UPGRADE

An occurrence in which one thing is replaced by something better, newer,

more valuable, etc.

To raise to a higher grade or standard.

Why? To be better, to adapt to the times and changes in the world.

Matthew 24:13New English Translation (NET Bible)
But the person who endures to the end will be saved.
Beginning:
Luke 8:15 New English Translation (NET Bible)
But as for the seed that landed on good soil, these are the ones who, after
hearing the word, cling to it with an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with
steadfast endurance.
How?
Reality about upgrading/growth.

Growth depends on life. We enter the world spiritually dead, only God
can impart new life. John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will
never be thirsty.

Growth is a necessity, not an option. It is the natural course of everything

that has life. As apostle Paul said in Phil. 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not
consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is
behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the
prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be
taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts
that lead to death, and of faith in God.

Growth is gradual, not instantaneous. Growth is a process. Unlike physical

growth, spiritual growth never ends.

Growth is difficult, never easy. Life is full of lessons, its full of bumps and
turns no one will be able to expect. 1 Timothy 4:15 Be diligent in these matters;
give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
Growing/Upgrading
A. Upgrading IN THE GRACE
Grace is the most important aspect of our relationship with our Lord, why?
Because He saved us by His grace (Eph. 2:8 For it is by grace you have been

saved, through faithand this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God)
And He sustains us by grace (2 Cor. 12:9 But he said to me, My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I
will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power
may rest on me.) It is never earned, it is given as a sign of his never ending love
for all humanity.
B. Upgrading IN THE KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can only be found in Christ
through obeying Him as said in John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and
keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved
by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
Knowledge of Him our Lord concerns factual knowledge as found in the
scriptures and personal knowledge through a committed relationship through
prayer and praise. We need both. How do we do this, we submit ourselves to
him, we submit and yield all that we know to Him in order to progressively grow;
in order for us to see more of Him and for us to find out more of us, and who we
are.
C. Upgrade for the Glory and Honor of Him.
This need not be explained for we are all living for his glory and honor and
praise. As how our text was end, To him be glory both now and forever!
Amen.
D. Upgrading together
Growth and development is natural as individual, but in order to thrive and lead
forward in the future, we must as a community of faith grow together. Even
before in our bible studies and even during camp, fellowship is an aspect of
Christian living that is given emphasis. It is not a one-man show, it is always a
cast portraying roles which God himself has chosen for each and everyone of us.
Before I end the message, I would like everyone to listen to this song.
What does it all sum up to? That we were meant to grow and upgrade, that
we were seeds that God planted and took care of. That we were provided
with everything even thru all the trials and challenges we face because God
entered us in this race that we were meant to finish. And He knows we can,
its just a question of whether we choose to or not? As mentioned in the
song: The whole earth
Is filled with Your glory, Lord
Angels and men adore
Creation longs for what's in store
May You be
Honored and glorified

Exalted and lifted high

Here at Your feet I lay my life
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)