Christian Life

What is your Cross?

In my parenting class last week we didn’t get to our parenting topic because their where life issues to address. We discussed the storms that come to all those who believe. Sometimes as Christians we wonder why a loving God would allow His children to suffer because we wouldn’t do this with our own children. We wouldn’t and don’t do this with our own children because we don’t have the strength nor understanding of the benefit of allowing our children to make mistakes and suffer. One person in class brought back to memory James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Instead of looking at the problem, we should look to God. Instead of praying to get out of the storm; we should be asking God what is it we can learn in the storm. Instead of thinking woe is me; you should be thinking thank God it is me. As James tells us, trials bring about perseverance and perseverance brings about maturity in Christ.

It amazes me that Christians feel like they do not deserve trials but what makes us think that we are better than Christ. Unlike Christ, we deserve whatever happens to us because it is to make us more like Him. He didn’t deserve to die a horrible death on the cross. Based on Christ’s crucifixion, we know that God allows things to only happen for a good reason. Christ’s was to save us all; I wonder what your trial is for?

As you go through your trial, it is okay to ask God to take you out of it because Jesus did this as well. He asked God if there is another way for this to happened then please consider it but He also told God, “Let your will be and not mine.” So as we pray to be delivered, we must remember to ask God for His will not ours.

As I close, I want to share that all of us have our crosses to bear. Christ cross was the death for all of our sins. Your cross maybe, a bad marriage, a husband that doesn’t love you, unemployment, sickness, death of a love one, a wife that is demanding or nagging, a bad relationship with a family member, a child or spouse on drugs or alcohol. No matter what it is, remember this is your cross and only you can carry it. As a friend of mine told me, “I am thankful for my cross because I am familiar with it and would not want anyone else’s cross. So I say this to say, that we all have our cross so don’t assume that others have it better than you because in many cases you don’t know what their cross is or will be in the future.

Thank God that He loves us enough to perfect us! Praise God in the middle of your storm and show others that you have greater power living in you that overshadows your flesh and causes you to have joy even in the midst of the storm. What an awesome testimony to someone who doesn’t know Christ to see you having joy despite your circumstance.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptations per James 1:12 so don’t miss out on your blessing!

by Yvette Nietzen
8/08/2008 / Devotionals

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

Recently my husband was working on an excel spreadsheet for a project that he is in charge of. When I asked him what he was working on, he replied, The Critical Path. You engineers out there will know what this is, but I didnt so he proceeded to tell me.

He explained that the project he is working on has many details, and the spreadsheet helped him plan the path needed to take care of those details.

The term, Critical Path got me thinking. We can apply this term to every area of our lives. I heard a motivational speaker once say, The book you dont read today will affect you tomorrow. We can apply that saying to any situation in our lives, just vary it to what our circumstance is.

We can plan our retirement, our eating habits, improving ourselves, and on and on. But what I mostly liked about this term is how I could apply it to my Christian walk.

The prayers I dont say today could affect me and others tomorrow.
The book (Bible) I dont read today could affect me and others tomorrow.
If I dont study the word today, it can affect me tomorrow.
The exercise I dont do today, (prayer, memorizing scripture) will affect me tomorrow.
Lets look at it this way:

The spiritual preparation I do today will yield fruit tomorrow.
The scripture I memorize today will bring life tomorrow.
The book I read today will bring hope tomorrow to those I pray for.
The time I spend with the Lord soaking, will bring revelation tomorrow.

I am taking a closer look at my critical path, and doing some serious thinking and planning on where I want to be in two, five and ten years. With Jesus, our path with Him is a blessing, . The best part is, if you ask Him to help you plan, He will answer.

Yvette Nietzen is an ordained minister and currently lives in Costa Rica.
View her blog at:
www.yvettenietzen.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

by Kathy Kirk, excerpt from Faith, The First Step To Financial Freedom

Before we can exercise our faith, we must understand what it means to have faith. Faith is a word that can be explained in many ways. The Webster dictionary defines faith as complete and loyal trust, without doubt or question, faithful, resolute, loyal, staunch and steadfast. Even the dictionary can help us understand faith. By reviewing each description individually, we can come to understand the breath and demand of this word faith.

