Growing in the Word: A Call to Spiritual Maturity

On June 15, 2025, Pastor Victor Otieno Odhiambo, of Bethel Fellowship Centre and President of Jehovah Saints International in Kenya, delivered a powerful message centered on 1 Peter 2:1–4. His message encouraged believers to let go of harmful habits, crave the Word of God, and draw closer to Christ, who is both our foundation and our source of spiritual strength.

Scripture Reading – 1 Peter 2:1–4 (NKJV)

"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious…"

Letting Go of What Holds Us Back

Pastor Victor began by emphasizing the first command in this passage: “lay aside” certain behaviors. These are malice (ill will), deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. These actions may seem small or subtle, but they poison the heart and prevent spiritual growth. Just as a healthy body can’t grow while filled with toxins, a healthy spirit can’t flourish while entangled in sin.

He reminded the congregation of Ephesians 4:31, which says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” The message was clear: if we are to mature in Christ, we must let go of what is unholy.

Craving the Word Like Newborns

Pastor Victor beautifully illustrated how spiritual hunger works. Just like a newborn craves milk with urgency and need, so should Christians crave the “pure milk” of God’s Word. Without it, growth is stunted.

In Psalm 119:105, David declares: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word isn’t just information—it’s nourishment for the soul, helping us walk in truth, understand God’s character, and grow in faith.

Experiencing God’s Goodness

The message continued with an encouragement: “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” Pastor Victor explained this phrase as a reminder that once you’ve truly experienced the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of God, there’s no turning back. His grace becomes irresistible.

Psalm 34:8 echoes this call: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Pastor Victor urged everyone to not just hear about God’s grace, but to live in it daily—through obedience, prayer, and reflection.

Christ, the Living Stone

Finally, Pastor Victor led the congregation to reflect on Christ as the “living stone”—rejected by men, yet chosen and precious in God’s eyes. Just as Christ was misunderstood and cast aside, we too may face rejection or criticism for our faith. But our foundation is not in the opinions of men; it is in Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith.

Isaiah 28:16 prophesies this truth: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation…” Pastor Victor reminded believers to stand firm in Christ, build their lives on Him, and trust that what is precious to God can never be rejected by heaven.

This message from Pastor Victor was a heartfelt invitation to grow spiritually, leave behind old ways, and deepen our hunger for the Word. In doing so, we not only mature in faith but also become living stones in God’s house—firmly rooted in Christ and destined for glory.

Conclusion: Join Us in Bringing Hope to the Homeless

At Jehovah Saints, we are committed to being the hands and feet of Christ by providing safe shelters, warm meals, and hope to those in need. Our mission to build homeless shelters around the world is inspired by Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

This is more than just a project—it’s a movement of love, compassion, and transformation. With your support, we can expand this mission and provide a place of refuge for countless individuals and families who are struggling. Together, we can make a difference and shine the light of Christ in the darkest corners of the world.

How You Can Help:

• Pray for our mission and for the homeless communities we serve.

• Spread the Word by sharing this initiative with your friends, family, and church community.

• Donate to help us build more shelters and provide essential resources for those in need.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to changing lives. Click the button below to make a contribution and be part of this life-changing mission.

Donate Now

Thank you for your generosity and for standing with Jehovah Saints as we answer God’s call to care for the homeless. Together, we can build not only shelters but also hope, dignity, and a brighter future for those in need.

God Bless!