1 To the churches worldwide, greetings and blessings in the all-powerful name of the Lord Jesus. I, the bond-servant of Christ, send hope and encouragement to those new in the faith. Your steps toward a life lived for Christ will result in eternal reward. Every man, woman, and child may exercise their measure of faith in a way that brings a closeness to the Creator. In times past, many longed to know the name of the One they called Jehovah. That same Creator revealed himself in Jesus Christ. How new are you to the faith? From what background do you come from? The longing in your soul is the pull of the Master. He calls us to repentance through conviction. A repentant heart makes way for God’s Holy Spirit. You may already be acquainted with this same Spirit through the evidence of speaking with other tongues. Our Bible, the Word of God, is complete, does not contradict itself, and is always right. Some argue the validity of the entire manuscript, but the former covenant testifies to the new. Our Lord himself referred to the former work. The entirety of the promise is available to you today. Seek after the Spirit while you may find it. Having repented of past sin, it is vital and necessary to be buried with Christ, invoking the name of Jesus. Do this in obedience to the Word. Baptism is not simply a public demonstration of an inward commitment. We do not do this act to join a church; it is more significant. Baptisms of old were washings and cleansings before the presence of God. We wash for the remission of sins, and the blotting blood of Jesus is applied to our lives. How wonderful it is that we may share in the great salvation afforded all nations. For before Christ, it was not so. The Lord sent Israel before us to be light, but the light diluted itself in tradition and ceremonies. Praise be to Jesus that His sacrifice was for all time and all persons. Having experienced the saving plan laid out through the first church, you may experience some push-back. The enemy works overtime in your mind and through skeptics around you. Your experience is authentic, and it happened as the Bible said it would. There is a spiritual battle for your soul, but lean on those of like faith and know that Jesus has secured ultimate victory. Daily, come before the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. Walk toward Jesus with every step of the journey, no matter how small those steps may be. A made-up mindset looks trials in the face and declares, “Not today, Satan!” The temptations of our previous life will try to overcome you. Stand firm against these habits and weak areas. The Spirit of God strengthens you to overcome. Remember to study the scriptures. When loneliness comes, the Word offers refreshing. God speaks through His Word. Encourage others through your testimony. It doesn’t matter how long you have been a Christian; there is someone newer, and they are going through what you have already defeated. When approached with “encouragement,” weigh those words carefully with the Bible. People come with unpure or confused motives and seek those who will stand with them. You should celebrate the excitement of your new-found faith. However, I warn against following every fad of doctrine and collaboration. God will judge by His Word. I welcome Christ’s judgments in a world that cries, “Do not judge me.” The Lord’s statutes prevent us from losing our souls. His law written on willing hearts of flesh works salvation. Submit yourself to the man of God, the under-shepherd who has been chosen to lead your congregation. Get behind the church’s vision. The ministry has always been under attack, but woe to those who would speak against the Lord’s anointed. This person’s children’s children will develop a disdain for the church and choose worldliness over the salvation that Christ purchased. Birds of a Feather. Fellowship with those who are attempting to become the best versions of themselves. This is your only requirement, for it is you that the cross redeemed. Fast as often as your body allows; to be weak physically is to be strong in the spirit. As our Lord instructed, certain situations may only be overcome through prayer and fasting. Write your testimony down on paper or media to be reviewed often. You will face trouble and tribulations, but be encouraged at how far you have already come and know that a great reward awaits those who endure until the end. Gather recommended resources, not to replace the daily bread of the Word but to hear the practices of those who have served God for many years. These things I write to you who are new in the faith, but no one should ever abandon Christian principles. All should run this race until Jesus returns for His bride, the church. God will never forsake you; he will never leave you. His mercies endure from everlasting to everlasting. Jesus’ blood blots out all transgressions. I commend you in your steps toward this hope that you have found. Jesus loves you more than you could imagine. It is the nature of His relationship with us.