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United Church of God

Tools for Spiritual Growth

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Table of Contents

The Privilege and Power of Prayer

The Bible reveals and discusses important tools we can use to grow spiritually and build our relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. We first examine the crucial tool of prayer—a key to communication with our Creator.

The Lord's Prayer as a Guideline

In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, right after instructing people not to use vain repetition in prayer (Matthew 6:7), He gave a model prayer now referred to as the Lord's Prayer—or "Our Father" for its first words (Matthew 6:9-13).

God Has Conditions for Answered Prayer

It is only logical that God expects us to fulfill certain conditions if we want His help.

Learn, Live and Love the Bible

God has given us His revelation of what we need to know but could not learn on our own. He has given us a handbook for life—the Bible. How can we best use this wonderful tool for spiritual growth He has provided for us?

Great Themes of the Bible

The Bible is unified by profound themes running through it. Although it contains a number of major themes, here are three of the most important.

Proofs of the Bible

God doesn't want blind faith. He wants you to have faith based on solid evidence. "Test [prove] all things; hold fast what is good," He tells us (1 Thessalonians 5:21). You can prove the divine origin, authenticity and accuracy of the Bible.

How to Read, Study and Understand the Bible

Whet your appetite, and hopefully the Bible will be a big part of your diet for life.

Meditation: What's on Your Mind?

We can greatly improve the quality of our prayers and Bible study when we think carefully—or meditate—about what God says to us through His Word and what we say to Him in prayer. How can we use the tool of meditation? 

What Should We Meditate About?

God’s Word is filled with subjects on which we can meditate.

Fasting: A Spiritual Power Tool

The Bible shows us that many notable figures spent time in fasting—going without food and drink. God even commands us to fast at least one day each year. What does fasting teach us, and how can we use this tool for growth?

Repentance: A Profound Turnaround!

Our first step toward receiving forgiveness and being reconciled with God is repentance—turning from our selfish and sinful ways and turning to Him. And we must remain in a repentant attitude if we are to grow as God wants us to. 

Steps to Initial Repentance and Conversion

What must take place for us to receive God's forgiveness and grace?

Repentance, Penance and Grace

It's essential to understand that God is pleased with repentance but not penance.

The Church: Help for Greater Growth

Participation in the Church (assembly of believers) Jesus founded through supporting its mission and Christian fellowship—communicating and interacting with other members—is a priceless tool for personal and collective growth. 

Becoming a Member of God's Church

Surprisingly, an individual cannot "join" the Church of God on his or her own.

The Church Behind This Publication

The New Testament Church belongs to our heavenly Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Growth: From Immaturity to Immortality

After examining key essential tools for spiritual transformation—prayer, Bible study, meditation, fasting, repentance and the Church, we now consider how we can use all these tools in attaining our ultimate destiny of eternal life.

Bearing Fruit: A Crucial Part of Spiritual Growth

God expects us to be productive and get results.