Cultivating Spiritual Growth: Striving for Maturity in Christ

by Conrad Mbewe

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.—2 Peter 1:3

Too many believers treat salvation like fire insurance. They are happy to have their ticket to heaven but fail to fulfill their responsibility to grow spiritually now. Moved by such common negligence, Conrad Mbewe encourages us to pursue a fruitful life by considering how God equips Christians to grow and the value of diligently striving for godliness. Based on 2 Peter 1, this is a pastoral charge for Christians to keep on growing!

Learn about the doctrine of sanctification by

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“Conrad Mbewe is right—many Christians today are satisfied that their salvation is secure but fail to recognize their responsibility to fervently cultivate spiritual growth in their lives. Through an engaging exposition of 2 Peter 1, Conrad helpfully argues that God has given Christians everything they need to grow spiritually, but Scripture mandates that they faithfully cultivate spiritual growth in their lives through the means of grace that He has provided. . . This book is a much-needed wake-up call for many Christians today who have become spiritually stagnant and complacent in their spiritual lives.”
—Scott Aniol, executive vice president and editor in chief, G3 Ministries

“I am overjoyed that Brother Mbewe has put pen to paper to show how Peter taught about the importance of knowledge, virtue, self-control, perseverance, brotherly kindness, and love to gospel-based, Christ-centered spiritual growth. As usual, Dr. Mbewe’s writing is full of clarity, pointed application, beautiful hymns, gospel focus, and engaging illustrations (including many from life in Zambia). May the Lord use this outstanding treatment of 2 Peter 1 to lead those who are dead to life and those who are alive to vital growth in godliness.”
—Joel R. Beeke, chancellor, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

About the
Conrad Mbewe has been a pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, since 1987. He earned a PhD in missions from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and is the founding chancellor of the African Christian University in Zambia. His itinerant preaching and passion for writing extend his service to Christ’s kingdom globally.

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2024

About the author

Since 1987 Conrad Mbewe (pronounced em-bay'-way) has been pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia. He is widely known as the Spurgeon of Africa for both his preaching and devotion to the ministry. His church is presently overseeing the start of more than twenty Baptist churches in Africa, often reaching out in communities where there is little or no evangelical witness. In recent years he has been in high demand as a conference speaker and missions adviser. He writes two articles every week for national Zambian newspapers, edits the Reformation Zambia magazine, is President of a small Reformed Baptist seminary, and recently spoke at the national conference for The Gospel Coalition in Chicago, IL, USA. As a churchman, he has been interviewed by Tim Challies of challies.com, by Mark Dever of 9Marks ministries, and D.A. Carson of The Gospel Coalition. To this day the influence of his ministry continues to deepen and expand. Conrad Mbewe has a unique ability to convey the truth of God's Word through clear, fresh, and powerful exposition. His pastoral and administrative experience in church matters situates him uniquely among evangelical leaders in the world. You can learn much more about Conrad and his ministry at this website: resources.grantedministries.org/found...

Reviews

[Tyler Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great expositional commentary on 2 Peter 1:1-15. Incredibily encouraging and a good reminder that God has laid the foundation of our faith, we have been accepted to His kingdom with our acknowledgement of Christ's sacricfice and that He is our Lord. With this acknowledgement, we are to remember that we are called to live a noticabley differnt life that those who have not. Moreover, we are to grow in the ways (in the areas of virture, knowledge, self-control, and perseverance) of Christ and in this way we will be set apart in holiness and godliness. From this flows our love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and then to the world around us. We have been given the tools, supports, and guidance from God via the Holy Spirit.

Incredibly thankful for godly men like Conrad Mbewe, may God bless his ministry and provide strength and endurance.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book on spiritual formation. A vivid reminder that salvation does not end with a confession of faith but continues for the rest of one’s life.

[Dave Weathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

No minced words here - Conrad Mbewe is straight and to the point on what 2 Peter 1 teaches us about spiritual growth. Equally challenging and encouraging.