Drawing Near – Growing

Introduction

Spiritual growth and transformation are part of a lifelong journey that begins at salvation and continues throughout the believer’s life. Neither is accomplished through human effort alone; rather, both occur as God’s Word (scripture) and Spirit shape a person’s heart, mind, and actions.

While closely related, spiritual growth and transformation are distinct processes. Transformation refers to the Spirit’s work of fundamentally changing a person’s identity, character, and orientation toward God. Growth refers to the progressive development of Christlike maturity, understanding, and godly character.

The Holy Spirit (also referred to as the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, or, in some translations, the Holy Ghost) is the source of both transformation and growth, initiating inward renewal and continually cultivating greater conformity to Christ.

Throughout the believer’s life, the Spirit convicts of sin, indwells, guides into truth, comforts, empowers for service, produces spiritual fruit, grants spiritual gifts, and progressively shapes believers into the image of Christ.

Central to this discussion is the recognition that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, an abstract energy, or a vague cosmic power. He is the third “Person” of the Trinity — fully God, coequal with the Father and the Son, and possessing a distinct personality.

“…as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him (Christ).” (2 Corinthians 3:18b -TLB)

Jesus speaking of the Holy Spirit: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

references

Peterson, D. G. (1995). Possessed by God: A New Testament theology of sanctification and holiness. InterVarsity Press.

Packer, J. I. (1993). Keep in step with the Spirit: Finding fullness in our walk with God (Rev. ed.). Baker Books.

Grudem, W. (2020). Systematic theology: An introduction to biblical doctrine (2nd ed.). Zondervan Academic.

McCall, T. H. (2020). Against God and nature: Rethinking sin, suffering, and evil. Bloomsbury T&T Clark. (Particularly helpful on sanctification and transformation.)

Schreiner, T. R. (2001). Paul: Apostle of God’s glory in Christ. InterVarsity Press.

Willard, D. (2002). Renovation of the heart: Putting on the character of Christ. NavPress.

The following pathways to spiritual growth will greatly benefit both those investigating the claims of Christianity and those who have already placed their faith in Christ.

Prayer

Seekers Prayer

Prayer is a practical step that can be taken in an honest and earnest pursuit of the divine. For those investigating Christianity, asking God to reveal Himself can be a sincere, permissible, and even faith-filled response to the possibility that He exists.

Scripture recounts the story of a father seeking help for his afflicted son. Aware of both his need and the limitations of his faith, he appealed to Jesus:

“…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22b-24)

Jesus ultimately ministered to the man’s son, meeting the father at his point of faith. This account demonstrates that genuine faith need not begin with complete certainty. Even a person who struggles with doubt may honestly seek God’s help in believing.

Scripture repeatedly affirms that genuine spiritual understanding is not achieved through human intellect alone but requires God’s active assistance. For this reason, the Bible encourages individuals to seek God’s help in understanding spiritual truth and growing in faith.

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law (Scripture)” (Psalm 119:18)

The Apostle Paul speaking: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,” (Ephesians 1:17-18)

“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned (understood) only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Considerations

Several important theological considerations should be noted regarding a seeker’s prayer asking God to make Himself known:

Prevailing biblical and theological understanding dictates that God differentiates between a sincere seeker and the cynic who demands, “Do a miracle right now to prove you are there.” In the New Testament, Jesus strongly rebuked people who demanded miraculous signs to prove his authority [1].
God has chosen to reveal Himself primarily through His general revelation — creation, conscience, and providence — and His special revelation — the Bible and Jesus Christ. These God-given means of revelation should not be ignored in favour of seeking miraculous signs, which God has not promised as a normative means of revealing Himself [2-4].
Theological and apologetic frameworks suggest that when God answers a skeptic’s sincere plea, He does so through specific channels such as: the gift of saving faith, the internal “witness” (conviction) of the Holy Spirit and/or providential convergence – such as crossing paths with a well-equipped believer, “stumbling” upon a compelling philosophical argument, or experiencing a sudden life event that breaks down intellectual pride [5-9].
Many theologians and Christian philosophers contend that the journey from skepticism to faith is often gradual rather than instantaneous. Spiritual growth frequently unfolds through extended periods of questioning, doubt, reflection, and intellectual struggle [10,11]. The conversion of acclaimed British authour and Christian apologist C. S. Lewis is often cited as an example of this gradual process. In his autobiography, Surprised by Joy, Lewis described his conversion to Christianity as “a deeply painful, agonizing process of intellectual and personal ‘defeat‘“. Despite the agony of the process, Lewis later recognized that this painful breaking down was an act of supreme mercy. He realized that God’s unrelenting pursuit was the only thing capable of shattering his deep-seated stubbornness [12].

