As a believer in Christ, you must always remember that Jesus
died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
– 2 Corinthians 5:15
Christ must come first in our lives, not our desires. We live to do His will, not ours.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
– Matthew 16:24
This can be difficult but we’re not alone in this. Everyone in Christ has His Spirit to comfort, to guide and to equip us to follow Jesus.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
– John 14:15-17
Bible Reading
All healthy relationships require communication and the Bible is how God speaks to us. Through reading the Bible we can learn about God and His will, we can be encouraged through hardship, corrected in ways we go wrong and equipped for every situation.
‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
– John 4:4
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
The gospel account by John is a good place to start.
Prayer
In prayer, we can speak directly to God, the almighty author and sustainer of all creation.
More than this, we’re told that it’s what He desires from us and that in Christ, we can come to Him as our Heavenly Father!
He hears our prayers and answers them, however His response is in accordance with His will, not ours. When we remember who He is, and the cross where He displayed His love for us, we can trust that His will is always best.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7
Church
In the fellowship of the church we can be encouraged through difficult times and help others who are in need. It’s God’s clear plan that we gather together to do this, along with worship in song and learn from His Scripture.
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 drawing near.
– Hebrews 10:24-25
Therefore, prayerfully seek an established local church which holds to and teaches directly from the Bible. A healthy church will have a loving community and emphasise the free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Serving Others
Though Jesus was ‘Immanuel’, God with us (Matthew 1:23), He did not live to be served but to serve.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many
– Mark 10:45
So in the same way, as followers of Jesus, we serve Him by serving others and giving our lives for others.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
– Matthew 22:37-39
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
– Philippians 2:3-4
Sharing The Good News
You don’t need to have an answer to every question or have memorised the whole Bible to tell others about what Jesus has done for you!
With love and compassion, share the good news with whoever will listen!