Salvation: How To Grow in the Christian Life

Bible Study: food for Spiritual Nourishment

As newborn babes, desire for the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby. - 1-Peter 2:2 Your spiritual nutrition is the Bible, God's Word, and is a healthy, daily diet consisting of truth that will give you strength to walk in his will.

Methods of Bible Study
Begin with three key questions:

What does the text say?
What does it mean?
What does it mean to me personally?

Motive for Bible Study

Source of Protection (Psalm 119:9-11)
Source of Direction (Psalm 119:133)
Source of Joy (Psalm 119:35,47,162)
Source of Cleansing(John 15:3)
Source of Power(Hebrews 4:12)
Source of Truth(John 17:17,19)

Follow these guidelines during your Bible study time:

Pray as you begin to study.
Ponder as you continue to study.
Read the passage two or three times.

Ask these questions for discovery:

Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a lesson to learn?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there a blessing to enjoy?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there a thought for today?

Practice what you learn in study

Examine: James 1:19-21, Psalm 119:32, John 14:21-23.

Maintenance of Bible Study

Make an appointment to meet God and read His word each day.
Choose to be faithful in your Bible study.
Utilize some good study [helps] that will expand your insight and study (concordance, Bible atlas, commentary, etc).

Prayer: Air for Spiritual Refreshment

The Prominence of Prayer in the Life of Christ

Luke: 3:21, 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, 9:28-29, 11:1, 23:46

The Particulars of Prayer for the Christian

Adoration: Praise for God's person (Revelation 4:11)
Thanksgiving: appreciation for God's work (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Intercession: Petition on behalf of others (James 5:16)
Petition: Prayer for specific needs (Matthew 6:32-33)
Confession: Agreeing with Go and receiving His forgiveness for your sin (1 John 1:7-9)

The Principles of Prayer for the Christian

Make prayer our first response in all things, not our last.
Thank God in all things, no matter how they may appear.
Focus on the Lord and not on your problems when you pray.
Be specific when you pray, not general.
Pray in faith and claim God's promises.
Put your confidence in the faithfulness of God when you pray.

Holy Spirit: Power for Enablement

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is a person. He is the third person of the Trinity -- the Father, The son, and the Holy Spirit-- with a distinct personality and ministry. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to enable us to continue His ministry in the world.

What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Jesus, convicts people of their sin, and transforms them with new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He enables believers to live victorious in their Christian walk.

How Can I Receive the Holy Spirit

You can receive the Holy Spirit at the moment you accept Christ as your Savior. Christ lives in your heart through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Read Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 8:5-9; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, and 12:12-14.

How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to submit all control of you life to Him. You must surrender your life and let the Holy Spirit work in you, which is evident in you actions, speech, and attitude.

A New Life in Christ