Faith & Reason Nexus

TO HELP ME:

GOD

• Supplies all our needs
  • Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
    God provides everything we need to grow and mature in Him. He is our ultimate source of support in our journey toward perfection.
• My Helper always
  • Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
  • Hebrews 13:6 – “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”
    God is always there, ready to help us when we need it, empowering us to keep moving toward perfection.

CHRIST

• Intercedes for me
  • Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
    Christ is at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, ensuring that we have all the grace we need to grow.
• Gives me strength
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
    Christ strengthens us through His grace, empowering us to persevere and press on in our pursuit of perfection.

CHRISTIANS

• Workers together
  • 2 Corinthians 6:1 – “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.”
    We are not alone in our journey; fellow Christians are our partners, working together with us to achieve God’s purposes.
• Helps bear my burdens
  • Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
    Fellow believers are there to help carry our burdens, offering support and encouragement as we grow.
• Prays for me
  • Ephesians 1:16 – “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
    Christians pray for one another, helping to strengthen us in our journey toward perfection.

FAITH, VIRTUE, KNOWLEDGE, TEMPERANCE, PATIENCE, GODLINESS, BROTHERLY KINDNESS, LOVE

• 2 Peter 1:5-11 – “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  These virtues are essential for spiritual growth. We are called to build upon our faith, growing in each of these qualities as we move toward perfection.

HEAVEN

• Revelation 21:1-4 – “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
  Heaven is the ultimate goal of our journey, where we will experience perfect communion with God and the fulfillment of our perfection.

TO HINDER ME:

SATAN

• Works of the flesh
  • Galatians 5:17 – “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
    Satan works through our sinful nature to hinder our progress, tempting us to follow our flesh rather than the Spirit.
• Enemies of Christ
  • Philippians 3:18 – “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
    Satan influences those who oppose Christ, seeking to divert us from our pursuit of perfection.
• Worldliness and Temptation
  • The world offers many distractions and temptations that seek to pull us away from God’s calling.
• Evil desires and False Doctrines
  • These are used by Satan to lead us astray from the truth of God’s Word.

THE WORLD

• Colossians 1:13 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
  The world, under Satan’s influence, tries to distract us and prevent us from growing in Christ.

RESULTS OF A FAILURE TO PRESS ON:

• Indifference – A lack of passion for spiritual matters, such as church attendance, evangelism, and living a life of faith.
• Carelessness about church attendance – Neglecting to gather with fellow believers for worship and fellowship.
• Not trying to save others – Failing to share the Gospel and neglecting the Great Commission.
• Giving sparingly – Not being generous with time, talents, or finances in the work of the Kingdom.

ARE YOU MOVING TOWARD PERFECTION?

The process of spiritual growth requires constant effort. With God’s help, Christ’s intercession, and the support of fellow Christians, we can continue to grow in the virtues that lead us toward perfection. We must remain vigilant against the hindrances from Satan and the world, keeping our eyes on the ultimate goal of eternal life with God in heaven.