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Since that time a miracle has occurred. Today there is a growing spirit of harmony and love. Most church members are less concerned about the denominations, and Para church groups are more universally respected, received, and appreciated. The walls are tumbling down! In fact, the greatest spiritual awakening of all time is taking place today. More people are hearing the gospel; more people are receiving Christ; more people are committed to helping fulfill the Great Commission than at any other time since the church was born almost 2,000 years ago. Here in the United States, one-third of all adults identify themselves as born-again, evangelical Christians. More than 100 million attend church each Sunday and more millions listen to Christian radio and television programs regularly. But we have a serious problem. These facts are not reflected in the life of our nation. According to our surveys, fewer than 50 percent of the church members in America are sure of their salvation, only 5 percent understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and a bare 2 percent regularly share their faith in Christ. Obviously something is tragically wrong. Our Lord has commanded us to be the salt of the Earth and the light of the world, but in spite of the fact that Christians represent a large segment of the American population, we have a negligible influence in government, education, media, or any other facet of our society. There is need for a great spiritual revival and revolution in America, and throughout the world. To influence the world effectively for Christ, a great body of Christians must be growing spiritually, introducing men and women to the Savior, and helping other believers reach a higher level of Christian maturity. The individual Christian must be committed to living a holy life and to reaching his or her own community with the gospel. An in-depth study of God's word is a major factor in accomplishing these things. The Ten Basic Steps to Christian Maturity course - composed of an Introduction, plus ten dynamic steps to walking with Christ and living a joyful, victorious life - has been written to facilitate that type of study. Designed originally to help college students explore the riches of God's word, the course has been equally effective with adults and young people in churches, home Bible study groups, military and prison facilities, and in many high schools. Now, the entire work, including the Ten Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity Leader's Guide has been reviewed, expanded and updated and placed on the Internet. It can be used for personal as well as group Bible study and is very effective for any Christian who wants to grow spiritually. This course has been prepared so that, when used with the Leader's Guide, even an inexperienced, first-time teacher can lead a Bible-study successfully. The lesson material in the printed booklets also has been combined in a single paperback volume called A Handbook for Christian Maturity. My prayer is that these studies will greatly bless and enrich your life, and that you will be further encouraged in your growth toward maturity in Jesus Christ. I trust also that the effectiveness of your personal witness for Him will be greatly enhanced.
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