Faithful – adherence to God’s promise

Resolute- adherence to whatever one owes allegiance- (God)

Loyal – a firm resistance to any temptation that would betray God

Staunch – solid and impervious (unaffected) by that which would weaken it

Steadfast – implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance or conviction to God

I don’t know about you, but as I studied Webster’s dictionary definition of faith, I began to realize my shortfall in this area. I also realized that if the Webster dictionary could give me more clarity on faith, how much more could the Bible inspire and guide me to a faithful path with God? Let’s examine the scripture on faith because we know that God does not give us a command without the knowledge to carry it through. The unknown author of Hebrews defines faith and gives examples of faith in Hebrews Chapter 11.

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. (Hebrew 11:1 NLT)

By Faith, Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became the heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. (Hebrew 11:7 ASV)

By Faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, “ In Isaac Your Descendents shall be called.” He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type. (Hebrew 11:17-19 ASV)

As we examine the two examples above, it is clear that faith requires you to move out of your comfort zone. Faith is a willingness to follow God’s commands and believe in His promises. The book of Hebrew gives countless examples of men and women who exercised great faith. I encourage you to read the entire book of Hebrew because it’s purpose is to help Christians become secure in their faith.

Determine whether you are – Progressive? Moderate? Traditional? Evangelical?

Take the test
Christian Profiles

Progressive Christians are gifted with powers of critical thought, a passion for social justice, and a respect for people who hold views that differ from their own. They tend to favor the separation of church and state, support a woman’s right to choose an abortion, and are eager to learn from people of other world religions. Progressive Christians tend to emphasize what people of different religious traditions can do in cooperation with each other to create a better world. Rather than seeing contemporary culture as being hopelessly depraved, progressive Christians seek to reform it on the basic of ethical norms derived from Old Testament prophets and the teachings of Jesus.
Moderate Christians are usually comfortable in denominational churches (i.e. Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran). While embracing Christianity, they also respect those who may be less committed, and tend to be skeptical of religious hype. Moderates are in a good position to mediate between those who hold views that are more extreme than their own, whether liberal or conservative. They can play an important role as peacemakers and mediators where there is conflict in churches. The Second Coming of Christ is not normally emphasized by moderates, most of whom share the progressive’s desire to see progress in the here and now.

Traditional Christians appreciate dignity, familiarity and beauty both in public worship and in their private life of prayer. Comfortable with the venerable language of Scripture, creeds, and the great hymns of the church, they regard those who seek change for change’s sake as being too willing to toss aside the tried and the true for something less substantial. Given their respect for what Christianity has received from those who have gone before, their style of faith can provide a sense of continuity and stability in troubled times. Traditional Christians generally accept the church’s teaching about the coming kingdom of God, but like moderates, this is not a subject frequently talked about or discussed.

Evangelical Christians seek out churches where the gospel is boldly preached and people are not afraid to express their faith with strong emotion. They tend to find the worship of many denominational churches lifeless and the preaching shallow. Evangelical and fundamentalist Christians may have difficulty accepting those whose views seem less settled than their own. With their faith strongly rooted in the Bible, evangelicals have a special calling in helping others stay in touch with the life giving Spirit of a living God. Some evangelical Christians are highly critical of popular culture, to the point of thinking the “end-times” are near and look forward to Christ’s Second Coming, an event they expect to happen very soon. Among evangelicals, biblical prophecy and the rapture are a focal point for conversation and study.

Pastor Cedric A. Portis Sr. Third Presbyterian Church
St. Louis, MO

Timothy II2:15 Study toshow thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Your mind is bring shaped/formed and molded by what you take into it. There is a computer adage that states garbage in, garbage out. Many people want to act different, they want to talk different, they want their walk to be different, they are tired of resembling the world…but the sad fact is that while wanting this change statistics show that the average American will read 100 newspapers, 36 magazines listen to 750 hours of radio and watch 2500 hours of television and complain the whole year about not being able to find time to read my Bible. Where is the studying of God’s Word? If we want this change that we seek, then study of the scriptures is a spiritual discipline we must have in order to effectively do the will of God.

I read of a minister who was visiting one of his members. The lady of the house was trying to impress him about how devout she was by point out the large Bible on the bookshelf and taking in a very reverential way of it as “the Word of God.”

Her young son interrupted the conversation; “well if that’s God’s book we need to send it back to him because we never read it?”

