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Growing Up, Spiritually
Growing Up, Spiritually God wants us to grow-spiritually. He has shown us in His Word how to do it, and spiritual maturity can be attained in no other way than God's way. This book includes outstandin
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1976
125 people are currently reading
1458 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth E. Hagin
427 books668 followersRev. Kenneth Erwin Hagin, known as the “father of the modern faith movement,” served in Christian ministry for nearly 70 years.
In 1968, Rev. Hagin published the first issues of The Word of Faith magazine, which now has a monthly circulation of more than 300,000. The publishing outreach he founded, Faith Library Publications, has circulated worldwide more than 65 million copies of books by Rev. Hagin, Rev. Kenneth W. Hagin, and several other authors. Faith Library Publications also has produced more than 9 million audio teaching CDs.
In 1968, Rev. Hagin published the first issues of The Word of Faith magazine, which now has a monthly circulation of more than 300,000. The publishing outreach he founded, Faith Library Publications, has circulated worldwide more than 65 million copies of books by Rev. Hagin, Rev. Kenneth W. Hagin, and several other authors. Faith Library Publications also has produced more than 9 million audio teaching CDs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 11, 2019
این کتاب در ابتدا یک ادعای بزرگی داره که میگی هرکسی که این کتاب رو بخونه احساساتش نسبت به خدا و زندگی تغییر خواهد کرد ولی اصلا اینگونه نشد
به عنوان یک کتاب دینی(برای مسیحیت خیلی ارام وبا محبت توصیف کرده بود هیچ گونه انسان را زجر نمیداد و بیشتر از گفتن قوانین دین و... بیشتر به روحانیت و ارتباط قوی انسان با خدا بود از انجا که نویسنده ی این کتاب یک راهب یعنی پدر هیگن بود از تجربیات سفرش و مشکلاتی که انسان ها با دین
مواجه میشند را نیز میگفت در کل میتونم بگم که شباهت های زیادی با دین اسلام داشت و من هیچ حرف جدیدی ندیدم ولی لحن صمیمی و ارام پدر هیگن باعث خواندن و تمام کردن این
.کتاب شد
به عنوان یک کتاب دینی(برای مسیحیت خیلی ارام وبا محبت توصیف کرده بود هیچ گونه انسان را زجر نمیداد و بیشتر از گفتن قوانین دین و... بیشتر به روحانیت و ارتباط قوی انسان با خدا بود از انجا که نویسنده ی این کتاب یک راهب یعنی پدر هیگن بود از تجربیات سفرش و مشکلاتی که انسان ها با دین
مواجه میشند را نیز میگفت در کل میتونم بگم که شباهت های زیادی با دین اسلام داشت و من هیچ حرف جدیدی ندیدم ولی لحن صمیمی و ارام پدر هیگن باعث خواندن و تمام کردن این
.کتاب شد
September 8, 2018
To experience growth spiritually is prime, but just wanting to grow would not translate to reality.
NOW, HOW DO WE GROW SPIRITUALLY?
''As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby'' (1 Peter 2:2).
God starts us in the spiritual, just like we get started in the natural. When babies are born they start off on milk. They certainly could not eat meat. And God's Word says that this sincere milk of the Word will aid our growth.
WHAT IS THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD?
It is the first principle of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. When you still have to be taught the first principle, you are still on the milk (See Hebrew 5:13-14, 6:1-2).
BUT HOW ARE WE GOING TO GROW UP?
''... the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man ...'' (Ephesian 4:13).
Receiving the knowledge, feeding upon God's Word will get us out beyond milk and cause us to become full grown.
The Author categorized spiritual growth into 3 stages:
1) Babyhood
2) Childhood
3) Manhood or Adulthood
.
Characteristics of Babyhood
a) Innocence
Even though INNOCENCE falls into this stage, it is one feature we should never outgrow. The reason is that if we don't maintain this state, we will fall under the condemnation of the devil and suffer defeat spiritually.
b) Irritability
Babies are easily spoiled. And when they become spoiled they become irritable.
Babies are easily frustrated, distracted, hurt. Abba Father wants to bring us to the place where we are not so easily frustrated, distracted, hurt.
.
