Spiritual Maturity in the Christian walk is both important and expected. This is not for the reason of reputation or legalism, but to draw closer to God, the Father each day. Every follower of Christ has to make their own decision to pursue spiritual maturity. The shared life of a church family strengthens one’s maturity, but only when the foundation is set in Christ Jesus.

Since creation, the earth has been the battleground between God and Satan. God calls mankind to respond to His Word, and Satan tries to lure them to follow lies. Today, the church is the key player in this ongoing battle of truth vs. deception. Godliness is the mysterious behavior that validates truth.

How could a nation with all the advantages of the Old Testament covenant fail to recognize the Messiah and then reject the grace of God? Is their failure complete? Will the promised plan of God be frustrated? Israel’s spiritual status has been a mystery, but the truth is now unveiled. Something extraordinary is on the horizon!

Mystery continues to be unveiled as Paul, in an intensely personal testimony, outlines the magnificent scope of the redemptive plan of God for all creation. Gifted with the responsibility of this revelation, Paul points to the amazing privilege and extraordinary joy associated with being a servant of the gospel. Evergreen must dare to grasp these supernatural truths.

The life of Evergreen is sustained by the mighty Head of the church, the risen Lord Jesus Christ. His energy and continuing work is centered on the church in every generation in anticipation of an eternal wedding. Human marriage is a meaningful glimpse into the mystery of Christ’s love for the church. Shouldn’t we love the church enthusiastically as well?

After a brief greeting, Paul immediately soars into a great paean of praise—one long sentence, impossible to fully analyze, in which each successive thought crowds in on the one before. As he contemplates the position and possessions of every believer, he reveals the point of the church’s existence: restoration of Creation’s purpose..

After describing the Kingdom of God and its many facets, Matthew relates an incident of rejection in the ministry of Jesus. The mystery here is the determination to be offended by Jesus despite the clear acknowledgement of His wisdom and power. Turns out, unbelief is not from lack of information, but rather refusal of accountability.

The Kingdom of God is broader than any individual church, but the marks of the Kingdom ought to be reflected in the visible traits of the local church. The mystery of God’s Kingdom on earth is revealed openly in the church. As Jesus here illustrates the Kingdom, we must ask: Do these characteristics describe Evergreen?