references

1. “The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven…” Jesus speaking: “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah*.” Jesus then left them and went away.” (Matthew 16:1,4) *The sign of Jonah foreshadowed Jesus being death three days and then resurrected, compared to Jonah being in the whale’s belly for three days.

2. Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics: Prolegomena (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003), 301–340. Bavinck explains that God reveals Himself generally through nature, history, and human consciousness, making knowledge of God universally accessible.

3. Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996), 13–29. Berkhof distinguishes between general revelation, which reaches all humanity through creation, providence, and conscience, and special revelation, which communicates God’s redemptive purposes through Scripture and Christ.

4. John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1987), 139–181. Frame argues that Jesus Christ is God’s supreme revelation and that Scripture serves as the authoritative written form of God’s special revelation.

5. John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1987), 145–171. Frame argues that genuine knowledge of God ultimately depends upon divine revelation and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, who enables faith and understanding.

6. Alvin Plantinga, Warranted Christian Belief (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2000), 241–289. Plantinga develops the concept of the internal instigation of the Holy Spirit, whereby God produces belief and conviction in the truth of the gospel.

7. William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008), 43–62. Craig contends that while apologetic arguments can remove intellectual barriers and support belief, the Holy Spirit is the primary agent who brings individuals to saving faith.

8. Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (New York, NY: Dutton, 2008), xvii–xx, 115–136. Keller describes how God often uses a combination of personal relationships, intellectual engagement, and life circumstances to draw skeptics toward Christian faith.

9. Michael Horton, The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 560–580. Horton discusses effectual calling, regeneration, and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing individuals to faith through ordinary means established by God’s providence.

10. Alister E. McGrath, The Twilight of Atheism: The Rise and Fall of Disbelief in the Modern World (New York, NY: Doubleday, 2004), 250–270. McGrath notes that religious belief often emerges through a cumulative process involving intellectual inquiry, personal experience, and gradual reassessment of previously held assumptions.

11. James W. Fowler, Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning (San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row, 1981), 274–311. Fowler argues that faith development commonly involves periods of questioning, doubt, and reconstruction as individuals mature intellectually and spiritually.

12. C. S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life (New York, NY: HarperOne, 2012), 228–229. Lewis recounts his conversion as a gradual and reluctant process, famously describing himself as “the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England” when he finally accepted the truth of Christianity.

For individuals unaccustomed to prayer, it is worth noting that prayers need not be formal, eloquent or scripted. In fact, the most powerful prayers are often simple, honest expressions of one’s feelings, thoughts or desires. An example of a simple prayer in a search for the divine might be: “God, I don’t know if you exist, but if you are real, please help me to know.”

Believers’ Prayer

For “believers” who have already put their faith in Christ, prayer is a relational act of communication with God, encompassing praise, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (a prayer request). At its core, prayer is not merely the presentation of requests, but the intentional turning of one’s heart and mind toward God in trust, dependence, and worship.

Prayer can be expressed through spoken words, silent reflection, or inward disposition, and reflects the belief that God hears and “responds” to those who seek Him. The Bible presents prayer as both accessible and essential, encouraging believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to present their requests with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), and to approach God with confidence through Christ (Hebrews 4:16).

Jesus’ teaching in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13) further models a pattern of reverence, dependence, and submission to God’s will. Ultimately, the highest purpose of Christian prayer is the cultivation of relational intimacy, the inner transformation of the believer, and the alignment of one’s will with God’s [1-2].

references

1. John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (Peabody, MA: Hendricksoo Publishers, 2008), 850–88.

2. Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God (New York: Dutton, 2014), 5–16.

