The Next Step


Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2, NIV

Accepting Jesus Christ through faith is not an ending—it is a beginning; you are a new creation in Christ, (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). It is an exciting time—so much to learn and so many blessings to enjoy. In the opening text, the Apostle Paul is telling us we need to focus on becoming more like Christ—having the same love for others—being of like-mind and of like-spirit with Christ.

How do we accomplish this? It is a growth process. Babies aren’t born eating solid food and running foot-races. We must grow in the faith and we do that by focusing on the things of God. We do this through prayer, Bible reading, and we form relationships with others that will help us to grow spiritually.

Prayer is essential to living a successful Christian life. Take time to be alone in with God each day through prayer. God seeks a personal and intimate relationship with us and prayer—communication—is essential in any relationship. Don’t just talk, but listen also.  Learn to recognize the different ways God speaks to you: in prayer, through His Word—the Bible, through others, and also through situations and circumstances.

Reading your Bible is vital to Christian growth, development, and maturity. That is not surprising because, after all, the Bible is the Word of God. As newborns babies, we NEED the milk of the word in order to grow, (1 Peter 2:2, NIV) Also, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16, NIV.

The obvious place to find and form relationships with other believers is in church. A church should not be thought of as a building but a group of like-believers. Look for a church that is a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church. Talk to a pastor or seek recommendations from friends. Today many churches have web-sites on the Internet which may be helpful to you.

I also encourage you to be baptized. Baptism is not necessary for salvation but it is an act of obedience and a public profession of your faith. The Apostle Paul tells us through baptism we are “buried with Him (Jesus Christ) through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life”, Romans 6:4, NIV. By being baptized you identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

As you seek Christ and submit to His authority, He will do amazing things for you and through you. Always remember, unwavering obedience and worship not only pleases God but also influences others around you.

God Bless!