Life’s greatest step is to turn from sin to Jesus. We have studied the steps to salvation but now what? Now we need to stay saved! The road to heaven is straight and narrow; its not an easy one. We must be determined to fight the good fight of faith. Mt. 24:13 But he that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved. 1 Tim. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life… 1

FAITHFULNESS What do I do first? 2

Step by Step; What’s First? We want to be powerful speakers, singers, soul-winners, prophets, teachers, etc. Let’s let God lead you into His design and will for you. Christian living is the first step before Christian service. 3

When God created world He set laws in motion to keep the universe running. Water freezes from top down so fish won’t freeze and die in winter. 4

Same Principle applies to Christians God made man so that he would grow from a baby to manhood, learning as he grows. The Bible says that when we first come to Him we are babes and that we must grow in Him. 1 Pet. 2:2 As newborn babes desiring the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 5

Growth is a process. To develop a strong walk with God, as a newborn believer you must develop… A consistent prayer life Spiritual disciplines that include periodical fasting Diligent reading and studying the Word of God Faithful attendance of church services 6

Allow yourself time to grow Matt. 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Be like a sponge, learn all you can, hunger for the things of Christ. 7

Areas of Faithfulness Faithfulness is necessary in every area of our Christian walk. The difference in being successful or unsuccessful in Christian living is faithfulness. Living for God is easier if you are sold out to Him. 8

HERE ARE SOME AREAS OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE 9

Faithfulness in Worship With instruments With your voice With your hands In your giving Whether or not you feel like it. Be faithful in worship. Keep worshipping Him. 10

Do Not… Don’t let satan talk you out of worship or occupy your thoughts Don’t sit with people in church who hinder your worship There is power in praise. You can praise your way out of depression, oppression, problems, etc. 11

Faithfulness In Giving Mal. 3:8 speaks of robbing God Jesus spoke of tithing Lk 18:12 Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek God blesses those who give faithfully Unfaithfulness can bring curse to your home and finances We give as He prospers us 12

Faithfulness In Attendance Don’t forsake coming to church Heb. 10:25 You can’t be strong if you miss church In every service, no matter what is happening, when the doors are open, you ought to be here! Dedicate your time to Him. Be Faithful! 13

Faithfulness to the Ministry Listen intently to the preaching and teaching Honor and obey your Pastor and his teaching. He will help you in your walk with God Submit yourself to the decisions of the Pastor and Leaders 14

Don’t Listen to gossip about Pastor or congregation. It takes 2 to gossip. Heb. 13:7a Remember them which have the rule over you… Heb. 13:17a Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves… 15

Faithfulness to Holiness standard of God’s Word Ps. 96:9a O worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness… 1 Pet. 1:15b …He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye Holy… 1 Thess. 3:13a To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in Holiness before God 16

FAITHFULNESS EVEN WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH 17

Acts 9:1-9 Paul’s Conversion He was going to Damascus to persecute Christian. He had been doing this for sometime. He was there when Stephen was stoned. He was miraculously converted! We were ALL miraculously converted! 18

Paul after his conversion Audience read Gal. 1:13-18 He spent 3 years in Arabia learning of God. Then 15 days with Peter in Jerusalem Paul was faithful to his heavenly vision. Acts 26:19 “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” 19

Point: Paul was faithful. It didn’t matter how he felt, whether he was hungry, no matter the circumstances. He knew Jesus had called him and he was going to serve Him. You see, Paul loved Jesus. He knew nothing could separate him from God’s love. 20

He was faithful because of it. Rom. 8:38, 39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate from the love of God, which is in Jesus Christ, our Lord. 21