Characteristics of Childhood
a) Unsteadiness
Spiritual children are unsteady, spasmodic.
b) Talkativeness (See Proverb 10:19).
Children have never learned the value of silence. Folks who are talking all the time are usually guilty of these shortcomings:
1] Evil Speaking
Talking about and discussing the faults and failures of people not present.
2] Vain Speaking
Always talking about themselves: What I have done; What I'm going to do; Where I have been.
.
Characteristics of Manhood
a) Esteeming earthly things lightly (See Philippian 3:14-15).
b) Deadness to Censure (1 Corinthian 4:3-4).
Baby Christians are self-conscious. And ever-conscious of what others are thinking about them. Therefore, they are easily ''tossed to and fro'' childishly trying to be popular.
The mature believer is God-conscious. And ever-conscious of what God's Word says about him and to him.
c) Ability to Recognise God at work (See Genesis 45:5,7)
When you can see God at work in things, you can rejoice in whatever is going on.
.
Besides the above, you will find other captivating topics dealt with extensively by the author such as: The Natural Man, Carnal Man, Spiritual Man and also the amazing transformation that took effect in his own life after he prayed Ephesians 1:17-19 and 3:14-21.
.
Lesson Learnt
Abba Father delights in our growing up and developing the characteristics of Jesus Christ.
However, a lot of people have remained in perpetual spiritual infancy. This is tied to the fact that they don't long for growth.
Spiritual growth is an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.
Spiritual growth is in process not automatic.
NOW, HOW DO WE GROW SPIRITUALLY?
''As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby'' (1 Peter 2:2).
God starts us in the spiritual, just like we get started in the natural. When babies are born they start off on milk. They certainly could not eat meat. And God's Word says that this sincere milk of the Word will aid our growth.
WHAT IS THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD?
It is the first principle of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. When you still have to be taught the first principle, you are still on the milk (See Hebrew 5:13-14, 6:1-2).
BUT HOW ARE WE GOING TO GROW UP?
''... the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man ...'' (Ephesian 4:13).
Receiving the knowledge, feeding upon God's Word will get us out beyond milk and cause us to become full grown.
The Author categorized spiritual growth into 3 stages:
1) Babyhood
2) Childhood
3) Manhood or Adulthood
.
Characteristics of Babyhood
a) Innocence
Even though INNOCENCE falls into this stage, it is one feature we should never outgrow. The reason is that if we don't maintain this state, we will fall under the condemnation of the devil and suffer defeat spiritually.
b) Irritability
Babies are easily spoiled. And when they become spoiled they become irritable.
Babies are easily frustrated, distracted, hurt. Abba Father wants to bring us to the place where we are not so easily frustrated, distracted, hurt.
.
Characteristics of Childhood
a) Unsteadiness
Spiritual children are unsteady, spasmodic.
b) Talkativeness (See Proverb 10:19).
Children have never learned the value of silence. Folks who are talking all the time are usually guilty of these shortcomings:
1] Evil Speaking
Talking about and discussing the faults and failures of people not present.
2] Vain Speaking
Always talking about themselves: What I have done; What I'm going to do; Where I have been.
.
Characteristics of Manhood
a) Esteeming earthly things lightly (See Philippian 3:14-15).
b) Deadness to Censure (1 Corinthian 4:3-4).
Baby Christians are self-conscious. And ever-conscious of what others are thinking about them. Therefore, they are easily ''tossed to and fro'' childishly trying to be popular.
The mature believer is God-conscious. And ever-conscious of what God's Word says about him and to him.
c) Ability to Recognise God at work (See Genesis 45:5,7)
When you can see God at work in things, you can rejoice in whatever is going on.
.
Besides the above, you will find other captivating topics dealt with extensively by the author such as: The Natural Man, Carnal Man, Spiritual Man and also the amazing transformation that took effect in his own life after he prayed Ephesians 1:17-19 and 3:14-21.
.
Lesson Learnt
Abba Father delights in our growing up and developing the characteristics of Jesus Christ.
However, a lot of people have remained in perpetual spiritual infancy. This is tied to the fact that they don't long for growth.
Spiritual growth is an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.
Spiritual growth is in process not automatic.
January 15, 2024
First book and best book of the year so far! Every Christian should read this book if they want to keep growing spiritually.
