You have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and this is the most important decision you will ever make. Keep in mind that this is a relationship, not a religious experience. Relationships grow, because we put time and energy into them otherwise they stagnate and do not benefit anyone. You know what I mean if you have ever been in a relationship with someone that did not have time for you. Here are some suggestions to help you grow this new relationship into one that is loving, liberating and growing. ( Note: If you prefer to listen to an audio version of this message in mp3 format, be sure your speakers are turned on and click here.)

If you miss a day you will not lose your salvation, but if you want a growing relationship, you will need to make a decision and plan to spend this time with God daily.

Step 1-Read your bible every day to get to know Christ better. (2 Timothy 2:15, 15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth) New International Version

What if I don’t have a bible how do I pick one? We recommend a parallel bible if you can afford one, but if you cannot check out The New International Version, The New Living Translation or the New King James Version. There are on-line bibles that will allow you to look up passages of scripture in multiple versions of the bible. One of our favorites is Bible Resources. Org. Check it out when you have some time.

Step 2-Talk to God in prayer every day.1Thessalonians 5:17 17 Never stop praying New Living Transalation

Does that mean I have to spend an hour in prayer every day? No set aside time to pray and let God direct it. Start with 10-15 minutes if that is what you have. As your relationship grows you will want to make more time. The awesome thing about praying is that you can do it any time, any where, in the restroom, at your desk at work, in the car or on the bus, etc…., be creative.

How do I pray? We recommend that if you have never prayed before or you are unfamiliar with how to pray that you start by using the ACTS formula for prayer.

Start by Adoring God. Tell him how much you love and appreciate Him

Confess your sins to Him and ask Him to show you any that you may have forgotten so that they can be confessed also. We are not perfect we sin daily and every sin we commit may not be something we did, it may be something He told us to do, but we failed to do it.

Thank God for everything that He has done for you. We take a lot for granted. Thank Him for you life, job, family, finances and anything else that comes to your mind.

Supplication-Pray for someone else. This is called intercession. You are standing in the gap for someone else’s needs. A family member that may be struggling financially. A friend that is struggling with a weight problem, food addiction, gambling problem or struggling in their marriage, etc... The things people need prayer for go on and on. Open your ears to hear what the people around you are saying and open your heart to reach out to God on their behalf.

Step 3-Tell others about Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20: 18 -20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.") The Message Version

When you find out about a good thing you ought to share it with everyone you know. When you have a new friend you tell everyone about him or her, this is a new friendship as well. Don’t be bashful, you might save their life.

Step 4-Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
(Hebrews 10:25: 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.) New International Version

We need each other to stand strong in this fight against the things that are trying to bring us down.

Step 5-As Christ’s representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others. (2 Corinthians 5:20: 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.) New International Version

If you have questions or need additional information regarding either of these podcasts we encourage you to go to our message board or e-mail us.

If you have a prayer request send it to prayer@mynewtemple.org.

Know that we love you and we are praying for you!