From Here To Eternity : Pastor Michael Carter

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature…  (2 Peter 1: 3-4) 

Graduation can be one of the most momentous occasions in a person's life. Today marks not only an end, but also a new beginning, to build upon what has been studied and learned. Nobody graduates and then retires; they are usually preparing to begin work at a higher level. 

The Faith Home curriculum has well equipped today’s graduates for a bright future “above all that (they) could ask or think.” For this reason, Faith Home Graduations are extremely noteworthy, as they mark the beginning for those who have been discipled in Christ, to “remain in (HIM) and bear much fruit”. (John 15:5) 

To bear much fruit requires continued growth in our relationship with Christ. I doubt that there is a person reading this who is completely satisfied with life as it is right now. We all want to go from where we are right now to some desired state in the future. We want better health, relationships, and to be closer to God.

The real question: How do we get from where we are right now, to where God wants us to be? Peter gives us a series of steps that we need to take if we’re going to grow. It’s going to take effort, Peter says, but with God’s help we can take these steps. 

... make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (2 Peter 1:5-7) 

Peter tells us that we need to “supplement our faith”, which means that if we are really depending upon God’s power to give us everything that we need, we will be propelled into taking additional steps to grow in the knowledge of HIM. 

You were made to know God, to live in relationship with HIM, and as a result, to continue to grow and bear fruit. I encourage you to not leave today without knowing God and trusting in what Christ has done so that you might tap into the power to grow in HIM. 

Knowing God is the most important thing that you could do with your life. Come to HIM, today. Ask HIM to receive you. He will welcome you. He has prepared to invite you into the lifelong adventure of knowing HIM. That is HIS promise to you, and all of the benefits are truly amazing, NOW, and for all of eternity.