Let me tell you why we give Bibles to new members at ThirdChurch.

1. To take away the excuse of not having one.

2. For you to Study it.

3. To bring it to church with you.

Everyone should have their own Bible, and bring it, write notes in it, use it.

We must realize that evangelism is difficult without study, hearing from the Lord is difficult without study, exercising your spiritual gifts is difficult without study.

Peter I 5:8 Be sober, vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.

If you have ever seen National Geographic or the discovery channel and observed a lion stalking attacking and killing prey, you would notice that the lion does not seek the animal that is leading the heard, but the one that is dragging behind, unaware of their surroundings until it is too late. This metaphor about Satan as a lion is speaking to those who have poor or non-existent bible study habits. When you are not armed with the Word of God, you will fall prey to the roaring lion in a time of need, in a time of desperation, or in a time of plenty.

Question – How do you recognize Satan…you must know God. IF you cannot recognize God you will never be able to recognize Satan and you will constantly find yourself in situations where you don’t know how you got there…didn’t see it coming. The Lord reveals Himself to you through His love letter to you called the Bible and it strengthens you to be able to be up with the heard and not fall prey to the roaring lion.

Romans 12:2 tells us plainly that we as people are transformed by something very specific. What transforms us? It is the renewing of our minds. Studying the Bible is not some vice or habit we should have but it is a lifestyle that transforms our lives. Study gives us a foundation for our faith. Those who attend Bible Study and Sunday school have heard me say before that it is not only important to know “what” you believe, but you must know “why” you believe it.

Someone once asked a man who was a regular church goer, “Sir what do you believe?”

I believe what my church believes.

What does your church believe?…It believes what I Believe.

And what do both of you believe…We both believe the same thing!?!

If you don’t know what your why you believe something, it will not be a lifestyle for you and you will not be able to convince someone else of what you believe if you can’t explain it.

Peter I3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

This verse expresses to us that we must be ready at all times to give answer about the joy that is in us, and answer to our faith and our hope. You know why the Bible does not come up very much in conversation…because people don’t want to be exposed about how little they know about the God they serve. They just go saying, “I believe in God”

Well so what…so does Satan…what makes you any different from Satan?

Study brings about freedom in the Christian life because Jesus says in John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Free of what…the yoke and slavery of sin. Free to do what….to abundantly live, to worship and to praise the Lord. There are things that the Lord demands of us and allowing ourselves to be shackled with sin handicaps us.

Many are confused about Jesus Christ because they are ignorant of this truth. If you don’t know about something, you won’t be successful at it, nor tell anyone else about it. And if our main job is telling then we are failing.

We live in a society where everyone is always trying to get ahead through promotions, raises etc. We have our job responsibilities from Jesus. What if Jesus were to give us that yearly review that promotions and raises are generally based. Would we be in line for the promotion we seek, would we be in line for the raise we are asking for?? Many of us go through life asking for that promotion of a spouse and family, that raise of a new car, job or home…. but I believe that we need to start weighing the request with the performance. Have we proved ourselves faithful enough with our assignment from Jesus to be blessed in this way??? Have we been faithful over a few things to become ruler over many??? I believe a sobering look at performance would curb our “Santa Claus” mentality toward Jesus…. and this reality is realized through study of the Word of God. Maybe the reason for such a lack of performance is that the garbage in was some false teaching leading you in a false direction.
Questions this morning:

Do you know contextually what is in your BIBLE?

Do you know about the life of Jesus and what He did and still does for you?

Do you know about the topics the Apostle Paul wrote about and why he wrote about them?

Do you know the history of the nation of Israel and why it is important for you and I?

Can you defend your faith and what you believe if you are challenged?

I want to encourage you this morning to commit yourself to study of the Scriptures and allow yourself to receive the benefits from it.

So what are the benefits of Study?

Gives victory over sin…. Jesus died for and bore the sin of the world

Overcome worry…. Not to take no thought for tomorrow

Confidence in sharing your faith – be ready always to share your faith

Help you in discovering God’s will for your life – show yourself approved for His work.

You will begin to find, understand and live on the promises of God and then and only then will you be able to sing with conviction, “on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Some people seem to expect the Word of God to hit them like a jolt of adrenaline each time they read it. Although the jolt may hit us periodically, the Benefits of the word of God act more like vitamins. People who regularly take vitamins do so because of their long-term benefits, not because every time they swallow one of the pills they feel a new strength surging through their bodies.

