Most parents get excited when their baby takes his/her first steps. They hope and pray that their child will grow up to be a normal, well rounded member in society and keep the family name alive.
Japanese. Babies learn by watching and listening to others around them. I learned, as a child, how to speak one of the most difficult languages in the world (Japanese) simply by listening to others talk. Having learned it as a child, I can speak it without an accent.
Imitate Me. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). What an awesome responsibility parents have. God wants us to teach our children His Word (Deuteronomy 6:7; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2, 15). Are you doing this? Do you know about the seven different sets of rules that are found In the Scriptures? (We have a FREE chart that can help you if you’ll ask us for one.)
Let’s keep things simple by using the ABCs. God wants us to -
Be Advised (Informed). Many Christians who own a Bible have never read it all the way from Genesis to Revelation. Some of them get hung up on things like genealogies or other topics that don’t seem very interesting or related to them.
Challenge. We’re challenging our folks to read the entire Bible with us this year by devoting 15 minutes each day to it. For those who don’t like to read, we are suggesting that they listen to its being read on a CD or FREE on the Internet. Having read it, we encourage people to keep a journal of their findings and feelings. “Biblical meditation” is also helpful (1 Timothy 4:14; Psalm 1:2). Beware of other forms of meditation that invite evil spirits to take control of your life (1 Timothy 4:1).
Be Baptized (Immersed). The Greek (the language of the New Testament) word “baptizo” means to dip completely. There are other Greek words for sprinkle or pour. There are seven kinds of baptism mentioned in the Scriptures. (Ask us about them.) Christian baptism (immersion) is designed to picture one’s death, burial, and resurrection with the Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). It should follow one’s personal faith in Him alone but it is not necessary for a person’s salvation (Acts 16:31-34; Ephesians 2:8, 9). Water baptism demonstrates our obedience to Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19, 20), enables us to have a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21), and has an influence on others (Acts 8:13, 36-38; 16:33). (Ask us about “baptism for the dead” that is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:29).
Be Consecrated (Dedicated). The most logical thing a new Christian can/should do is to present his body to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, 2). Too many Christians think that they know better than God how to run their own lives. But God, who indwells true Christians (John 14:17), wants to live out His life through each one of them (Galatians 4:19). He wants the “Fruit of the Spirit” to be manifested to other people around us (Galatians 5:22, 23). Do you know how you get these nine Christ like qualities to manifest at the right time and place toward the right objects? If not, ask us for help.
Be F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Yes, God also wants us to be Faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2), Available (Isaiah 6:8), Teachable (2 Timothy 2:2), Flexible (Acts 16:6), Resilient (1 John 1:9), Evangelistic (2 Timothy 4:5), and Enthusiastic (Philippians 4:4). Which areas need the most attention in your life?
Wait. These are some of the things God wants Christians to do. Spiritually dead people can’t do anything to please God or earn their way to heaven by their good works (Ephesians 2:1, 8, 9). We become spiritually alive when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ exclusively as the One who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Have you done that yet? Do you have Biblical assurance of your salvation? If you do, is there anything that you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation once you get it? If so, what would it be? Do you know what “the sin unto death” is? Is there an “unforgivable sin”? Do you think you may have committed it?
Help. Would you like us to help you find some Biblical answers to the difficult questions in life? We’d be happy to share information with you if you are teachable and willing to change when you clearly see what the Scriptures actually teach?
These articles usually correspond to our talks on Sundays. If you have questions and/or comments call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com.
