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.
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)