They have developed a lifestyle of consistently taking vitamins because they have been told that, in the long haul, vitamin supplements are going to have a beneficial effect on their physical health, resistance to disease and general well being.

The same is true of study the bible. At times it will have a sudden and intense impact on us. However the real value lies in the cumulative effect that long-term exposure to God’s work will bring to our lives.

Let us look quickly at the four basic steps of study.

I. Repetition

Repeating anything is a sure fire way to learn and definitely affects the mind. Repeating creates ingrained habits of thought. If you repeat something to yourself, even if you don’t believe it, your subconscious mind after a while will be affected. Radio and television advertisers know this and this is how they get you to try their product even though you are not initially interested. This is how you hear a song and don’t care for it too much and then the radio will play it so much that you begin to say/think well it’s not that bad.

It is the same with Bible Study. Repetition will ingrain the way God wants you to think into your mind and soon you will realize that His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Slowly but surely you will begin to speak the word of God into situations in your life and the life of others.

If you really love your family and your friends, you need to equip yourself to speak the Word of God into their situation instead of:

1. Just listening and echoing the sentiment of the situation being bad.

2. Expressing concern when inside just happy it is not happening to you.

3. Bringing chips and dip to the pity party.

If you believe in the promises of God, if you believe in the power of prayer you need to start speaking the Word of God into these situations!!!

II. Concentration

This may seem silly but when studying you must focus on what you are doing. Concentration centers the mind and keeps you from being distracted by every little thing. We must center our attention upon Scripture and our purpose when studying. So where do you study, with the TV on or off, where is the phone are you setting aside time for you and the Lord to Communicate through His word

Sin is totally in cool today. Sin programs people’s speech, dress, and values. Sin controls people’s thinking. Why? Do people have no choice but to sin?

Sin is the easier choice. Jesus depicts life’s choices as two: The narrow way with the strait gate and the broad way with the wide gate (Matt. 7:13,14). “Strati” (thlibo) means compressed and narrow. It implies a degree of difficulty. Hence, we must “strive” (literally, agonize) to enter in (Lk. 13:24). Sin involves doing what you want to do (no authority), irresponsibility, and not facing the facts. While sin initially offers the easier life-style, ultimately, sin is the most difficult (Prov. 13:15, Rom. 6:23). “…be sure you sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

Sin offers pleasure. The scriptures affirm the pleasure of sin (Heb. 11:25). However, the pleasure is only “for a season” (Ibid.). The adulterer enjoys pleasure but only temporarily. Ultimately, there is the lack of respect, loss of temperance, and often exposure – divorce. The end result negates the pleasure of sin (cf. Jas. 1:12-15).

Sin is tricky. The reason most people continue in sin is because they are deceived by sin. The writer of Hebrews mentions the “deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Sin deceives because it does not deliver what it promises!

Man does not have to sin – we have a choice (Josh. 24:15). We are either “servants of sin” or servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17,18). It takes real courage and individualism to oppose sin, the crowd. God offers you quality of life resulting in heaven. Sin offers you a life of deception and temporary, shallow pleasure which will result in hell. Which do you want?

Why do people sin?

What is sin? Sin is not doing what God tells us to do in the Bible. Everyday you have to make a decision to do what is right and not what is wrong. When you do what is wrong, you have sinned. When your parents ask you to go to bed; you have to make a decision to go to bed or to ignore your parents. When you ignore your parents, you are choosing to sin. The Bible tells us to obey our parents. When you ignore them, you are not obeying them- this is a sin.

“…choose you this day whom ye will serve…,” urged Joshua of old (Josh. 24: 15). Sin is a choice.

People sin because -

1. They do not know God. And those who know God, sin because they do know the Bible. It is important that you read the Bible everyday.

2. We are selfish. Think about some of your sins. Most of them are because you are selfish. You are only thinking about yourself. When you ignore your parents, you are not thinking about how this makes them feel but about how you want to continue playing that game or watching that television show.

3. Many people sin because it is much easier. It is hard to let the Holy Spirit guide you. It is sometimes a lot easier and more fun to do bad things.

