Like the Discovery and Source studies, Growth is rooted in the truth that God is at the centre of our lives. In Discovery, we opened ourselves up to receiving, more fully, the gift of salvation offered to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We invited him to have his rightful place in our lives as our Lord and Saviour, our King and Redeemer. In Source, we learned about the Holy Spirit and how he is active in our lives moment-by-moment, directing and empowering us to follow Christ. Now it is time for Growth. In the context of an intimate relationship with God, there is much to learn about growing and living the Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit. The concepts presented in both Source and Growth are vital for those who are newly learning to live as Christians.
Source preceded Growth to help us understand the integral role of the Holy Spirit in our piety and practice of the Faith. Recognizing the importance of the Holy Spirit, we now look at the concrete actions that characterize a Christian life.
It is important to root this study in the real help and action of the Holy Spirit. Without him, this study could be interpreted as a list of activities we must accomplish in order to earn God’s favour. The things we do to grow in the Christian life (prayer, Scripture, sacraments, fellowship, witness and service) should flow from our relationship with God and our desire to know, love and serve him.
LESSON OUTLINE
- Growth Essentials
An overview of why and how we are called to grow in our relationship with God. - Prayer
Growing in our confidence in prayer and our intimacy with God through prayer. - Scripture
Recognizing that Scripture is living and active, and should be so in our daily lives. - Sacramental Life
Recognizing that the grace we receive in the sacraments helps us to grow in faith. - Fellowship
Paul, Barnabas and Timothy are models of the relationships we have within the body of Christ. - Service and Witness
Recognizing our call to serve others and share the love of God with them in word and deed.