Tag: What the Bible says about maturing as a believer

Bible Verse of The Day – 2-26-25

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Everything about our walk with God is based on faith.

There is nothing about it that is based on intellect, intelligence, or human knowledge.

I might even go as far as stating that it is not even based on understanding. And that would be true apart from the fact that we must understand our need for redemption.

As we begin walking out our relationship with Yahweh, our Creator and Redeemer, we take each little step by faith.

Sometimes this can be a scary proposition as we navigate this thing we call faith.

It can be fascinating and terrifying at the same time.

Why?

Because we want so badly to pursue God with our whole heart, but our human understanding continually tries to interfere, reminding us repeatedly that some things about this walk with God make no sense to our minds.

And in the bigger scheme of things, this is truly where the rubber meets the road.

This is where we begin to divide what we understand with our minds from what seems unfathomable; intellect versus faith.

This is where spiritual immaturity slowly gives way to maturity, and we begin to spread our wings, so to speak, no longer simply sitting in the nest with our jaws open, waiting for someone to drop our food into our mouths.

You see, as we blossom, and we mature, we develop into Spirit-led beings instead of living and walking by carnal understanding.

And it is this that separates us from those who know nothing of God and His ways; those who consider the things of God to be foolishness.

And perhaps we were like them at some point.

But God desires for us to move beyond our past, laying aside the things of the world that once ensnared us, looking instead to Him for our understanding, our nourishment, and our sustenance.

And it is in Him that we find our purpose, knowing that as we grow, we live unto Him, and the ways of the world become a distant memory.

So, let us learn to live and walk by faith, that our lives would no longer be tossed about like a ship in the waves of the sea, but anchored by our faith in Him.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-1-25

Acts 4:13 (NKJV) 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

There are many things we can glean from this verse when it comes to the effects of our relationship with God on our lives.

This relationship with our Creator and Redeemer is not benign. It is not without consequence or impact. Or at least it should not be as such.

Spending time with Jesus brings change.

Jesus impacted the lives of untold numbers of people during the brief time He walked the earth and ministered to those who came to hear Him speak and teach.

He changes the lives of those whom He touched, physically and spiritually.

Jesus spent three years with His disciples, teaching and shaping them for what was to come after His ascension.

And based on the verse above, He was wildly successful in doing so.

The disciples were uneducated, untrained, and unrefined in the eyes of the world.

But in the eyes of God, they were powerful; mighty men that He used to attack and break down the powers of darkness on a global scale.

How does our own relationship with Jesus affect us or impact others?

Do they see and hear the effects of this heavenly relationship in our lives?

This is not about intellect or knowledge in the earthly sense.

How has Jesus changed us spiritually, in ways that impact the kingdom of God?

How does our presence in places affect the atmosphere?

These are the questions we need to ask ourselves.

Do people around us know that we have been with Jesus?

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 12-20-24

Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NKJV) 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Life.

We live each day. We follow our routines. We do what is necessary. We go through the motions.

And we try to find things that we can enjoy or be enthusiastic about.

And for a while it works. We get excited and find happiness and joy in the things we do.

Decades pass by. And we eventually lose our enthusiasm for those things that once meant so much to us.

Sometimes we try desperately to hold onto things that we were once so passionate about. But the joy we once felt seems to be gone. These things no longer satisfy us or get us excited.

We are no longer passionate or zealous about them. And we wonder why.

This is more common than most people realize. As children of God, as we grow and mature, the things of the world begin to fall off, one by one. They no longer hold the place in our heart that they used to hold.

Our passion for God and His kingdom grows as we mature in Christ. In turn, our passion for worldly activities and possessions slowly loses its hold on us.

This does not mean that if we are a child of God, we must suddenly withdraw from everything we used to do.

But, over time, as God changes our heart, we will find ourselves letting go of things voluntarily.

So, if we are struggling to try to understand why earthly life holds less of a grip on us than it used to, this is typically why that happens.

There is nothing wrong with us. In fact, if we are losing our zeal for the things of this world, and our focus is more toward God, everything is right with us.

Our priorities have simply been transformed by the Holy Spirit working in us.

That, my friends, is exactly what the Holy Spirit does as we allow the blood of Christ to permeate our very being.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 11-22-24

Colossians 1:9 (NKJV) 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

As Paul was writing to the Colossian believers, he commended them for their faith, and the fruit that it was producing in their midst.

Paul ran down a list of things that he had heard about them as they grew in their walk with God. They were maturing in Christ!

This is where verse 9, above, comes in, as Paul stated that this was the reason he prayed fervently for them; that they may be filled with knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

So, if Paul thought it important to pray for these things regarding the Colossians, how much more we should realize that these are the things we also should be concerned with in our own walks with God.

Being filled with the knowledge of the will of God will strengthen our faith, push back fear and doubt, and give us the peace He desires for us to have as we walk through various trials and difficulties in our lives.

And as we gain spiritual understanding, we question God’s ways less frequently.

We are no longer blown about by the wind, tossed like ships on a stormy sea. But our faith acts as an anchor that holds us fast even in the tempests that threaten to capsize us and steal us away from our faith.

May we continually learn and grow in the knowledge of Him in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Amen.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 11-8-24

Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV) 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

As Paul wrote to the believers at Ephesus, he exhorted them, encouraging them to walk the walk of faith in a way that glorified God and demonstrated maturity in Christ.

The entire fourth chapter was dedicated to this.

As part of his efforts to steer the Ephesians in the right direction, he taught them about spiritual gifts given by God for the edification of the body.

He reminded them that God has given leaders in the body to teach believers in the ways of righteousness and coming-of-age as Christians.

He listed 5 specific “offices” for this purpose; apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).

Paul’s purpose in sharing this was to lead believers to a stronger relationship with Christ, that they would not stumble and wallow in immaturity, being tossed to and fro as a ship on the sea.

And in the verses above, he warned them to heed the words and the instructions of those whom God had placed among them to teach them and raise them up, that they would not be tossed about with every wind of doctrine.

You see, God has sufficiently equipped us as a body, not leaving us as orphans to wander blindly and fend for ourselves. But as children with sound leadership, and the discernment of the Holy Spirit.

And He has given His word; a handbook for life, supplying us with what we need so that we would know Him and gain spiritual understanding, and be quick to recognize the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.

And that we run far from it under the leading of His Spirit.

Amen

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 9-12-24

1 Corinthians 3:1 (NKJV) 1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

God wants to speak to us as spiritual people. But we may still be walking as a carnal person even after calling ourself a child of God for a very long time.

Are we still babes who can have only milk, when God wants to feed us solid food?

How do we know if we fall into this “milk babes” category?”

If we are still envious of others, fighting and causing division, we are acting as what Paul would call, “mere men”, and we need to recognize it as sinful behavior.

1 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV) 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

Here, Paul is saying we must get past this if we want to be able to go deeper with God.

Paul wanted to teach them much more, but because of where they were in their hearts, they couldn’t receive more.

We determine how much we want to learn individually; how close we want to get to God by our willingness to change in our heart.

We decide how disciplined we want to become in our walk. We determine if we are milk babies or solid food eaters.

You see, if we continue to walk in carnal ways, and not allow our heart to be taught, we will remain as babes in Christ, knowing just the basics; just getting by, and never growing.

We will continue to only be able to have “milk”, or light and easy basic teachings, just coasting as a believer.

But if we step it up in our walk and focus on trying to honor God with everything in us, pushing harder to go the extra mile, well then, we are on another level of growth.

For instance, if there is an argument, and you are the one willing to humble your heart, turn your cheek and walk away in love, putting aside all you emotions, you truly want God’s best for that situation.

God will guide us and give us the strength and discipline if we are set on seeking unity, working things out and leaving peace where we have walked.

The most important thing to remember when faced with controversy is that kindness and respect will be your best friend. Amen.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries 
49 N Lamplighters Walk 
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 8-25-24 – A Work in Progress

Please click to watch the video now.Greetings in the name of Jesus! 

There is a phrase that Jesus spoke in which He referred to specks and planks. 

In our new video, we also refer to that phrase as we teach about being careful not to judge others because we are all “A Work in Progress” as God teaches us and molds us. 

This is a great lesson for all of us, to remind us that not even one of us is perfect. 

We hope you enjoy it! 

Please click here to watch the video now. 

We love you all! 

Enjoy your day. 

Sincerely, 

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie 

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443  

401-439-3780 

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 8-4-24 – Yahweh Our Redeemer

Please click to watch the video now.Greetings in the name of Jesus! 

We serve a God who is beyond our comprehension. 

He is mighty, graceful, merciful, and loving. And the closer we draw to Him, the more we understand His ways. 

We have a new video for you today; Yahweh, Our Redeemer. 

In this new video, we teach about God’s sovereignty, and how growing older and wiser impacts the way we see things and the way we understand God and His truths. 

We hope this video will give you assurance, hope, and strength. 

Please click here to watch the video now. 

We love you all and want nothing but God’s best for you! 

Sincerely in Christ, 

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie 

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443  

401-439-3780 

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 7-3-24

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Many of us may have heard Christians state that they are just a sinner saved by grace.

Most times this is referring to the fact that we occasionally slip up and are not perfect in our walk with God.

While there may be some truth to that, this phrase fails to account for the scripture above, which states that if we are in Christ, washed by His blood, we are a NEW creation!

No, we are not expected to be perfect. God knows that we will sin.

But this is never an excuse for us to sin. It does not give us a license to willfully, freely sin and expect God to simply forgive us because of His grace and the blood of Christ.

Romans 6:15 (NKJV) 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!

You see, sin does not just happen involuntarily. It comes by the choices we make.

To brush it off, sometimes jokingly, saying that we are just a sinner saved by grace, we are dangerously close to making light of what Christ did on the cross.

This is not to scold anyone. It is meant to give us a gentle nudge, a soft reminder, that we do not forget the seriousness of our commitment to Christ.

The key to this is to change the perspective with which we look at this topic.

Before Christ, we were sinners, dirty and unwashed.

After Christ, we are new creations, made clean by the washing of His blood.

We are no longer that same person.

We are each a new creation. God’s word says so!

When the blood of Jesus is applied, the old things have passed away.

His blood is better than the most powerful soap. It does not simply remove the dirt and stains, dressing us up and making us look better.

It brings us from a past life of sin and darkness into a new life in Him.

He is worthy of the effort that we must make if we wish to honor Him with our lives.

Let us walk each day as the new creations that He died to save.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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Bible Verse of The Day – 6-6-24

Acts 9:35 (NKJV) 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

These people who turned to the Lord had just witnessed a man named Aeneas be healed. To them it was a sign.

The healing of this man would bring many to Christ.

We may have no idea why many things happen, but God uses things like this for a purpose.

And that purpose is to help people see God in a way that they cannot deny it is Him. And this is the very thing that often causes us to turn to Him.

Some of us may state that we have given our heart to Jesus Christ. But have we actually turned to Him?

Have we allowed Him to help us make those necessary changes in our lives that will make a difference in our relationship with Him?

The word “turn”, used in the opening verse, means to change direction; To move so that we are in a different position.

Some Synonyms would be: change course, swing round, wheel round, veer.

Change direction or change course; two very important steps.

This is exactly what should happen to us when we have been convicted in our heart, and we have put our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This “turn towards Him” is a must.

There has to be a change of direction in our walk. And a very noticeable one at that.

Whether it’s the words from our mouths, our habits, our thoughts, our entertainment choices, our friends and family that we spend time with. Whatever we are convicted of and we now know better, we must turn from. And doing so will cause a change of direction.

We do not want to be apart from His peace that comes when we turn to Him.

1 Peter 3:11 (NKJV) 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries 
49 N Lamplighters Walk 
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-26-24

Luke 21:19 (NKJV) 19 By your patience possess your souls.

As Jesus spoke to His disciples, He began warning them of some things that were to come that would signify “the end of the age”.

His first warning was that no one fall victim to the deceptive tactics of the false messiahs who would come.

He went on to tell them of numerous signs and events that would take place that would be very difficult for those who had to endure them.

There will be great earthquakes, pestilences, fearful sights, and great signs from heaven.

He then expounded on the great persecution that His followers will be subjected to during that time.

Part of this persecution involves “them laying their hands on you” and “delivering you up to synagogues and prisons”.

And “they will put some of you to death” for your faith.

Why will this happen?

Because His followers will be hated for His name’s sake.

These are not easy things to talk about or to imagine having to endure.

But Jesus was speaking truth that we must all embrace the reality of.

None of us knows if we will face these things. But we must all understand that it is a real possibility, and that we must be prepared for it should it happen.

Jesus didn’t speak of this to scare His disciples. He spoke of it to prepare them!

But after all His warnings, He reassured them that “not a hair of your head shall be lost” if they stood firm, patiently enduring and persisting in their faith.

What would they gain by their patient endurance?

Here is what 4 different translations say:

NKJV – By your patience possess your souls.

NLT – By standing firm, you will win your souls.

AMP – By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] you will gain your souls.

NIV – Stand firm, and you will win life.

These 4 translations each state this truth a bit differently. But the meaning is the same. Stand firm and protect our eternal destiny.

Faith in Christ is not for the weak or the faint of heart.

It is not something we should approach flippantly or lightheartedly.

Let us all do whatever is necessary to make our calling and election sure.

2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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