In some churches, there seems to be little expectation that people will actually grow in the knowledge of Christ, in obeying him, and in sharing the gospel with others. Instead, members’ lives are on spiritual autopilot. Christianity is a social label rather than an active, vibrant faith.

Sadly, churches like this are all too common. But this kind of nominal, stagnant religion should not characterize a church. The New Testament presents the opposite picture.

MAIN IDEA

The church is a living organism composed of spiritually alive, growing Christians. Therefore, the members of local churches should expect, encourage, and equip other members to grow spiritually

Bobby Jamieson, Built upon the Rock: The Church, ed. Mark Dever, 9Marks Healthy Church Study Guides (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012), 27.