Ep. 256 - God Makes Faith Grow - 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

Episode Description: How does faith actually grow?Is it through better pastors? More exciting worship? Stronger emotions? Greater effort?The apostle Paul gives a surprising answer in 1 Corinthians 3, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow."Just as no plant can grow without a seed, faith cannot grow apart from God's Word. Human leaders matter. Bible studies matter. Worship matters. But none of them have power in themselves. They are simply the means through which God plants, waters, and strengthens faith through the gospel of Jesus Christ.In this episode, we'll explore:Why God's Word is the essential seed of faith.Why Christians often look for spiritual growth in the wrong places.What Paul teaches about pastors, teachers, and the church.How God continues to grow His people through the simple, yet powerful, means of grace.Why Jesus Christ remains the only foundation on which lasting faith can stand.If you've ever wondered why reading Scripture, gathering for worship, and receiving the Lord's Supper are so central to the Christian life, this message will encourage you to trust not in human methods, but in God's promises.Join us as we discover how God makes faith grow.Our Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who watershave one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.