at peace when they should be active, inquisitive and upward striving. Evangelical doctrines have become increasingly prevalent, and their teachings are accepted in many Protestant Churches. Hardly anyone seems to rally and dispute them any more. Many people do mumble however; some in derision, some with perplexity in the sense that something within them recoils at the ultra-simplicity of their salvation messages. For example: (1)The presumed forgiveness of sins without cost of reparations or restitution to those injured or thereby inconvenienced. "Lay your sins at the feet of Jesus," they say." (2) "Your works are useless, they cannot save you." (James: What does it profit a man if he says he has faith, and has not works? Can faith save him?) (3) Also that God imputes righteousness to believers, and they become 'saints' at the very moment of placing their trust in Him. The notion is prominent of letting God do it all; taking their needs to Him in prayer, singing songs of praise to the Lord for saving them, hearing sermons, and attending Bible studies. Many conduct themselves as if duty is done, preparation secured for the rapture: that 'free gift' for souls who may have no specifics to offer other than having "accepted Jesus as their Personal Savior." "By their fruits you will know them," which may refer to good works, and/or to the higher qualities of goodness and integrity fine-tuned over time, which are among the best of works since other people are inspired thereby. Many people become cognizant of the fact that the above and other of their doctrines can lead to Spiritual complacency; therefore commit rather to making improvements in their own lives; whether encouraged to do so or not from the pulpit. The abundance of admonitions to do right and avoid wrong, is something of a broad-brush word painting throughout the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. In this book, each specific doctrine is scrutinized by Scripture to Scripture analysis; intently and pointedly, in the search on just how they came into being, and how the relevant and pertinent other Scriptures compel those doctrines to give way to the truth. ON ADVANCING SPIRITUALLY: There is no flattery or exaggeration in this book, as that of: "He loves all believers unconditionally." There is no philosophizing, only adherence to (1) Paul's methodical guidance toward Spiritual advancement. (2) To Peter's clear insight on the human attributes that must accompany Faith. (3) To James' straight forward dictum, which in essence is, "a person must work." (4) To John's clearly stated message regarding sin: "Those who abide in Him, do not sin." All in all, those four strong Apostles, three of whom had been with Jesus, guide 'searchers after truth' along, revealing to them the requirements for becoming, inheritors of Eternal Life.