Since sin is a choice, you are responsible for your sin. Our goal should be not to sin even though are friends are sinning and it looks like fun. God will talk to you about your sins when you get to heaven if you are saved. This is not going to be any fun if you have a lot of sins.

It’s not the label on a church that makes it what it is, but the teachings and the people following Christ. Mormons say we have the name of Christ on our Church, therefore we are his Church. Anyone can put a name on the outside, and most do use the name of Christ but it’s what is on the inside that counts. A certain denomination or non denomination may often mean it has a good reputation but it is no guarantee for Biblical accuracy. Do they have the life of Christ- is His Holy Spirit indwelling the people and the congregation, is the Bible believed and being taught and practiced. We do not just look for a church that teaches the Bible but a church that teaches the Bible correctly, the whole counsel of God and having the goal to live by it.

A church is composed of numerous elements. Without putting things in order of importance, the people are the church, not the building. When looking for a church to make it your home there are certain elements necessary for it to be healthy and of God. The foremost is that they uphold the bible as their authority, being the word of God. Do they teach through the Bible, not using certain doctrines but teach the whole counsel of God. Is the church operating from Scripture as best as possible and are they feeding the sheep for growth in their spiritual lives to make them mature. Are they pursuing God’s kingdom and His will for their lives as individuals and as a Church? Are they Christ centered and preaching the gospel of grace through faith alone for salvation. Are they mission-minded. Is the Church centered on the needs of its people, not neglecting its own, especially those out on the mission-field. Are sheep producing sheep which will turn into growth for the Church, or are they relying only on the leaders to do the work of the ministry. Some Churches turn over much of the ministry into the hands of the layman even if they are new to the faith. This saves them time in taking care of all the problems that arise, as well as money to pay for more ministers. The Bible teaches us not to do this, that one must be mature in the teachings of Christ as well as having maturity as persons, we are not to let a novice teach. There needs to be a balance in this philosophy of ministry. While many are attracted to opportunities to being in ministry in the long run if a church is this open it causes problems. The leaders are to be proven men of the faith adhering to the Biblical requirements.

Is there prayer for the needs of people and open for anyone to join in. Do they accept you for who you are without conditions and are willing to help you mature in Christ. Is giving freely encouraged or is there coercion on tithing and raising money. Are there open record where the money goes.

Is the gospel proclaimed regularly from the pulpit and people encouraged to share the gospel outside the assembly. Are they teaching the essentials of the faith to the new believers and right doctrine and practice for the mature to find their purpose in God (1 Tim.4:6, 13-16.) In finding a Christian church specific questions sometimes need to be answered. Such as do they accept the Bible as inerrant and infallible, that it has been preserved throughout history. Do they believe Jesus is the Son of God and what do they mean by this (almost all cults will agree with this on the outset). Is Christ fully God and fully man, did He raise from the dead bodily. Do they teach and uphold doctrine especially on the nature of Christ being God in the flesh and God being Tri-une in nature.

Do they have different weekly Bible studies one can attend so people can get to know one another and fellowship when they have time. Is there freedom in the church for people to exercise their spiritual gifts and talents to be used for each other and their community (1 Thess.5:19-20, 1 Cor.12-14). Are they looking for ministry opportunities as God moves in the lives of their individual members, are they encouraging people to pursue God’s calling in their lives (1 Tim.1:9; Rom.8:28-30 Eph.2:10.)

Does the church encourage you or help you to discern and answer false religious systems (1 Jn.4:1). Do they teach how to witness to other religions, or do they feel that everyone can pursue God in any way they choose (Jude 3,1 Pt.3:15). Do they recognize the cults and are equipping people to know the differences between what is true and what is error and equipping them in apologetics to give them confidence in their witnessing to them.

Sometime one needs to ask for a history of where the church began and how. Who they are affiliated with. One may have to consult cult watch organizations for further information on their history and doctrines, it’s always better to ask first before you leap. Do they belong to the National association of evangelicals or the world evangelical fellowship, are they accountable to others. Do they work with and enjoy fellowship with other churches and denominations that are sound? What books do they promote for their members to read. Wisdom is needed so one should pray for all wisdom and discernment in their decision (Phil.1:9), so that you don’t spend your time there and find out later what you should have known beforehand.