“Determine in your heart to put spiritual things first.”
“Determine in your heart to put spiritual things first.”
May 16, 2025
I love this author, makes everything simple and plain in how we are supposed to live.
Read
July 10, 2020Amazing. It was a privilege to have come across this book
December 9, 2023
“I base nothing on feelings. I base everything on the Word.”
“When I start reading something that takes faith out of me instead of putting faith in me, I have enough sense to lay it down right then. Be careful what you feed upon. There is a saying used in the area of man's natural diet, "You are what you eat." The same thing is true spiritually, "You are what you read."”
“Finney said, "he's just like any other fellow who prays he is a fellow of few words."
Folks who are talking all the time are usually guilty of at least three sins. They are often guilty of evil speaking-talking about and discussing the faults and failures of people not present. They are often guilty of vain speaking always talking about themselves: what I've done; what I'm going to do; where I've been. And they are often guilty of foolish speaking jesting, joking, and things that are unprofitable.”
“We don't go to church because we're in love with the pastor or the wife of the pastor, or the Sunday School teacher. We should go because we love God and want to worship Him.”
“People sometimes lose their children because they don't put first things first. The children grow up physically and get away from God, because the wrong example was set for them.”
“Determine in your heart to put spiritual things first.
First things first. Esteem earthly things lightly, even if it's your own relatives. Put God before them. Put God before your own self-life.”
“Paul had grown in grace to such an extent that he sought only to commend himself to God. He was not influenced or affected by what others thought of him.”
“I like something Smith Wigglesworth said, "I can't understand God by feelings. I understand God the Father by what the Word says about Him. He is everything the Word says He is. Get acquainted with the Father through the Word."
It is in the Word that we find out about Him, about His love, about His nature, about how He cares for us, about how He loves us.”
“It is so blessed and so beautiful and so wonderful to be able to walk with God.”
“If we are real children of God, born of God, and we haven't grown, it is because we haven't had the right diet.”
“You can't build a prayer life just praying alone. It has to be built upon God's Word.”
“Spiritual gifts don't make you a full grown Christian. Often folks don't know what spirituality is. Some think being spiritual would be exercising a spiritual gift. That couldn't be so because here it plainly states these Corinthians were carnal and babes—and they had all the gifts of the Spirit operating in their church.”
“The spiritual man is the one in whom the Word has gained the ascendancy over his mind and over his body. It has brought him into harmony with the will of God, for the Word of God is the will of God.”
“Every believer ought to aspire to be the teacher of at least one. But you can't teach if you're a babe, and still on milk.”
“It is the knowledge of God's Word that helps us to grow. That Word is spiritual food, food for our spirits!”
“When I start reading something that takes faith out of me instead of putting faith in me, I have enough sense to lay it down right then. Be careful what you feed upon. There is a saying used in the area of man's natural diet, "You are what you eat." The same thing is true spiritually, "You are what you read."”
“Finney said, "he's just like any other fellow who prays he is a fellow of few words."
Folks who are talking all the time are usually guilty of at least three sins. They are often guilty of evil speaking-talking about and discussing the faults and failures of people not present. They are often guilty of vain speaking always talking about themselves: what I've done; what I'm going to do; where I've been. And they are often guilty of foolish speaking jesting, joking, and things that are unprofitable.”
“We don't go to church because we're in love with the pastor or the wife of the pastor, or the Sunday School teacher. We should go because we love God and want to worship Him.”
“People sometimes lose their children because they don't put first things first. The children grow up physically and get away from God, because the wrong example was set for them.”
“Determine in your heart to put spiritual things first.
First things first. Esteem earthly things lightly, even if it's your own relatives. Put God before them. Put God before your own self-life.”
“Paul had grown in grace to such an extent that he sought only to commend himself to God. He was not influenced or affected by what others thought of him.”
“I like something Smith Wigglesworth said, "I can't understand God by feelings. I understand God the Father by what the Word says about Him. He is everything the Word says He is. Get acquainted with the Father through the Word."
It is in the Word that we find out about Him, about His love, about His nature, about how He cares for us, about how He loves us.”
“It is so blessed and so beautiful and so wonderful to be able to walk with God.”
