In a selfcentred, immature world the Church is called to be different. Christians of all ages should be growing in spiritual maturity. John Benton guides us through what the book of Philippians has to say about a maturing church and gives helpful suggestions for how this can be put into practice and shows the joy that can be ours when we live Gods way.
Watch out cruisecontrol Christiansyou will never look at Philippians the same way again! John Benton deftly draws out six expectations Paul had for the church at Philippi (quality, priority, community, integrity, stability, and generosity). Every member of the Body of Christ would do well to read and reflect upon these truths for maturity in Christ. I profited much from this study.
-- Flip Michaels (Associate Pastor, GraceLife Church, Hershey, Pennsylvania)John Benton reflects in a thoughtful and warm but also challenging way on how churches and individual Christians have become juvenile like the world rather than mature in Christ. He draws six aspects of maturity from Philippians and lays out practical ways in which we can pursue it.
-- Garry Williams (Director, Pastors Academy, London Theological Seminary)discipleship means commitment, and commitment involves sacrifice. Pauls deep love for the church is evident throughout Philippians, and John Bentons love for the local church shines through this short book. Real joy comes when we are liberated from the endless and futile quest for selffulfilment, and give ourselves to Christ and to His people
-- Sharon James (Social Policy Analyst, The Christian Institute)