How does a person prepare for an encounter with God. Praying and reading the Bible are an important part of this journey. All the scripture and prayer in the world won't get you any closer until a person submits to becoming born again, or baptized by full immersion in water. Any born again Christian can conduct a baptism.
The truth is, being born into a Christian family doesn't make anyone a Christian any more than swimming in the ocean makes them a fish. Baptism by complete immersion in water is compulsory. Even Jesus was baptized. Just believing in God isn't enough. The devil and his minions believe in God. To be a true Christian, it is necessary to be water baptized in front of witnesses, at least one, and make a pledge to live a sinless life.
This important step has more benefits than just getting a ticket to Heaven. It also carries with it responsibilities. By declaring Jesus as your Saviour, you are pledging to turn your back on sin. God expects an extremely high standard of behavior, so this includes giving up lying, swearing, smoking, alcohol, drugs and even gossiping.
All this righteousness sounds like a pretty tall order, but, according to John 14:15-18, God sent us the Holy Spirit to help and guide us while we wait for the return of Christ. It is this Spirit that fills the born again believers, tinkers with their DNA and changes them on the inside.
After a while, we don't enjoy the same old sins that we used do. We stop laughing at dirty jokes, quit smoking and start to work harder, both at home, at church and in our jobs. We spend more time in Christian fellowship, studying the Bible, praying and leading people to Christ.
Christians also fast in order to become closer to the Creator. There is no specific time of year for a fast and it can be done as an individual or along with others in a Bible study group or church. There are two types of Christian fast. The first, and most conventional, is the water fast. Under this regime, nothing is consumed between the hours of six am and six pm apart from water or maybe very dilute fruit juice. Prayer and Bible reading are essential during the fasting period; otherwise, it's just a calorie-controlled diet.
The second approach to fasting is the Daniel fast. This goes on for 21 days, 24/7. Here, there are no restrictions on when to eat or how much. However, it is severely restricted to fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. No sugar is permitted, nor are artificial sweeteners or preservatives, or any form of animal products. Quality oils are permitted. It takes real commitment and concentration to pull off a successful Daniel fast. It also requires prayer and reading scripture.
All of these Christian practices bring a person closer to having an encounter with God. Baptism, reading the Bible, praying and fasting. Tithing, the practice of giving 10 percent of all income back to God, from whom all blessings come, is an essential part of behaving like a Christian. This is not just an Old Testament thing; it is a covenant thing. Abraham is recorded as giving a tithe to Melchizidek when he fought the King of Sodom. A covenant is everlasting. All scripture is inspired by God, not just the New Testament.
The truth is, being born into a Christian family doesn't make anyone a Christian any more than swimming in the ocean makes them a fish. Baptism by complete immersion in water is compulsory. Even Jesus was baptized. Just believing in God isn't enough. The devil and his minions believe in God. To be a true Christian, it is necessary to be water baptized in front of witnesses, at least one, and make a pledge to live a sinless life.
This important step has more benefits than just getting a ticket to Heaven. It also carries with it responsibilities. By declaring Jesus as your Saviour, you are pledging to turn your back on sin. God expects an extremely high standard of behavior, so this includes giving up lying, swearing, smoking, alcohol, drugs and even gossiping.
All this righteousness sounds like a pretty tall order, but, according to John 14:15-18, God sent us the Holy Spirit to help and guide us while we wait for the return of Christ. It is this Spirit that fills the born again believers, tinkers with their DNA and changes them on the inside.
After a while, we don't enjoy the same old sins that we used do. We stop laughing at dirty jokes, quit smoking and start to work harder, both at home, at church and in our jobs. We spend more time in Christian fellowship, studying the Bible, praying and leading people to Christ.
Christians also fast in order to become closer to the Creator. There is no specific time of year for a fast and it can be done as an individual or along with others in a Bible study group or church. There are two types of Christian fast. The first, and most conventional, is the water fast. Under this regime, nothing is consumed between the hours of six am and six pm apart from water or maybe very dilute fruit juice. Prayer and Bible reading are essential during the fasting period; otherwise, it's just a calorie-controlled diet.
The second approach to fasting is the Daniel fast. This goes on for 21 days, 24/7. Here, there are no restrictions on when to eat or how much. However, it is severely restricted to fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. No sugar is permitted, nor are artificial sweeteners or preservatives, or any form of animal products. Quality oils are permitted. It takes real commitment and concentration to pull off a successful Daniel fast. It also requires prayer and reading scripture.
All of these Christian practices bring a person closer to having an encounter with God. Baptism, reading the Bible, praying and fasting. Tithing, the practice of giving 10 percent of all income back to God, from whom all blessings come, is an essential part of behaving like a Christian. This is not just an Old Testament thing; it is a covenant thing. Abraham is recorded as giving a tithe to Melchizidek when he fought the King of Sodom. A covenant is everlasting. All scripture is inspired by God, not just the New Testament.
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