LATUSA Evangelism, Inc. - Christian Growth




Baptism	The first step of obedience for you is to be scripturally baptized. This is simply following the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Baptism has nothing to do with your salvation. It simply gives you the opportunity you to make a public statement, giving witness




	to the fact that you have received the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and you are identifying with his death, burial and resurrection (Ro.6:3-6).





Church Membership	Usually, baptism will also indicate membership in the church where you have been baptized. Please make sure that the church to which you will belong is one that takes a strong view on the inerrancy, infallibility, and authority of the Bible, - God’s Word.

	All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (II Tim. 3:16). A church that carries a low view of the Scripture should be avoided. There are many liberal churches in this day and age. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (II Tim. 3:5). ). In these verses, God gives us




	appropriate admonition. However, whichever church you join, be faithful in attendance. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is (He. 10:25)





Prayer	In prayer God give us the privilege of speaking with the Creator of the Universe, WOW!! The Bible has much to say about prayer. Jesus prayed long and often. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12). The Apostle Paul exhorts us as well: Pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17). We are to live in a constant attitude of prayerfulness, committing all our works unto God, and




	constantly asking for His wisdom and leading in our lives. The Bible also commands us to: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thess. 5:18). How else can we give thanks, but through prayer? If we take all things to God in prayer, we will be the recipients of one the greatest promises in the Bible: we will have the peace of God that passes all understanding. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).









Bible Study	While prayer is defined as man talking to God, we have God speaking to man when we read the Bible. This Holy Book is God’s objective truth for us. It is to be used for faith and practice. The Bible itself commands us to read it and study it diligently: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15). It is full of eternal truths, gives God’s wisdom to the reader, enumerates hundreds of promises to the children of God, and is forever settled in the heavens. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:35).





	In your new life in Christ you will want to really draw near to God so that He will draw near to you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (James 4:8). The way to do that is to study His Word and pray daily.







Fellowship	Now that you are a new child of God you will want to fellowship with other members of God’s family. Usually, these will be the folks in your church. Remember, the church is God’s primary institution on earth. While you may want to stay in touch with some of the friends that you had before you were saved, you will need to associate more with other believers so that they can help you grow in the Lord.



	One of the things you will need to be cautious of is not to affiliate with the THINGS of this WORLD. The Bible teaches us to live distinctively different lives after we are saved. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (II Cor. 6:17). We are to live differently because we are members of a different kingdom,




	one that the World does not understand. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:15-16). If we truly are saved and learn to love the Lord, and understand what He has done in saving us, then we will want to do the things that please Him and we will not have any problems at all separating ourselves from the things we used to do before we were saved.








Witness	Finally, we are to witness to other unsaved friend and relatives. This means telling others how we got saved, what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us, and what He means to us. Jesus has given all of His children the Great


	Commission. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 29:19-20). Just as someone told you about the Lord, so you are to tell others. That is why you should not break off all relationships with your old unsaved friends. If you don’t tell them about Jesus, who will? Just be careful not to engage in worldly activities with them. Show them that you are a brand new person, now that Jesus is your Lord!






Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31)