GROW UP!

A YOUNG CHILD CAN BE SAVED BY FAITH IN CHRIST

Luke 10:21 - "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes:  even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight."

2 Timothy 1:5 - "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also...."

2 Timothy 3:14-15 - "...continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

1 Peter 2:2 - "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby...."

BUT GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO REMAIN YOUNG CHILDREN

Ephesians 4:11 - "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers...."

[Note:  According to Revelation 21:14, the Lamb (Jesus Christ) chose only twelve faithful apostles, which obviously does not include Judas Iscariot, and Matthias, whom His disciples chose - Acts 1:15-26.  Note that Jesus told Peter and the rest of the 120 to wait until they received the Holy Spirit - Acts 1:4-8!  Instead, Peter, being Peter, held a "business meeting," in which they chose Matthias.]

Ephesians 4:12-16 - "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, Who is the head, even Christ:  from Hom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 - "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat:  for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  that the man (mature child) of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Hebrews 5:12-14 - "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

The saying, "You are what you eat," is especially true for the born again believer!

Unless you are regularly "eating the meat of  God's Word, "your growth is stunted!'