Intimacy Is Love

Pastor Santiago walked through 1 John 2:12-29 as he continued our series on the book of 1 John. Christian maturity manifests through three essential characteristics that distinguish genuine spiritual growth. First, it requires a decisive stance against worldly values that contradict God's truth, choosing eternal principles over temporary pleasures. This means fully committing to God's way rather than trying to maintain divided loyalties between worldly and godly values. Second, mature faith demands a deep understanding of Christ's true nature as both fully divine and human, moving beyond surface-level knowledge to develop an authentic relationship with Him. Third, it involves daily abiding in Christ, making Him central in every life decision and living with genuine integrity rather than hypocrisy. The Holy Spirit serves as our guide in this maturation process, helping us discern truth from error and confirming our identity as God's children. This spiritual journey requires consistent evaluation of our choices, relationships, and priorities to ensure they align with God's truth. The goal isn't perfection but rather steady growth in allowing Christ to transform every aspect of our lives, from our entertainment choices to our relationships and daily priorities.