How to be a Successful Christian

Ready for More? Your Unfiltered Path to Deeper Faith

In a world full of noise and fleeting promises, are you hungry for something real? Something that genuinely transforms, challenges, and fulfills? Growing your faith isn’t a passive activity or a feel-good hobby. It’s an active, unapologetic pursuit of God, a journey that demands everything and gives back infinitely more. These aren’t just suggestions; they are biblical mandates for a life truly connected to Christ.

The Daily Encounter: God’s Invitation to Intimacy

You want a deeper connection? It starts here. Carve out non-negotiable time each day to meet with God. This isn’t about rigid ritual; it’s about raw, honest conversation with your Creator and digging into His living Word. This is where spiritual strength is forged and your connection with the Divine becomes undeniable.

• The Hard Truth: If you’re too “busy” for God, you’re too busy for the very source of your life and purpose. Prioritize this, or drift.

• His Promise: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

• Get Started: Dedicate a specific 15-minute window each morning and evening. Pour out your heart, then listen. Open your Bible and simply read, asking God to speak.

• Biblical Grounding: [2 Timothy 1:5, Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:5-7, Proverbs 8:17, Psalms 55:17, Matthew 21:22, 1 John 5:14-15]

Dive into the Book: Let God’s Truth Confront You

Your soul needs nourishment, and shallow answers won’t cut it. Commit to daily, intentional study of the Bible. This isn’t light reading; it’s allowing the unfiltered, authoritative Word of God to penetrate your heart and mind. It will challenge your assumptions, expose your weaknesses, and illuminate your path.

• The Hard Truth: Ignorance of God’s Word leads to a weak, easily swayed faith. You cannot truly know God without knowing His book.

• His Promise: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)

• Get Started: Begin with a Gospel (like John) or a practical book (like Proverbs). Read, reflect, and ask, “What is God saying to me today?”

• Biblical Grounding: [1 Peter 2:2]

Embrace Community: You Were Not Meant to Walk Alone

Christianity is not a solo journey. Plug into a genuine, Bible-focused group or study within the church. This is where you wrestle with Scripture alongside others, find authentic support, and build relationships with fellow believers who are truly committed to growth. This isn’t optional; it’s a command.

• The Hard Truth: Isolated faith withers. Without accountability and true fellowship, you’re vulnerable to deception and stagnation.

• His Promise: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

• Get Started: Seek out a small group, Bible study, or discipleship class at our church. Make the commitment.

• Biblical Grounding: [2 Timothy 2:15]

Public Declaration: Own Your New Life

You’ve made a decision for Christ; now declare it openly through water baptism. This isn’t just a tradition; it’s a powerful, symbolic act of obedience—your public burial of the old self and rising to new life in Christ. While it doesn’t save you, it’s a vital, commanded step in your spiritual walk.

• The Hard Truth: True faith isn’t hidden. If you’ve truly committed to Christ, you’ll want to publicly identify with Him.

• His Promise: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

• Get Started: Talk to one of our pastors about baptism at your earliest opportunity.

• Biblical Grounding: [Acts 2:38]

Be Filled: Receive God’s Empowering Presence

You are called to live a life not just for God, but by His power. Seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He is not an impersonal force, but God Himself, a divine Person who empowers you for audacious faith, bold witness, and supernatural living. This isn’t a relic of the past; it’s for every believer today.

• The Hard Truth: Without the Holy Spirit’s power, your Christian life will be anemic, striving in your own strength.

• His Promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)

• Get Started: Prepare your heart through prayer and openness. Study the biblical accounts. Ask God to fill you, and allow Spirit-filled believers to pray with you.

• Biblical Grounding: [Acts 1:1-9, Acts 2:1-38, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7]

Share the Unfolding Story: Be a Witness

Your transformation isn’t just for you. Actively share your faith and the love of God with others. Witnessing isn’t a suggestion; it’s a command to every disciple. It’s a profound way to solidify your own faith while participating in God’s eternal mission to rescue lost souls.

• The Hard Truth: A genuine encounter with Christ cannot remain silent. If you have the cure, you must share it.

• His Promise: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

• Get Started: Start by being real about your faith journey with trusted friends. Look for opportunities to share the hope that only Jesus offers.

• Biblical Grounding: [Psalms 26:1, 7; Proverbs 11:30; Revelation 12:11]

Guard Your Heart: Purge the Poisons

Your spiritual vitality depends on what you allow into your life. Ruthlessly avoid influences that pull you away from God’s presence and truth. This includes certain companions, media, entertainment, and environments. Discernment is key; compromise is lethal to growth.

• The Hard Truth: You cannot walk with God and consistently entertain what opposes Him. Lukewarmness is not an option.

• His Promise: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

• Get Started: Honestly assess your closest relationships and daily habits. Be courageous enough to make necessary changes for your spiritual health.

• Biblical Grounding: [2 Corinthians 6:14-17]

Get Involved: Be an Essential Part of the Body

You are a crucial part of something bigger. Regularly and actively engage with your local church family. Consistent fellowship with other believers isn’t just comforting; it’s where you’re strengthened, sharpened, and able to fulfill your purpose within the collective Body of Christ.

• The Hard Truth: You cannot thrive in isolation. “Lone wolf” Christianity is a myth; it weakens both you and the church.

• His Promise: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Get Started: Make church attendance a non-negotiable priority. Find a place to serve and truly connect.

• Biblical Grounding: [Hebrews 10:25]

Give sacrificially: Invest in God’s Kingdom

Your finances are not merely your own. Consistently give to support your local church and its global mission. Tithing (giving 10% of your income) is not an outdated tradition; it’s God’s proven financial plan for His people, demonstrating trust and fueling the work of the Kingdom. This isn’t about charity; it’s about worship and obedience.

• The Hard Truth: Your treasure reveals your heart. If God doesn’t have your finances, He likely doesn’t have all of you.

• His Promise: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

• Get Started: Begin with intentional, proportionate giving. Watch God’s faithfulness unfold.

• Biblical Grounding: [Deuteronomy 8:17-18, Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8]

Endure the Fire: Embrace God’s Refining

Don’t be naive; the Christian life comes with challenges. Temptations and trials are guaranteed. When difficulties hit, don’t shrink back. Lean into God’s strength to endure. These struggles are not meant to destroy you, but to refine you, deepen your dependence on Him, and forge unbreakable character.

• The Hard Truth: A faith that has never been tested cannot be truly trusted. Persecution is promised, not avoided.

• His Promise: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

• Get Started: When facing a challenge, immediately run to God in prayer and seek the wisdom of trusted spiritual mentors.

• Biblical Grounding: [2 Timothy 3:12]

Submit to Authority: Honor God’s Appointed Leaders

God places leaders over His people for a reason. Honor and trust the pastoral leadership God has placed in your life. They are called to guide, teach, and equip you. Submitting to godly authority is a direct act of submitting to God Himself, fostering unity and effectiveness in the church.

• The Hard Truth: Rebellion against God-given authority is rebellion against God. Unity requires humility and submission.

• His Promise: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

• Get Started: Pray for your pastors, support their vision, and be open to their guidance, knowing they are watching over your soul.

Are you ready to stop playing small with your faith? Are you ready to embrace the radical, transforming life God truly calls you to? We’re here to walk this powerful journey with you.