WHAT NOW?
Well, the first seven days are over. How did you do?
Now, what about the future? Let’s reemphasize some points and consider a few more tips.
Bible Reading. Read the Bible every day and all the way through once a year. It will take only ten to fifteen minutes a day. Read the Gospel of John through two or more times at least; then start at Matthew and read through the Book of Acts.
Now read the story portions of the Old Testament (your pastor can help you identify which stories), beginning with Genesis; then read the New Testament all the way through. Finally, begin at Genesis and read through the whole Bible.
Prayer. Prayer is the lifeline of your spiritual life. Think of God as a Great Friend you can confide in. Talk to Him about your victories as well as your needs.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Seek God to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He is your Counselor and Friend who comes alongside you to help.
When You Fail. When you fail, ask God for forgiveness, just as you did the first time. He will never give up on you. But determine by His help not to fail in the same way again.
Find a Church Home. Become a member of a good church and help in every way possible.
Be Baptized in Water. The Lord has commanded water baptism. It is one of the ways you can give a public testimony to your conversion.
Become a Giver. Give ten cents out of every dollar you earn to the church you have made your church home. This is known as the tithe.
What Now? It depends on you. By following these suggestions, you will begin to mature spiritually.
Pattern for Bible Study.
When you study the Bible, use the following questions to help you understand the passage you are studying:
POINTS – What does the passage say?
PROBLEMS – What does it say that I don’t understand?
PARALLELS – What similar thoughts are found elsewhere in the Bible?
PROMISES –What blessings may I claim?
PERILS – What warnings should I heed?
PRECEPTS – What commands should I obey?
Weekly Prayer Circle.
Make it a habit to pray every day. Use the following prayer guide to help you focus on what to pray about:
Monday – M is for Missionaries.
Tuesday – T is for Tasks; pray about your particular work for God.
Wednesday – W is for Workers; pray for the pastor and others who work in your church.
Thursday – T is for Thanksgiving; express gratitude for what God has done for you and others.
Friday – F is for Families and Friends.
Saturday – S is for Saints, fellow believers.
Sunday – S is for Sinners; pray especially that God will reach those who don’t know Christ through the church services.