Both authors emphasize that Christian prayer is not merely the presentation of requests but an act of communion with God that forms the believer’s heart, cultivates dependence upon Him, and aligns human desires with God’s will.

Scripture – The Holy Bible

The Bible is considered the inspired, infallible “Word of God” and the final authority for Christian faith and practice. Christian theology considers the Bible as “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), meaning God is the source of its content. It is viewed as a divinely guided record, historically reliable, and transformative, serving as the foundation for knowing Jesus and living according to His will.

The Bible and Faith

When exploring Christianity, it seems imperative to look to Holy Scripture to determine God’s character, commands, principles and promises. The Bible teaches that faith “comes” (is produced) through the hearing or reading of God’s word.

“But these (signs, miracles, and events about Jesus) are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

Romans 10:17 teaches that faith is not self-generated, but arises in response to the proclamation of the gospel — the message concerning Christ’s life, sacrificial death, and resurrection. “Hearing” in this sense means more than simply hearing words; it involves receiving, understanding, and responding to the message being communicated. Thus, faith is awakened as individuals encounter the truth about Christ.

The Bible – Transformation

The Bible presents God’s Word as dynamic and enduring rather than static or merely informational. Hebrews 4:12 describes it as “living and active,” indicating that it carries divine authority and continues to operate meaningfully in the present, penetrating the inner life and discerning thoughts and intentions.

This dynamic quality is further reflected in passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16, which affirm that Scripture “…is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”

From a theological perspective, scholars such as John Calvin have emphasized that Scripture is not only a record of divine revelation but also a means by which God continues to speak and work in the lives of believers.* In this way, God’s Word actively engages individuals — convicting of sin, offering encouragement, correcting, and ultimately contributing to spiritual transformation.

* John Calvin. (1960). Institutes of the Christian Religion (J. T. McNeill, Ed.; F. L. Battles, Trans.). Westminster Press.

Please click “Bible Basics” below if you are new to the Bible and would like a brief overview.

Bible Basics

1. Overview

The Bible is a collection of 66 internal “documents” called the “books” of the Bible.

The Bible tells one overarching story:
Creation → Fall → Redemption → Restoration.

The Old Testament acts as the foundation, while the New Testament acts as the fulfillment. The OT predicts the Messiah, and the NT reveals that Jesus is that Messiah.

Many people begin reading the Bible with the New Testament book of John, followed by the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), then Acts, before returning to Genesis. Many also incorporate the Psalms into their daily Bible reading.

2. Choose a Clear Translation

Consider an easily readable, modern language translation such as:

New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV) or New Living Translation (NLT)

Also, consider a “study Bible,” a version of the Bible that includes the full scripture text alongside extensive study aids such as notes, maps, and commentaries designed to help readers understand the context, history, and meaning of the passages. It typically features notes at the bottom of each page to explain complex verses.

Read in Context

Avoid picking random verses at first. Read full sections or chapters so you understand the flow of thought.

Pray

If you believe, or even if you’re still exploring, a simple prayer helps:

“God, if You are there, please help me understand and guide me into truth.”

Don’t Be Discouraged by Confusion

Some sections of the Bible may be difficult to understand, that’s normal. Mark them if you wish and move on. Understanding grows over time.

Consider Reading With Others

A study group, or trusted commentary can provide helpful context and prevent misunderstandings.

Study Guides / Commentaries / Devotionals

Bible study guides, commentaries, and daily devotionals help the reader engage Scripture with greater clarity, depth, and consistency. Study guides provide structure and direction, commentaries offer historical and theological insight, and devotionals encourage daily reflection and application. Together, they support spiritual growth by deepening understanding and helping connect God’s Word to everyday life.

Bible Study Course

Attending a Bible study course or program provides an opportunity to explore Scripture, ask questions, and discuss the Bible’s message with others. There is no shortage of Bible study courses available, many of which are offered through local churches. One of the best known — particularly for those investigating the claims of Christianity — is the Alpha Course. Described as “an opportunity to explore the meaning of life,”

Alpha courses are conducted in a wide variety of settings, including churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, and universities. They are designed to be “seeker sensitive,” meaning they are delivered in a non-threatening manner and tailored predominantly for non-churchgoers. More information can be found at www.alpha.org.

