Whether you’re just beginning your walk with God or have been a believer for years, there are certain foundational principles that strengthen and deepen our relationship with Christ. In this post, we’ll explore five essential practices every believer should embrace to grow in faith, rooted in biblical truth and spiritual discipline.
1. Understanding God’s Word: The Power of Daily Bible Study
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
God’s Word is a blueprint for our lives, offering wisdom, encouragement, and correction. Setting aside time daily to read the Bible helps us understand God’s character and His promises. For new believers, starting with the Gospels or Psalms can provide insight into Jesus’s teachings and God’s love. Seasoned believers can benefit from deeper study, perhaps focusing on specific books or themes, to find new layers of understanding and inspiration. All believers I believe should be studying both Old & New Testaments of the Bible. After all, we cannot have a New or Renewed Testament, if we didn’t first have a previous or origin of a first Testament (Old Testament). In my own walk with Christ especially within the past decade, I have found it quite difficult to acknowledge the power of the New Testament, without understanding the Most High’s walk with His people and how He dealt with them in the Old. It gives the grace of Christ (Yeshua) so much more meaning to me. It is difficult to trivialize or cheapen “Grace,” without understanding the precedent and standards that God held His people to before Christ paved the way for our redemption.
2. Building a Prayer Life: Simple Conversations with God
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Prayer is how we communicate with God; sharing our needs, gratitude, and seeking guidance. For new believers, beginning with simple, honest prayers helps establish a foundation of trust. Seasoned believers may find joy in structured prayer times or exploring different forms of prayer—thanksgiving, intercession, and worship. Remember, prayer isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. Christ sees everything that we do. He deserves honor and to come to Him in sincerity and humility, without shame. Prayer, therefore is the perfect conduit for laying it all out—bare before Him. We need Christ, especially in these dark days that we are in. No need to hold back now. Be honest and show up in prayer. Yeshua (Christ) will never leave you nor forsake you.
3. The Importance of Community: Growing Together in Faith
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Community provides encouragement, accountability, and support. For new believers, joining a church or small group helps to establish connections with others on a similar journey. Seasoned believers can focus on discipling newer members, offering mentorship and encouragement as they grow. A thriving faith community is a powerful reminder that we’re not alone in our walk with Christ.
It is important to note that Holy Spirit guidance is needed here. Not all congregations are created the same. Not everyone who stands at a pulpit have been called by the Most High God. In order to lead the sheep (congregation), a departure from the Word of the Most High including what has been commanded of us (inclusive of repentance/ turning away from sin) must be preached. In these last days, we cannot allow ignorance of the Word to lead us into places where we are playing Russian Roulette with our souls. The Word itself says, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
4. Serving Others: Living Out Christ’s Love
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)
Jesus came to serve, and as His followers, we’re called to do the same. Serving others strengthens our faith by helping us focus on others’ needs rather than our own. I believe it is important that before we go out looking for opportunities to serve, that we take a look at the opportunities we have in our own sphere of influence (i.e our homes) and serve there first. We can also serve in our workplaces. Everyone, no matter where we are in our walk with Christ, need to attempt those immediate places we find ourselves, first. Not all family situations will be easy to navigate so please ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
For new believers, volunteering in small ways at church or in the community is a great start outside of your home or work environments. Seasoned believers might consider leadership roles or organizing outreach efforts. Acts of service glorify God and reveal His love to those around us. Remember, that for those individuals who are unlikely ever to walk into a church service, you would be the only representation of Christ that they ever get to encounter. What a privilege then and an honor it is to serve the kingdom of our Father.
5. Trusting God in Every Season: Embracing Faith Over Fear
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Life’s challenges test our faith, but trusting God brings peace even in uncertain times. For new believers, developing trust in God may take time, but it grows as we witness His faithfulness. Seasoned believers can focus on encouraging others by sharing testimonies of God’s provision and comfort in difficult times. Trusting God, especially when we don’t understand, allows Him to work powerfully in our lives.
Growing in faith requires consistent effort, humility, and reliance on God. By embracing these five foundational practices, both new and seasoned believers can experience a deeper relationship with Him, filled with peace, purpose, and strength. However, know that it is the ultimate “surrender,” to Him that will quicker get us to a place of ease and flow in living out/walking our our faith.
