1. After Christmas…now what? Luke 2: 39 – 52 January 5, 2014

2. My identity? Am I a child of God? Qualifications? -Have I been ‘born again’ – John 3:3? -‘Receiving’ Jesus is key to become God’s child – John 1:12 -‘Being led’ by His Spirit – Rom. 8:14

3. My priority? Is my priority to do God’s will? God’s will is that I ‘mature’ spiritually, ‘become like Jesus’ – Eph. 4:13; Rom. 8:29; Gal. 4:19 Spiritual growth/maturity is a MUST. Living things grow/mature! Food is essential.

4. Bible is Spiritual Food Scripture is indispensable -“Man….lives by every word from God” – Deut. 8:3 -God to Joshua – “don’t turn to left or right from My word” – Josh. 1: 7-9 Jesus’ example and teaching -Battles of life – Matt. 4: 1-11 -“My sheep listen and follow” – John 10: 4, 27 -To Jewish leaders – “you err because you don’t know the Scriptures” – Matt. 22:29 Early church demonstrated dependence on Scripture – Acts 2: 42, Acts 17:11 -“devoted” themselves to apostles teaching -Met daily with believers for prayer, praise and fellowship

5. 2 Necessities for every believer 1st – daily time with God It’s a daily walk – Luke 9:23 It’s about a relationship -Need to “listen” to Him – John 10:27 -Need to be “led” by Him – Rom. 8:14 Begin now! 2nd – connect with a Life Group – Matt. 28: 18-20 Regular Accountability Discipleship – helping/being helped

6. What Steps will I Take? My IDENTITY? Am I His Child – am I being “led” daily by His Spirit? My PRIORITY in life? Is it to grow/mature in my relationship with God?