Whether you are a raw recruit (a new believer in Christ) or a battle scarred Veteran (a mature Christian) or someone in between, it is important to follow the one true field manual (the Bible) in order to grow in your faith. To keep growing in Christ, we need to keep learning. God tells us clearly what we need to do. This breaks down into seven areas which compose our Christian Mission Essential Task List.
- Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Truly regret not doing things God’s way, and ask Jesus to forgive you. Invite Him to fill your heart with His presence. This is called being born again.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. 1 Peter 1:23
- Attend a bible believing church or chapel in person when possible every week. Going to church to worship with other Christians is a precious gift to God! Cynics may tell you that you don’t have to go to church to be Christian. That is true. You also don’t have to go home just because you are married, but you will not enjoy your marriage very much! Remember that we do not HAVE to go to church, we GET to go to church! And the Lord blesses us for the effort.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24-25
If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
- Be a regular member of a Christian fellowship. This can be a Bible Study, prayer group, men’s group, women’s group, youth group, prayer partner, or other group that will encourage you to grow in your faith as a Christian and to discover your spiritual gifts and calling. This provides you with education and accountability.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break. Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Spend some quiet personal alone time with God every day. This is often called a ‘Quiet Time.’ Choose a location that works best for you, whether it is a special place in your home, in the front seat of your truck, in a restaurant booth, in a park, whatever suits you best. Some like to have a pad and pen with them to journal what they have learned or to write down prayer requests. Quiet times should involve some degree of Bible reading and some degree of prayer.
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, (Jesus) departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
- Pray. This is just talking with God. Ideally, it is a dialogue, involving both speaking as well as listening. It can be done anytime, anywhere, alone or with others, and as much as you want! Be honest and specific with God.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6
- Read the bible every day. Many people find it best to start their day with bible reading so that they can think about it throughout the rest of their day. Pick a time and a study plan that works best for you. Armed Services Ministry offers a variety of Bible studies written specifically to highlight the way God’s Word is for those in the Military community. Check out the options offered in the menu above.
Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night. Psalm 1: 1-2
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Live a Christ-like life. Pray for God’s strength and guidance to live in a way that honors Him. Choose Jesus every day, in every way. Ask God to help you make wise choices. Share your faith respectfully with others. Invite a friend to do bible study with you or come to church/chapel with you. Use your money, abilities, and time to honor Jesus Christ. It has been said that the best evidence of the risen Christ is a living Christian.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:6-8
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
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CH (COL-ret), USA