Choosing a Church may take time and sometimes caution may be necessary. A church is to be friendly but we can first be easily attracted to the warmth and friendliness of the people and later find they are theologically off. It’s best to ask for a statement of faith, a creed and history, as well as questions before joining. Some faith statements do not mean what they say so one needs to ask deeper questions if there is any doubts. Best to know beforehand than invest your time and find out later. (The Mormons articles of faith sound on the surface as evangelical but are deceptive). Do they have a public Statement of Faith? Beware when a church says their statement of faith is the Bible and that is all they have (such as the International churches of Christ). You can consult various books such as Elwell’s Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, The Encyclopedia of American Religions by J. Gordon Melton or even the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements by Burgess, Magee, and Alexander for further research on certain groups and movements.

If you find a church that is actively pursuing these things then you have probably found a healthy environment for your spiritual growth in Jesus Christ- you have found a good church home. Every church has a different flavor and one can find two churches that may teach the same things but have a different philosophy in how they do ministry. This can sometimes be a personal preference for you as an individual. Some believe in gifts some do not, some have differences in eschatology. Some churches believe in using instruments in their worship others do not. Some sing the old hymns others sing new songs with different styles of music. Again this becomes all personal preference as we look to find a Church home. One must see if they are using worship and praise songs or entertainment to hype the people up to keep coming back. If there is room to grow and serve and the people love and genuinely care, that’s a good place to be. We need to be in a place that we can grow together in and be used of God, not just fellowship or have things to do.

Remember that the people are the church, not a certain denomination, group or church building. Those who hold to the core doctrines without aberrations are in the body of Christ and we should accept them and be in unity with them.

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Tests are things that God allows to happen to us to test our faith. After your teacher teaches you certain things in math, she tests you to see how much you have learned. God tests us to see whether we are going to be obedient to Him. God gave Adam and Eve everything in the Garden of Eden to enjoy except the one tree of good and evil. They only had to trust God and respect His authority over them. God put that tree in the Garden of Eden to test Adam and Eve’s loyalty and obedience to Him. Adam and Eve failed the test because they ate the fruit. I want you to know that God did not cause Adam and Eve to sin. He put the tree there, but He did not encourage them to eat from it. He told them something bad would happen to them if they ate from the tree. God also tells us in the Bible that bad things will happen to us when we sin. Satan, on the other hand, told them something good would happen if they ate from the tree. Satan tempted them, and they gave in to the temptation.

God may give you an annoying boss, but He does not make you treat your boss unkindly. Only Satan will tell you to dislike this boss, disrespect him or her or to sabotage his or her work. When we are tested by God, He may allow someone to be unkind to us to see how we are going to respond. He wants to see if we are going to respond in kindness or listen to Satan. God will never tell us to do something that does not agree with the Bible.

Once you decide to become a Christian, you have been adopted into God’s family and become one of His children. God’s expects His children to do the following:

I. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…” (Matt. 6: 33). I know some of you are saying, “What in the world does that mean?” It simply means that you are going to put God before yourself. God is first in your life! There is no one more important than God, not your parents, sibling, friends or self. Everything that you do, you should ask yourself, what would Jesus do?

II. Be different from non-Christians

The Bible tells us that we should do the bad things that we see other people doing. You should be able to tell a Christian because they are doing the right thing. So many times as children, we want to fit in and to be like everyone else. But God tells Christians that they should be different. Don’t try to be like other but try to be like Jesus.

III. Obeys God’s commandments

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments,” wrote John. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” and “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loves me…” (Jn. 14: 15, 21). We show God that we love Him when we obey His commandments. This is the Ten Commandments and the other commands in the Bible. It is important that you know His commands in order to obey them. Read the Bible everyday so you will know what God wants you to do!

IV. Hang around other Christians and go to church.

It is very hard to do what God wants us to do when we hang around those who not doing what God says. It is important that you find friends that want to please God. Not only does God want our friends to be Christians but He also wants us to go to church regularly.

V. Grow

When we become saved, we are considered baby Christians. God does not want us to stay this way forever. He expects us to grow. He expects us to become more like Jesus everyday. The only way to become like Jesus is to spend time with Him. Read your Bible everyday, choose one of our devotionals to study with your parents, start a book club with our books to have friends that are learning the same things that you are learning and go to church every week.