Essentials

I became a follower of Christ at the age of eleven and I realize now, even more than ever, that although salvation may be a one-time experience, it is also a continual process that includes: dying to self, conforming to the ways of Christ, and by being renewed in your mind daily— through reading the Word of God. However, I believe that the key to the Christian life is too never quit and to never give up!

If you have accepted Christ as your Savior and have believed in Him by grace through faith for salvation and for the forgiveness of your sins— then you have been born again. Whether you have been on a journey of searching for years or you are just beginning this journey of faith, the truths and information contained in this book should help equip you to know God better and it should empower you in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest revelations that has helped me through the years of being a Christ follower was realizing that when I accepted Christ and I become born again— my Spirit was perfected, but everything else was not! (i.e. My Body- (my flesh) and My Soul- (my mind, my will, and my emotions). Therefore, they have to be brought into alignment with what the Word of God is saying and with what my Spirit man is now experiencing.

When you become “Born Again” you begin the process of being conformed to the image of God— through the Spirit of God and by the Word of God. Nonetheless, the Bible tells us that Christ came not only to give us eternal life, but also abundant life. By accepting Christ, you have the assurance of life eternal in heaven, but it is my desire that you will also experience life abundantly while here on earth. I believe that through this book you will be given practical principles of foundation that will help you in your journey of faith to experience all that God has for you.

There is a progressive process in regard to the journey of faith and to reading and living out the Word of God. Just like an infant being born then growing to adolescence into adulthood, so should there also be a natural progression to your spiritual life and in your walk of faith. However, I want you to know that this takes time, patience and effort. Be patient with yourself, but put forth the effort— make time daily to spend with God in prayer and for reading the Bible. It sounds so simple, but it still takes effort on your part. And, when it comes to the deeper things of God— remember, you can stay as shallow as you want, or you can as deep as you would like— it’s up to you! It is my prayer that through the pages of this book you will have an opportunity to move into the fullness of all that God has for you, and that you will grow daily in your walk with Him.

I pray that you not only have accepted Christ as your personal savior, but that you also learn the steps of what it means to be saved. It’s also my desire that you will learn about what it means to have a relationship with God— and, that you will take these principles and lead others to Christ as well. The Bible and the Holy Spirit are essential in your journey of faith and in your growth as a follower of Jesus. Therefore, I trust that you will learn what the Word of God says and how it was originally written and established. I also pray that you will develop a relationship with Jesus and that you will allow the Holy Spirit to empower and to equip you in every way.

Through these pages I pray that you will be inspired to grow in your relationship with Christ— by worshiping God, by reading the Bible, and through prayer. I pray that you will allow the Holy Spirit to fill you, to empower you and to lead you. I want you to know that— worship, the Word and prayer are the foundational essentials in one’s Christian life. So— pray, read and worship! Lastly, I added ways for you to continue to grow in your faith— ways to walk in freedom and also a section on not being tempted by temptation. That’s because, it’s my desire that you will continue steadfastly in your journey of faith— always growing, but never turning back or giving up!