What would happen if you grew beyond belief this year — spiritually?

The Moso Bamboo grows underground for five years before it shoots up nearly ninety feet in six weeks. That kind of growth wasn't created in six weeks. It was prepared over five years. And spiritual growth works the same way — it often begins where nobody can see it.

David D. Ireland, Ph.D. | Lead Pastor | Christ Church

In this message drawn from 2 Peter 1 — the final written words of the Apostle Peter before his martyrdom — we ask three questions that every believer must honestly face:

• Are you still GROWING? — God has already given you everything you need for life and godliness. Spiritual growth is not optional enhancement. It is the expected outcome of divine enablement. The real question is: are you cooperating with it?

• What's holding YOU BACK? — Peter identifies 7 qualities every believer must intentionally develop: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Neglect them and you become spiritually nearsighted, ineffective, and blind.

• Who could you BECOME? — Spiritual growth is not about becoming someone else. It is about becoming who God always intended you to be — someone who increasingly reflects the character, wisdom, and love of Christ.

We also explore the transformation stories of Grammy-winning artist Lecrae, WWII survivor and Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, and British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge — three men whose lives prove that real spiritual growth is not about perfection, but continual surrender and perseverance.

Key scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3–11 | Hebrews 12:1

What does it take to make a real impact in your community? In this message, Pastor David D. Ireland, Ph.D explores the calling of Moses in Exodus 3 to uncover five powerful answers — from making yourself available to God, to burying your excuses, to becoming an advocate for the oppressed. If your faith has felt comfortable for too long, this message will challenge you to roll up your sleeves to move beyond a comfortable, consumer faith into genuine, hands-on service. Whether you have five hours or fifty to give this year, this message will stir your heart and show you exactly where to start.

Five answers from Scripture:

1. Make yourself available to God

2. Let the cry of the oppressed trouble you

3. Be an advocate for social justice and the voiceless

4. Bury your excuses for the greater good

5. Do what God expects of you

With passion and practical challenge, this message calls the church to move from lukewarm spectators to active servants — volunteering, advocating, and becoming the hands and feet of Christ to the marginalized in our communities.

THIS IS A RECORDING FROM OUR TEACHING ARCHIVES

www.christchurchusa.org

Ready to ditch the old you and embrace transformation? This video dives into intentional mindset shifts, showing how to shed old habits and embrace a new perspective. Discover how your beliefs shape your reality, and learn to actively choose growth—making daily decisions that lead to your best self in Christ. It's always the perfect time to grow!

Ryan Faison, M.Div., Lodi Campus Pastor