“If we are real children of God, born of God, and we haven't grown, it is because we haven't had the right diet.”
“You can't build a prayer life just praying alone. It has to be built upon God's Word.”
“Spiritual gifts don't make you a full grown Christian. Often folks don't know what spirituality is. Some think being spiritual would be exercising a spiritual gift. That couldn't be so because here it plainly states these Corinthians were carnal and babes—and they had all the gifts of the Spirit operating in their church.”
“The spiritual man is the one in whom the Word has gained the ascendancy over his mind and over his body. It has brought him into harmony with the will of God, for the Word of God is the will of God.”
“Every believer ought to aspire to be the teacher of at least one. But you can't teach if you're a babe, and still on milk.”
“It is the knowledge of God's Word that helps us to grow. That Word is spiritual food, food for our spirits!”
February 22, 2019
We can be born again for years but still remain as a baby spiritually. Brother Hagin explained in depth the differences among babies, children and adults spiritually. We need to stay as innocent as babies yet we ought to strive to grow into responsible adults who can help and bring up other babies. This requires us to be acquainted with our Heavenly Father! What does that even mean? It means we need to be acquainted through the Word. The Word reveals the Father. I admire so much the walk brother Hagin had with the Lord as he knew the Father personally and intimately. This encourages me to grow up spiritually by desiring the things of the spirit other than the things of the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
I have been reading this book for 3 years.
Not necessarily because it was difficult to read - on the contrary. Papa Hagin's approach to writing is engaging and direct. He propositions and urges the reader to eat the milk of the word and GROW UP AND EAT MEAT!
What made the book so hard to read was the prospect of something I considered near impossible before - growing up Spiritually.
Deep down I had known I was a spiritual baby or at the least a child. That is not something I was ready to admit to myslef. The first few chapters of the book forced me to come face to face with the truth. But the book (the Holy Spirit's tool really) waited for me all these years. Entering the book again felt refreshing.
Moreover, the first few lines in the 'A Word of Encouragement' Chapter offered me great comfort.
"Don't become discouraged because you don't become a full grown Christian overnight. You didn't become a full grown human overnight." Papa Hagin further goes on to admit, like Paul that he hasn't reached and still pursues. I feel less guilty, less hopeless after reading this book.
Change is possible. Growth is possible. This was 100% worth the 3 year wait. I will re-read this every year!
Not necessarily because it was difficult to read - on the contrary. Papa Hagin's approach to writing is engaging and direct. He propositions and urges the reader to eat the milk of the word and GROW UP AND EAT MEAT!
What made the book so hard to read was the prospect of something I considered near impossible before - growing up Spiritually.
Deep down I had known I was a spiritual baby or at the least a child. That is not something I was ready to admit to myslef. The first few chapters of the book forced me to come face to face with the truth. But the book (the Holy Spirit's tool really) waited for me all these years. Entering the book again felt refreshing.
Moreover, the first few lines in the 'A Word of Encouragement' Chapter offered me great comfort.
"Don't become discouraged because you don't become a full grown Christian overnight. You didn't become a full grown human overnight." Papa Hagin further goes on to admit, like Paul that he hasn't reached and still pursues. I feel less guilty, less hopeless after reading this book.
Change is possible. Growth is possible. This was 100% worth the 3 year wait. I will re-read this every year!
July 29, 2021
I had to read this book really slowly because it focus on pain points and frustrating moments in my life as a person, a Christian, a friend. It’s amazing how much of a child at heart we are and we don’t realize it until someone draws our attention to it and teaches us how to grow out of it.
Kenneth Hagin shows us God’s love, His expectations of us as His children and as we grow in Christ. If you ever feel frustrated, stuck, unloved, then maybe it’s because you’re not growing as you ought to. We should all grow. Like babies to adults.
Kenneth Hagin shows us God’s love, His expectations of us as His children and as we grow in Christ. If you ever feel frustrated, stuck, unloved, then maybe it’s because you’re not growing as you ought to. We should all grow. Like babies to adults.
May 14, 2024
We cannot remind a baby Christian forever, we need spiritual food. We can be as Child-like in our Faith in God but not a baby Christian. The devil will mess us up, we will take in what we should not have taken in but if we mature we help ourselves first then others to grow and do it on their own too.
