“For Those Who Have Abandoned The Church and Beyond”
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. —John 3:16 KJV
This one scripture expresses the divine love of God for humanity and how he has made a way for each person to have eternal life—not temporary life. Have you found the church to be irrelevant in your life? I hope not, but many people have strayed away from the church because of its perceived doctrine, exclusiveness and hypocrisy. Even though we all fall short of the word of God, there is still a place for us in God’s kingdom. Only you can make the choice to become a disciple for Jesus Christ. “Keep It Simple” by following the steps outlined in this article.
From Salvation to Discipleship—Keep It Simple!
1. You can speak to God the same way you talk to a friend. It is not necessary to use fancy words or pray the way you may have heard others pray. Speak sincerely to the Father who is always available, if you desire to establish a relationship with Him. Use these words or paraphrase this prayer of salvation:
Heavenly Father, I come to you from the depths of my heart realizing I have sinned. I repent of my sins and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and died on the cross for me and my sins. I believe you raised Him from the dead. Lord Jesus, come into my heart and live in me now. By faith, I receive you as my personal Lord and Savior. Father, I receive your Holy Spirit as my Comforter to help guide me and do your will. It is in Jesus’ name that I believe and receive these things I have prayed this day. Amen!
2. Begin to say a short prayer and read the Word daily. I recommend taking 15 minutes each morning, before your day gets hectic, to spend time with the Lord. Remember to talk to God like a friend. During this dialogue you talk as well as listen. Put on some nice praise and worship music. Enjoy this time with the Father.
You may use a daily devotional guide, e.g., The Daily Bread or Upper Room Devotional, which includes a scripture, meditation and prayer; or you may select scripture readings from your Bible. You can access the devotional material online. There are several Bible interpretations that make reading easy to understand and enjoyable. I highly recommend “The Story” The Bible as One Continuous Story of God and His People—selections from the New International Version of the Bible. The Story Study Guide: Getting to the Heart of God’s Story is an excellent companion tool.
The King James Version of the Bible is our standard, but God wants you to understand his word. Use a version of the Bible that you can understand. There are many Bible versions on the Bible App and Bible Gateway—try a few out and determine what works best for you—The Message, Living Bible, Modern English Version and more. The Holy Spirit will also help you as you begin to read the Bible. After reading the Word for yourself, you may be led to join a Bible Study.
3. You can join a Bible Study from the comfort of your home. Many churches have virtual Bible Study weekly—you may also use Lifeway online Bible Study (Study God’s Word with others around the world—anytime, and anywhere). Throughout the year, you’ll find studies from authors like Priscilla Shirer, Angie Smith, Jen Wilkin, and others. Use this link to obtain more information: https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/bible-studies/women
You can also start a Bible Study with like-minded friends. As you read the Word begin to incorporate what you are learning into your lifestyle. The Bible is a lifestyle guide.
Do not dismiss the local church–it is very important to build community and fellowship with other Christians.
4. There are two sacraments that are essential to your walk with the Lord, i.e. Baptism and Holy Communion. A sacrament is a religious practice, sign or symbol, especially associated with Christian churches.
Baptism is an outward expression of your decision to follow Jesus. Baptism usually takes place inside the church, but it may be performed outdoors. Your head may be sprinkled with water or your body may be immersed in water. Many people have been baptized in the Jordan River (Israel), the same place Jesus was baptized. You will need the assistance of clergy to complete this sacrament. Also, it is only necessary to be baptized once.
Holy Communion, known also as the Lord’s Supper, represents the greatest expression of God’s love for His people. This sacrament may be taken daily, weekly, or monthly. Two items are used in Holy Communion—the bread which represents Jesus’ body that was scourged and broken before and during His crucifixion, and the cup which represents His shed blood. You may use grape juice and fresh bread, flatbread, or saltine crackers to partake in the ritual.
TO PARTAKE, HOLD THE BREAD IN YOUR HAND AND SAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You, and remember all that You have done for me on the cross. Thank you for loving me so much, you gave up heaven for me. Thank you for allowing your body to be broken so that mine might be whole. As I partake, I receive your resurrection life, health, and strength. [Now eat the bread.]
NOW HOLD THE CUP IN YOUR HAND AND TELL HIM:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your precious blood that was poured out for me. Thank you for washing me clean of all my sins. [Now drink] By your Spirit make me one with Christ and one in ministry to all the world until Christ comes in final victory and I feast at his heavenly banquet. Amen!
5. Pray without ceasing—it is not necessary to get on your knees to pray—pray in the car, at your desk, in a store, in your house, and everywhere. Keep It Simple!
6. Giving—Tithes & Offering
Malachi 3:9-12__Contemporary English Version
9 That’s why your whole nation is under a curse. 10 I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing.[a] 11 I will also stop locusts[b] from destroying your crops and keeping your vineyards from producing. 12 Everyone of every nation will talk about how I have blessed you and about your wonderful land. I, the Lord All-Powerful, have spoken!
Give a minimum of ten percent of your earnings to the Church—support God’s work before you pay anyone else and see how He blesses you. I am a witness to this principle.
7. Share what you have learned about the love of Christ with others—serve your community and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission—Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”