Next Steps to a Full Life in Jesus.

Next Steps

to a FULL LIFE in Jesus.

Many new believers and even stagnant believers want to know how to grow in their relationship with Jesus. They want to what to do. They want to know what to do, what is the protocol, or what are the instructions. Thankfully, we enter into a relationship, not a procedure. So here is what I share with new believers or those who want to take next steps to their full life in Jesus. 

1. Salvation is not the end but the beginning. You are now a new creation because you have been born again. Your journey is just beginning. You are now running the race. Stay excited and stay in shape. 
2. You are a work in progress. This means that God is constantly forming, growing, and maturing you. You should seek areas to improve every single day. Progress means that we are moving forward. It does not mean we are stationary nor are we sliding backward. 
3. Read your Bible. God has revealed His character, His will, and His love for us through His Word. As you read your Bible you are renewing your mind from the years you have polluted it with fear, doubt, and sin to thoughts of faith, hope, and love. As you read the Bible, you are literally feeding your soul. I recommend getting started by reading the Gospel of John or Proverbs. Try reading one chapter a day and let the Word feed, instruct, and guide you.
4. Talk to God. When we are saved, we get unhindered access to God through prayer. Express your love, worries, issues, and needs to Him. You will not bother Him. He is waiting to spend time with you. As you pray, ask God to speak to you and give Him time to do so by being quiet and listening and also by reading His Word, the Bible.
5. Stay connected to other believers. God doesn’t intend for any of us to be alone. He saves us to Himself and into His family. God’s blessings and love flow through His people. Stay connected and stay blessed. 
6. Surround yourself with people who help you become more like Jesus and speak life and hope into you. Find people who can help you watch your blind spots to sin and keep you accountable for your decisions, actions, and sin. There is no growth without accountability.
7. Grace changes our desires. Ensure that sin leaves a terrible taste in your mouth and grace leaves a sweet taste. The grace of God motivates towards obedience instead of disobedience.
8. Slow down so you can be aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. He is always present and always with you. The more you are aware of Him in your life, the more you will see Him move on your behalf. One moment in His presence can remove much fear, doubt, and worry.
9. Exercise your love. Stay within the vein of God’s love for you and then allow for that love to flow through you to other people. Make it a practice to love those who are the most difficult--those who have betrayed you, offended you, and are not like you. Forgiving and loving others is not an option; they are the result of receiving God’s love and forgiveness.
10. Share your story. You have the greatest story ever told. You were dead to your sin and your old life but now you are new by the grace of God through Jesus! Your story connects other people to Jesus. It is more real than any sermon or Bible study. As you share your story, you become more grateful for God’s grace upon you, and you grow in your faith.