Starting Strong in Christ

Building your Spiritual Foundation

Welcome to your new journey in faith! As you begin this incredible adventure with Christ, it’s important to establish strong spiritual habits that will nurture and deepen your relationship with God. This guide will help you through essential practices such as diving into the Bible, talking to God through prayer, connecting with other believers, and sharing your new-found hope with others. Let’s explore how these foundational steps can help you grow in your faith and discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from walking closely with the Lord.

Reading Your Bible

The Bible is not just a book; it’s the living word of God. Engaging daily with the scriptures equips and empowers us, guiding our steps and enriching our faith.

Biblical References:

• All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
• Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-28
• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. – Colossians 3:16
• Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
• As newborn babes desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow. 1 Peter 2:2
• Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17: 17
• For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the head. Hebrews 4:12

Praying Daily and Regularly

Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, a foundational practice for every believer aiming to grow in their faith. You can pray through guided prayers or simply talk with God about what you are rejoicing in the Lord with and depending on the Lord for.

Biblical References:

• Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Thessalonians 5:16-18
• The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
• Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. Mark 1:35
• This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us. And if we know that hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of Him. 1 John 5:13-15
• If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7
• Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19-20
• If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5-6

Attending Church Regularly

Gathering with other believers is crucial for mutual encouragement and growth.

Biblical References:

• Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
• They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:41-47

Telling Others About Jesus and How They Can Know Him.

Sharing the hope of Christ is not just a calling but a command, reflecting our commitment to Him.

Biblical References:

• Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
• Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20
• Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
• Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33
• Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, always be ready to give a defense to one who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3: 15-1 6
• Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19-20
• I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16