New to knowing Jesus? 6 Ways to Grow your Faith
If you are just starting your relationship with God, congratulations! It is an exciting journey to know Him more! Check out these 6 ways to get to know Him more!
First off, know that if you have chosen to trust and follow Jesus, he gives you a whole new identity as his beloved son or daughter! Some scriptures to hold onto:
First off, know that if you have chosen to trust and follow Jesus, he gives you a whole new identity as his beloved son or daughter! Some scriptures to hold onto:
- Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
1. Talk to God (Prayer)
God speaks to us when we pray to him! As you go about your day, invite God to speak to you. Like any new skill, the more you practice, the more natural it will become. At Epicentre, we call our personal time with Jesus, “Face Time,” inspired by Exodus 33:11, where God “would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” God wants to speak to us like a friend.
Think of talking to God like any other friendship: share from your heart, and ask God questions too! Talking to God through prayer fills our hearts with peace (Philippians 4:6-7) and reminds us that we can't rely on ourselves: when we tap into God's power, we have access to heaven's resources! (John 15:7)
How to do Face time with God
How to do Face time with God
2. Learn God’s Word (the Bible)
The best way for you to get to know God is by reading the Bible! God’s Word is like spiritual food: we can’t live without it! Consider taking time each day to read the Bible and ask God to speak to you.
If you don’t have your own Bible, download The Bible app/You Version, and/or buy your own. The New Living Translation is a great option as it is easier to read than other translations.If you’re new to reading the Bible, check out the Bible Project! It’s an amazing video resource that helps you learn the Bible. A few places to get started:
More than an intellectual practice, reading the Bible can transform how we think and act! Don’t copy the behavior 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, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Some helpful questions to ask as you read are:
- Learn How to Read the Bible | Watch Animated Explainer Videos
- Bible Illustrated Videos - check out these videos that give you an overview about each book of the Bible!
More than an intellectual practice, reading the Bible can transform how we think and act! Don’t copy the behavior 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, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Some helpful questions to ask as you read are:
- What do I learn about God?
- What do I learn about people?
- Are there any examples (people + situations) I can learn from?
- What’s God asking me to do about what I read?
3. Get into Christian community!
An essential part of following Jesus is doing it with others. Meet with others to do Discipleship on a regular basis, or join a Lifegroup, which is a gathering of Christians, typically in a home, where we honor God, support each other, and find ways to bless others together. Being in Christian community encourages you and helps you grow more! (Hebrews 10:24-25)
4. Listen to & Follow God’s Voice
God wants to speak to us, all the time! Here are some truths and helpful guidelines for listening to him. And practice listening to God’s voice with other Christians. Epicentre Church - Hearing God's Voice
Following God means "surrendering" our own desires and will to God, asking for him to direct us. This is how we honor Him with our whole hearts!
....Dear brothers and sisters, 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. (Romans 12:1)
We surrender and follow God not out of religious guilt or obligation: we do it because of our love for Him, and he also shows His love and reveals Himself to us!
Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. John 14:21
Following God means "surrendering" our own desires and will to God, asking for him to direct us. This is how we honor Him with our whole hearts!
....Dear brothers and sisters, 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. (Romans 12:1)
We surrender and follow God not out of religious guilt or obligation: we do it because of our love for Him, and he also shows His love and reveals Himself to us!
Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. John 14:21
5. Tell Others about Jesus!
Share the good news of who Jesus is with your friends and family: your story is powerful, especially as they see the change God is doing in you! It doesn't matter if you've only followed Jesus for a short time: share about Him with others! Check out these tools for how to pray for and share with others! Outreach Tools
When you share, it's God at work in you:
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)
When you share, it's God at work in you:
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)
6. Get Baptized!
As followers of Jesus, baptism is a spiritual ritual where you are immersed and then lifted up from a pool of water. It is a symbolic celebration of turning from our old way of life (death), and being "resurrected" back to life with Jesus! It’s an important next step to share how God has changed our lives and shows our commitment to live for him! Talk to your Lifegroup leader about it, or sign up here: Get Baptized!
If you need additional support or would like to talk to a staff or pastor, on a Sunday please reach out to one of us (staff wear name tags), or email info@epicentrechurch.org. We would love to meet you!