As a child of God, surely you want to please the Wonderful Lord Who loves you and gave Himself for you. Listed below are ten things which are vital in both establishing and maintaining a faithful relationship with God.
- ASSURANCE OF SALVATION: “Search the Scriptures” and claim the promises. The Word will convict you if lost, and assure you if saved. (John 6:37 & 10:27-30; Romans 10:13; I John 5:11-13)
- SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM: Baptism is the first step of obedience; it is a required part of church membership. (Acts 2:41; 8:36-37; & 16:31-33)
- LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: God’s will for every believer is to become a part of His “Vehicle for World Evangelism” in a community. One cannot be in God’s perfect will without membership in a local church. (Acts 2:47; I Tim 3:15)
- DAILY BIBLE READING: Make it a habit. Christians will not grow without it; for the Bible is, literally, how God speaks to believers. (I Peter 3:15; II Tim. 2:15)
- ACTIVE PRAYER LIFE: Worship, Thanksgiving, Petition, and Confession are all involved with what should be a regular communion with our Heavenly Father. (Luke 18:1; I Thess. 5:17)
- FAITHFUL CHURCH ATTENDANCE: Christian fellowship, Bible study, worshipping God in song, reaching the lost, and, in general, advancing the cause of Christ by way of His Institution, are all a part of a believer’s duty. (Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 16:2)
- HONORABLE STEWARDSHIP: Every believer has the opportunity to present his own life for service; he has the responsibility to return to God His tithe (10% of ones income); and he has the privilege to give offerings of his own resources/finances to regularly and routinely advance God’s work. (Rom. 12:1; Mal. 3:8-10; I Cor. 16:2)
- PERSONAL EVANGELISM: Everyone who has trusted Christ as Savior should be happy to tell others of their need of Him. Some may never hear of Him unless believers tell them. (Mark 5:19-20; John 20:21; Rom. 10:14; I Peter 3:15)
- PERSONAL VIGILANCE: Believers should know they are targets of the Arch-enemy Satan (and he plays for keeps!). Be on the look-out for his deception. Maintain your testimony. Don’t allow sin to go unconfessed. Stay in close communion with God. (I Peter 5:8-9; Prov. 28:13; I John 1:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18)
- GOOD FRIENDSHIPS: “Befriending” the lost is our ministry (Jesus was a friend of sinners, but one should choose strong fellow-believers as “close” friends, for regular fellowship with them will engender spiritual growth and strength. (Prov. 18:24 & 27:17; II Cor. 6:14-17; James 4:4)