The Community of Faith

The Bible emphasizes that seeking God is not only a personal pursuit but also something believers do together in fellowship, worship, and mutual encouragement.

“And let us consider how we may spur (encourage) one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24–25).

The church, in Christian theology, is described as the “body of Christ,” a living, spiritual organism in which believers are united with Christ as the head and with one another as members. The Apostle Paul writes, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27), emphasizing both unity and diversity within the church. Christ’s role as head signifies His authority, guidance, and sustaining presence (Ephesians 4:15–16), while believers collectively embody His mission in the world.

At first glance, the church can seem deeply flawed. It is made up of ordinary people — people who struggle, fail, misunderstand, and sometimes hurt one another. Throughout history, these imperfections have led many to question the value or even the legitimacy of the church. Yet Scripture reveals that the church is defined not by human weakness, but by its union with Christ, who is its head and source of life.

“And God placed all things under His (Jesus) feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church,which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Worship

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)

Humanity was created to worship and glorify God; this belief is deeply rooted in Scripture and has been emphasized throughout Christian history by many theologians and writers. Augustine of Hippo expressed this by writing that the human heart remains restless until it finds rest in God [1]. The Westminster Shorter Catechism famously states that humanity’s chief purpose is “to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever”[2]. Christian thinkers such as John Calvin, A. W. Tozer, and John Piper have likewise taught that worship lies at the very center of humanity’s purpose and relationship with God [3].

Besides bringing honour to God, worship fills a Christian believer with supernatural joy and profound peace by shifting their focus from worldly anxieties to God’s presence. In this sacred space, praise lifts the weight of daily burdens and replaces stress with a quiet assurance of divine protection.

While music and singing are often the first types of worship that come to mind, worship that brings glory and honour to God can be expressed in many forms such as:

Prayer — speaking with God in praise, thanksgiving, confession, and dependence.
Reading and meditating on Scripture — worshipping through learning about God’s character, promises, and works.
Church gatherings — worshipping together through teaching, prayer, communion, and fellowship with other believers.
Singing and music — expressing adoration through hymns, psalms, and worship songs.
Obedience to God — living according to God’s will as an act of devotion and surrender.
Thanksgiving and praise — acknowledging God’s goodness, mercy, and faithfulness in everyday life.
Serving others — demonstrating love, compassion, generosity, and humility in response to God’s love.
Quiet reflection and awe — contemplating God’s greatness through creation, silence, and personal reflection.
Confession and repentance — turning away from sin and drawing near to God with sincerity.
Living daily for God — offering one’s thoughts, actions, and life to God as a continual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

Christian Service

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4:)

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45))

“Contribute to the needs of the saints (fellow believers) and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)

In the New Testament parable of the “talents”, Jesus teaches that God entrusts people with abilities, opportunities, resources, and responsibilities, and expects them to use these faithfully for His purposes. It emphasizes stewardship, faithfulness, spiritual responsibility, and accountability before God. (Matthew 25:14–30)

Volunteering within a local church is a vital practice for Christians as it directly models the servant heart of Christ, fulfills the biblical command to use spiritual gifts to build up the faith community, and fosters deep spiritual maturity. Scripture teaches that every believer is given unique talents intended to serve others as active parts of a single, functioning body. Through Christian service, individuals transition from passive spectators to active participants in God’s mission.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10–11)

Many Christians testify that serving others provides a deep sense of satisfaction and greatly strengthens their walk with God. While believers can serve in areas matching their specific skills—such as music, graphic design, tax preparation, or the trades — most church ministries require no prior experience and involve minimal training.

Click below to see a list of services and programs commonly offered within and by local churches. Note that the list below is extensive. Programs will vary greatly from church to church, with smaller churches limited in the programs and resources they can offer.

List of Services and Programs

1. Worship and Prayer

Activities focused on corporate worship, prayer, and devotion.

