Spiritual Living

Knowing GOD and living a Bible-focused life today is harder than ever. Everywhere you turn, a battle rages for your time and attention. The enemy of faith works relentlessly to win as many souls as possible. Therefore, believers must unite and do the work of evangelists, as CHRIST commanded us in Matthew 28:19.

In the face of these pressures, those who are new to the faith—or still undecided—need a clear place to begin. The following practical steps can help you embark on the most exciting and rewarding journey of your life, because nothing in this world is greater than salvation: knowing JESUS CHRIST, YESHUA.

Although these steps are presented in no particular order, together they form a strong foundation for a growing life of faith:

Acknowledge GOD - Many people today argue that there is no GOD, even though we are surrounded by overwhelming evidence of HIS majesty. HIS creation—you, me, the seas, the land, the animals, the vegetation, and the heavenly lights, to name only a few—points to an intelligent Designer. The question “Is there a GOD?” loses force when we consider the Earth and everything within it, because every created object has a maker: every building has an architect, and every product has a designer. In the same way, GOD is the Creator. HE made everything. Read Genesis 1:1–end. Therefore, give GOD the honour due to HIM. Arguing that there is no GOD is like claiming that you arrived on planet Earth without parents. Read Psalms 100 and 111.

Accept JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and Saviour - Once you acknowledge GOD as Creator, the next step is to respond personally to HIS offer of salvation. The greatest personal achievement in life is not money or power; it is salvation—a personal relationship with your Maker, JESUS CHRIST (John 1:1–8). Without salvation, one’s earthly existence is vanity. JESUS CHRIST is your only hope of eternity. Therefore, accept HIS wonderful sacrifice, death, and resurrection (John 3:16) for the forgiveness of your sins and the cleansing of your soul. Without JESUS CHRIST, you are going nowhere. Read John 14:6.

Confess your sins and ask GOD for forgiveness - Accepting CHRIST naturally leads to repentance. It is one thing to acknowledge GOD and accept JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and Saviour; it is another to admit that you have sinned—living life your own way—and need forgiveness. Our sin is the reason CHRIST came and died: to free us from its penalty. Read Romans 3:23. Therefore, humble yourself and ask GOD for mercy and for the grace to live a GODLY life from this point forward. Read 1 John 1:9.

Get baptised - After repentance comes a public declaration of your new faith. Baptism is very powerful in the spiritual realm. Being lowered into the water signifies dying to sin, while being raised from the water signifies rising with CHRIST. It is a bold declaration of faith in CHRIST and a decision to follow HIM. Read Matthew 28:19 and John 3:5.

Read the Bible and pray daily - Having declared your faith, you must then nurture it each day. The only way to know GOD is through HIS Word, the Bible. Without reading Scripture, you cannot fully understand the foundation of your beliefs, defend your faith against naysayers, or live a GODLY life. Prayer is your daily channel of communication with GOD. Without speaking to GOD, you cannot develop a strong relationship with HIM, just as you cannot build or maintain a relationship with someone to whom you never speak. Daily Scripture reading and prayer are therefore essential to your spiritual growth. Read Psalm 119:11, 1 Peter 2:2, and Jeremiah 33:3.

Find a church - Personal devotion is essential, but faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. It is important for new believers to become part of the body of CHRIST—a community of believers who can strengthen their faith. Once you make the bold decision, expressed through baptism, to follow CHRIST, you become a target for the devil. Regular fellowship with other Christians will therefore energise and encourage your walk with GOD. Find a Bible-believing church and join it. Become active by choosing a church program that suits your personality and participating in it. Build friendships so that you have people with whom you can speak regularly. Read Hebrews 10:25.

Note: You can also build a GODLY relationship with someone who lives far away, provided you have come to know and trust that person and feel comfortable discussing spiritual matters with them.

Practise the teachings of CHRIST - As your faith is strengthened through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, it should become visible in the way you live. Being born again is a call to live selflessly and serve others. Model your life on CHRIST. One notable teaching of JESUS (Matthew 7:12) is to treat others as you would have them treat you. This is at the heart of Christian living. Live so that others can see that you truly follow CHRIST. Read Matthew 5:16 and Matthew 25:35–40. Be kind to people. Help others sincerely and to the best of your ability—not because you expect a benefit, but because you recognise their need and are able to assist. Be honest in all your dealings with family, friends, employers, employees, and business associates. Be gentle in your approach, humble in character, gracious in speech, and encouraging to others. Avoid gossip and slander. Be content rather than greedy. Remain chaste until marriage. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20. These are only some of the many ways to live a GODLY life. Read Matthew 12:36, Philippians 4:11–12, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:12, and Colossians 4:6.

Ultimately, these practices are not isolated tasks but connected parts of a lifelong walk with GOD. When a person genuinely seeks GOD, HE will direct their path towards GODLY living. This list is not exhaustive; it is simply a guide, because it is the work of the HOLY SPIRIT to lead each person on the journey of faith. Be blessed.