Last Lord’s Day Sunday, we challenged our members to allow the Lord God to redirect us to pursue what He has in mind for our lives in 2026 and beyond. David wanted to build a marvelous temple for the Lord, but God said no. David’s response was both spiritual and humble (2 Samuel 7). From God’s Word, we set forth sound Bible principles to follow as we pursue God-centered goals for the new year. This morning, we turn our focus to the all-important matter of growth. Each year that God gives us can be, ought to be, must be a year of more growth in our walk with God. As you know, the language of growth is used very often in the Scriptures. Here’s a familiar verse: “Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). A number of vital questions come to the surface about the issue of Christian growth: Why should we stay in a growth mindset, how exactly do we grow, and what does growth look like? In today’s sermon, we want to search God’s Word to discern the right answer to these commonly raised questions about our growth in Christ. But another question arises: Is there a negative fallout when we fail to pursue growth? Personal and congregational growth must be a top priority before us in 2026. Saints and servants at Waterbury, let’s go forward and grow in this new year. VHH
