FIVE BASIC WAYS TO GROW YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE

1. Read the Bible Daily
   The Bible is God’s inspired instruction manual for us. It has many answers to help you live a life that pleases God. A good place to start is in the New Testament with the Gospel of Luke. The book of Acts is a great follow up; it contains the exciting story of how Christ’s disciples spread the Good News about His death, burial and resurrection.
   
   As you read, ask God to give you understanding and wisdom: Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law (Psalm 119:18). Think about what you read: study and analyze it. Write down questions you have and ask a mature Christian to help clarify your understanding.
   
2. Pray with God Daily
   Talk with God often. Talk over your problems with Him. Thank Him for who He is and what He has done for you. Confess your sins to Him and admit your weaknesses. Ask God to help show you how to live a life that pleases Him. Pray for others, that they too may choose to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior and give Him the leadership of their lives.
   
3. Depend on the Holy Spirit The Bible teaches that now that you have chosen to follow Christ, the Holy Spirit actually lives within you (Romans 5:5; John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit will teach you, guide you, and strengthen you in times of need.
   
4. Attend Church Regularly
   When you became a Christian, you began an authentic personal relationship with Jesus. However, it is important to also have authentic connections with other Christians. In a fireplace, many logs burn together creating heat and warmth, but a log by itself quickly dies out. Likewise, we too need the fellowship of other believers to keep our faith vibrant and growing. The Church is a place where you can worship God and make Him the focus of your life.
   
5. Be of Service to Others
   Jesus tells us repeatedly to give our lives to serve Him, and to serve others. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life (Mark 8:35). The more you give yourself in service to others, the more you will enjoy your Christian life.