At the end of His life on Earth, Jesus told His disciples to go into all world and to make disciples, by passing on to others the knowledge that they had received and by teaching them to apply everything that they had learned from Him :
At the end of His life on Earth, Jesus told His disciples to go into all world and to make disciples, by passing on to others the knowledge that they had received and by teaching them to apply everything that they had learned from Him :
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
In the same way, God calls everyone of His children to follow Him and to become His disciples. The points that are mentionned below provide the basic knowledge that will enable you to follow Jesus and to build a relationship with God the Father.
Water baptism symbolises our identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus; it represents the transformation that took place within our being when the Holy Spirit came to dwell inside us as we passed from death to life (John 5:24, Ephesians 2:4-6). Water baptism also symbolizes our commitment to follow Jesus everyday of our life and to be His disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
Repentance is central to the Gospel message; without it, we cannot be saved or be in relationship with God. Repentance is not a unique event that takes place only once at the moment of our conversion : it is a lifestyle in which we turn away from sin and seek to do God's will everyday of our lives.
Love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
God desires that we build an intimate relationship with Him by seeking His Presence every day :
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
“that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” 1 John 1:3-4
It is only by abiding in God's Presence that we will bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), since it is impossible for us to produce it by our own strength :
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Reading the Scriptures (the Bible) is essential to the believer's life, since the Word of God is the spiritual food that we need to live :
“But he answered, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
It is by reading and meditating God's Word regularly that we can understand who God is and that we can learn to do His Will :
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ” John 8:31-32
To pray simply means to speak to God. God exhorts us to pray always and to confide in Him :
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessaloniciens 5:16-18
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
“addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:19-20
The first believers gathered regularly to worship God (Acts 2:46-47). Being part of a local church enables us to be encouraged in our faith and also to encourage others :
“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day (of the Lord's return) drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
Before dying, Jesus told His disciples to break the bread (which symbolises His body broken for our transgressions at the cross) and the wine (which symbolises His blood shed for us) and to do this in remembrance of Him :
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”” Luke 22:19-20