“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:6-8
1. Build Intimacy with God
"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
Pray to God: prayer is talking to God. You can pray anytime of the day and anywhere in your heart and through your mouth, but you should also have a set time to pray and stay consistent with it. Check out the ABCs of Prayer here
Worship and Praise God: can be done during prayer, but it’s also good to set regular times to worship His majesty and praise God through psalms, songs, and utterance.
Become best friend with the Holy Ghost: he’s the key to your success because he detains the keys to access the Throne of God. He’s there to help, teach, reveal, and comfort you (Jn 14:26). So, you must never spend a day without the Holy Spirit.
2. Read & Meditate the Bible
Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
To grow in the wisdom and revelation of God, which will get you closer to God and enable you to do his will; help you fight off the lies of the enemy; and be successful in whatever you do and wherever you (Josh 1:7)
To renew your mind so you see yourself as God sees you (Jn 8:32)
To build and strengthen up your faith in God (Heb 11:6)
Therefore, it's important to read and meditate the bible daily. If you are a first time bible reader, I'd suggest that you start from the gospel of John, then read the other gospels and the whole New Testament before looking at the Old Testament. Pray for understanding before, during, and after reading the Bible. If you are too overwhelmed by the Bible, perhaps you should look into bible reading plans. If you don't have the means to afford a Bible, check this page on how to get a free Bible.
3. Join a Local Church
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
To fellowship with other Christians (Heb 10:24-25)
To get nurtured by and receive spiritual guidance through the preached Word of God
To serve God and exercise your spiritual gifts (2 Tim. 1:6)
Please, pray God to reveal you the church where you should go to. There are so many churches nowadays that you want to be sure that the church you'll go to truly preaches the Word of God and is where God has called you to be and serve.
4. Get Baptized by Immersion
"No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." John 3:5
Baptism is a symbol of your unity to Christ's death and resurrection (Col 2:12), and an outward expression of your union with Christ (Gal. 3:27).
5. Learn to Set your Minds on Things Above and Not on Earthly Things
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2
Why should we set our minds on things above?
Because "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever ." 1 Jn 2:17
Therefore, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Mat. 6:19-20
How to set your minds on things above?
Crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Gal. 5:24). The works of the flesh are: "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Gal. 5:19-21
Cultivate the fruits of the spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Gal. 5:22-23
Have a burden on your heart for the things of God (e.g., praying and working for God’s will to be done and Kingdom to be manifested on earth; praying and working for people to be saved; and practicing charity) - Mat 6:10 & 1 Tim 2:4
6. Serve as a Witness for Christ
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:20
Once you taste of the good news of Salvation, you have a duty to share it, because good news must be shared. Therefore, do not be ashamed to talk about Christ to someone else in your community, at your workplace, at your school and everywhere you go. By doing so, you can help save someone, “for the will of God is that who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth,” (1 Tim 2:4) and help strengthen someone's faith for “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Prov. 27:17
Thank you for reading. These 6 points will help you nurture and develop your relationship with God. I hope you've been blessed. Do not hesitate to share this article to bless someone else, like it and comment under to share what you're doing to nurture and build up your relationship with God. Stay blessed!
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