Are you a brand new follower of Christ, wondering where to get started on your journey?
Here are 4 essential steps to move you forward toward spiritual growth. Though simple, they are vital to building your relationship with the Lord.
Step 1 – Read your Bible daily.
Find a Bible reading plan that’s right for you. A plan will keep you from missing anything God has written in His Word. Also, if you follow the plan, you’ll be on your way to reading through the Bible once every year! The easiest way to truly “grow up” in the faith is to make Bible reading a priority.
Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Step 2 – Meet together with other believers regularly.
The reason we attend church or gather with other believers regularly is for teaching, fellowship, worship, communion, prayer and to build one another up in the faith (Acts 2:42-47). Participating in the body of Christ is fundamental to spiritual growth.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Step 3 – Get involved in a ministry group.
Most churches offer small groups and many ministry opportunities. Pray and ask God where you should “plug in.” It’s the people who really “get plugged in” that find their purpose and soar in their walk with Christ.
Sometimes this takes a little time, but most churches offer classes or counseling to help you find the place that’s right for you. Don’t get discouraged if the first thing you try doesn’t seem to fit.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church[a] daily those who were being saved. (Hebrews 10:25)
Step 4 – Pray daily.
Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to use big fancy words. There are no right and wrong words. Just be yourself. Give thanks to the Lord daily for your salvation.
Pray for others in need.
Pray for direction.
Pray for the Lord to fill you daily with His Holy Spirit.
There is no limit to prayer. You can pray with your eyes closed or open, while sitting or standing, kneeling or lying on your bed, anywhere, anytime. So begin to make prayer a part of your daily routine.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
