Ministry
Fundamentals of a Christian Life – 4 of 5
2 Jan 2020Part 4: What’s it like being a Christian?
God makes many promises about what He will do for us:
- We’ll have abundant life – a full and enjoyable life[1]
- We can go to Him with any needs that we have for provision and health[2]
- He’ll give us direction in our life[3]
But these promises are conditional. God saves us not just so that we can have the promise of eternal life, but He gives us a purpose. A reason for living that is humbling, exciting and often also challenging.
In fact God doesn’t promise a life without trials and struggles and even heartache. But it’s through such times that we can grow stronger in faith, deeper in commitment, and happier in overcoming:
- In even the most difficult of circumstances, God provides peace[4]
- Through trials we develop patience, and through patience, perfection[5]
- Those that overcome will inherit all things and live with God forever[6]
God does make sure that we’re up for any challenge through the power of the Holy Spirit that is now part of our life and our whole being.
Here is some good advice that is worth taking to heart so that we can enjoy that ‘abundant life’:
- Put God first in everything we do[7]
- Have the heart of a servant – treat your life as a sacrifice for God[8]
- Get connected into the family of God – be involved in church[9]
- Have a healthy and regular prayer life[10]
- Read your Bible and get to know it well[11]
- Give – of your time, your energy and your income – but only if you can do so happily and willingly[12]
Being a Christian – in both word and deed, is the most important and fulfilling thing we can ever do in our lives. It makes us complete and fills a hole that’s in each of us who have been ‘created in the image of God’.
But salvation is not a one-time thing. In fact it’s just the start of a brand new life with a brand new purpose.
How can I believe the Bible is the true Word of God?
Check out other ministry on this website for a more in depth understanding of how to get saved, how to stay saved and how to ensure you have an ‘abundant life’.
[1] John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
[2] Phil 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
[3] Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
[4] Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
[5] James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
[6] Rev 3:5 (ESV) The one who overcomes will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
[7] Matt 6:32-33 For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
[8] Rom 12:1-2 (NOT I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you.
[9] Heb 10:25 (NLT) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another
[10] Eph 6:18 (NLT) Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
[11] 2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
[12] 2 Cor 9:6-7 (NLT) Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.