Beloved, repenting from sin and putting all your faith and trust in the Living God, Jesus Christ, is the first step in your walk of faith. You have much to look forward to as you look to the Lord for everything, every need, for Him to be your abundant joy! You also have much to be careful of – there are many dangers, if you’re not wise. But God is with you. He’s for you! So don’t fear, only believe!
Learn the essentials of “powerwalking” with the Lord:
WATER BAPTISM
“Why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized…” and “Repent and be baptized…” (Acts 2:38) This is what we read of the early believers. They believed and immediately were baptized. What should you and I do? Believe and be baptized (immersed) in water just like all the early believers did (Acts 8:36-39) And do it immediately! What a great way to show Jesus your love by obeying His command to believe and be baptized. As you will come to know, baptism is not just a “bath”, but spiritually and symbolically powerful.
DAILY BIBLE READING
Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples in deed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31,32) Read God’s Word everyday, without exception!
You must continue in the Word (the Bible) to be His disciple. Jesus said: “Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” He also said that His words are spirit and life. If you are to stay nourished, you must read His Word daily.
HIDE HIS WORD IN YOUR HEART
Memorize God’s Word. Choose meaningful verses – those that keep you on the narrow path, including those the encourage you. Why? So that we won’t sin against him (Ps 119:11) We will have a listing of our favorite verse soon.
PRAYER
One way God talks to you and you to Him is through prayer. There are many great and wonderful promises connected with prayer. God answers prayer – but only if you meet His conditions and if you actually pray.
PRAISE
God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps 22), and He is worthy to be praised! “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!” (Ps 150:6) What great and wonderful things He’s done for you!
WORSHIP
Worship is not just going to church. Worship is something you do when you see the majesty of God, as revealed in scripture, or when you’ve encountered Him in deep prayer. Worship Him for who He is!
FELLOWSHIP
In obedience to Jesus, don’t forsake the assembling of yourself with other believers. Find a group of dedicated, Bible-believing disciples who are serious about staying away from sin and surrendering to Jesus.
GIVE TO GOD
Jesus said you can’t serve two masters; you can’t worship both money and God. Money is one of the ‘gods’ (idols) of the world, but if you are in Christ, you are no longer of the world. Give with a cheerful heart!
EVANGELISM
Not the last thing you should do, but if you have these things in place, you will be built up to do the work Jesus has commanded of ALL his disciples…. the Great Commission. Go into the world and preach the Gospel!
PREPARE FOR BATTLE
You’re a target. Satan and his demons want you back. But, don’t fear! Jesus has defeated the Devil, yet he requires us to fight (Eph 6). Don’t give place the Devil, and don’t give into fear. Put on the armor and trust in the King!
FILL UP WITH OIL
Mt 25 is a startling look at those who were unprepared when the Bridegroom came. The oil is the Holy Spirit, and the Bridegroom, Jesus. Prayer, Bible reading/memorizing, Praise, and Worship is the answer!
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Your support manual is the Bible, and the Chief Engineer is the Lord. He has all the answers. If you run into cults, kooks, atheists, religious people, or wolves (deceivers), always test the spirits, search the scriptures, go to prayer, and have faith that God will give you answer. Soon, we’ll be listing areas from which you should stay clear.
God bless you, and peace, grace and mercy be multiplied to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