Sunday worship services (traditional, contemporary, blended)
Midweek services / prayer meetings
Communion
Praise and worship nights
Prayer groups and intercession ministries
Prayer support teams
Worship teams (music, choir, band)
Drama and arts ministries
Devotional and media ministries (radio, online teaching)

2. Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

Programs that help believers grow in faith and maturity.

Bible study groups (small groups, home groups)
Small groups / life groups
Discipleship programs
Theology and doctrine classes
Christian education
Spiritual retreats and conferences
Seminar series (faith, life skills, apologetics)
Leadership training programs
Ministry training and certification
Mentorship and leadership development programs
Conferences and guest speakers

3. Children, Youth, and Family Ministries

Programs serving various stages of family life.

Nursery / childcare during services
Sunday school / children’s church
Youth groups (middle school, high school)
Young adult ministries
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Family ministries and parenting programs
Parenting and family counseling groups
Marriage enrichment programs
Homeschool support programs
After-school programs and tutoring

4. Demographic-Specific Ministries

Ministries focused on particular groups within the congregation.

Men’s ministry
Women’s ministry
Seniors / 55+ ministries
Singles ministries
Campus ministries (college outreach)
Military and veterans support
Disability ministries
Foster care and adoption support

5. Pastoral Care and Support

Personal care, counseling, and support services.

Pastoral counseling
Marriage and family counseling
Crisis care and intervention
Hospital and home visitation
Support groups (grief, illness, trauma)
Grief support and recovery groups
Addiction recovery programs
Senior care / visitation

6. Fellowship and Community Life

Activities that build relationships and community within the church.

Fellowship meals and coffee hours
Church picnics and social events
Sports leagues and recreation
Hobby groups (music, arts, etc.)
Volunteer teams and service groups
Hospitality / welcome teams

7. Local Community Outreach and Compassion Ministries

Meeting practical needs in the local community.

Food pantries and meal programs
Clothing drives and distribution
Homeless outreach and shelters
Christmas and holiday assistance programs
Community meals (e.g., Thanksgiving dinners)
Job training and employment assistance
Financial assistance and benevolence ministries
Medical clinics and health outreach
Community development and poverty relief initiatives
Life skills training (e.g., budgeting, parenting)
Support for local schools and education
Free tax clinics
Prison ministry

8. Evangelism and Missions

Sharing the gospel locally and globally.

Local evangelism teams
Street outreach ministries
Mission trips (short-term and long-term)
Church planting initiatives
Global missionary support
Humanitarian and disaster relief efforts

9. Church Operations and Administration

Supporting the church’s internal functioning and stewardship.

Media production (video, livestream, social media)
Finance and stewardship programs

Drawing Near – Conclusion

At its heart, Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs, moral principles, or religious practices, but a personal relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ. Scripture affirms, “Yet to all who received Him (Christ), to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). The fatherly heart of God is perhaps best demonstrated in the biblical parable of the prodigal son.

“But while he (the prodigal son) was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.. the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:20, 22-24)

The father in the parable of the prodigal son is widely understood to represent God, whose compassion, forgiveness, and eagerness to restore repentant sinners are vividly displayed in the father’s joyful reception of his returning son. Set within a chapter devoted to God’s concern for the lost, the parable illustrates the Father’s delight in welcoming those who turn to Him in repentance [1-5].

references

1. Parable of the Prodigal Son – Luke 15:1–32

2. Hultgren, A. J. (2002). The parables of Jesus: A commentary. Eerdmans, pp. 70–82.

3. Longenecker, R. N. (2000). The challenge of Jesus’ parables. Eerdmans, pp. 201–213.

4. Stein, R. H. (1992). Luke (The New American Commentary, Vol. 24). Broadman Press, pp. 404–421.

5. Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke (The New International Commentary on the New Testament). Eerdmans, pp. 573–590.

As in any relationship, trust, understanding, and affection grow over time through meaningful interaction with another. Likewise, drawing near to God is accomplished through prayer, Scripture, worship, fellowship with other believers, and Christian service. Through this process, God faithfully works in those who seek Him, shaping them into the likeness of Christ.