God plans or purpose for us is to grow in our Christian journey.
Thank you Kenneth E HAGIN for this growing journey.
God plans or purpose for us is to grow in our Christian journey.
Thank you Kenneth E HAGIN for this growing journey.
July 17, 2018
The book is written in simple English and lucid enough for spiritual discernment. Kenneth Hagin was generous with the use of scriptural passages which accentuated most of the points discussed. The explanation of Natural man, canal man and the spiritual man was on point. Good book for spiritual growth
June 18, 2022
This book is a classic on how to move from spiritual infancy to walk with the Father as a matured believer. Rev Hagin explained the importance of growing in Christ by illustrating the natural human growth from stage of infancy throughout to adulthood. In Tshivenda language there is a saying 'Hu bebwa tshi no hula' meaning what is born is meant to grow.
Thank you Rev. Hagin.
Thank you Rev. Hagin.
December 27, 2020
Notes::
This book's teaching will not help you, but what actually will is >>
*Read your bible
*Find a preacher unashamed of the gospel
*Crucify the flesh daily and die to sin
Avoid the word of faith teaching and save yourself years of discouragement. I've been set free from it, thank God!
This book's teaching will not help you, but what actually will is >>
*Read your bible
*Find a preacher unashamed of the gospel
*Crucify the flesh daily and die to sin
Avoid the word of faith teaching and save yourself years of discouragement. I've been set free from it, thank God!
July 11, 2017
good book, easy read.
January 18, 2018
A very interesting read.
January 17, 2020
Should be read by every Christian.
September 30, 2020
Highlights different stages of Spiritual growth and characteristics of each stage. Enlightening!!!
January 9, 2021
We grow by the word of God, the knowledge of who we are in Christ and the priveldges made available to us in Christ
February 25, 2022
Kenneth Hagin has a way of smacking sense into his readers while still leaving them with encouragement.
October 6, 2022
Challenging and helpful!! I love the stories Brother Hagin uses for examples in this book, they’re funny and helpful.
Read
December 4, 2024Eu li em 2013 para o seminário de teologia carisma, era obrigatório.
December 24, 2024
Straightforward and practical. Grateful.
Read
September 8, 2025This book is eye opening. thank God for the generals of faith. it blessed and helped me understand spiritual growth
December 8, 2012
Children learn by example what growing up is all about, some have bad examples. Growing Up spiritually is very similar, sadly most churches today don't really teach this, so we have huge spiritual nurseries full of babies and toddlers who have few examples to grow up by.
This is a great picture of the different levels of spiritual maturity so you can find your own level and find direction on growing up in the Word of God, the perfect spiritual example.
This is a great picture of the different levels of spiritual maturity so you can find your own level and find direction on growing up in the Word of God, the perfect spiritual example.
Read
January 20, 2015Given by my pastor to read.
Read this in one sitting, I was just scared that if I didn't finish it there & then, it will take me a long time to get into again.
I must say, I read it at a good time, a time when I feel positive about my spirituality otherwise it would have been a heavy read.
Though I read through it quickly I hope the principles learned are embedded & I will revisit them at specific times when my resolve is tested.
Read this in one sitting, I was just scared that if I didn't finish it there & then, it will take me a long time to get into again.
I must say, I read it at a good time, a time when I feel positive about my spirituality otherwise it would have been a heavy read.
Though I read through it quickly I hope the principles learned are embedded & I will revisit them at specific times when my resolve is tested.
February 26, 2011
Wow ... I feel like I have been well and truley told off ... This book is fantastic! Whatever stage your at in your Christian walk this book challenges you to GROW! It is backed up by so much scripture! Not an easy read but definetly a must read.
June 7, 2012
Like most books on Christian living, it spends 90% of the time defining the problem and very little is spent on how to actually achieve what it promises.
And, no; I don't find it helpful that the author constantly tells me how wonderfully hes doing....
And, no; I don't find it helpful that the author constantly tells me how wonderfully hes doing....
March 12, 2015
It's an eye-opener on what it actually means to grow up spiritually. I love that the growth stages in the life of Christians was broken down; I agree - I mean it's obvious - that Getting the Word of God in our hearts is the only way to grow truly. It's a great resource.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews