How Can I Begin the Christian Life?

In "How Can I Begin the Christian Life?", Pastor Chuck Swindoll shifts the focus from the "birth" of a Christian to the essential process of spiritual growth. Just as a physical infant requires specific care to survive and thrive, a "babe in Christ" must adopt specific habits to mature. Swindoll emphasizes that the Christian life is a journey of "walking" in the same faith that initially brought salvation. The sermon provides a practical roadmap for new believers, highlighting the role of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship as the primary nutrients for a healthy, stable, and productive walk with God.

Message Key Facts:

• The Concept of "Walking": Paul uses the metaphor of "walking" in Colossians 2:6 to describe a consistent, daily progression in the Christian life.
• The Transition from Birth to Growth: Salvation is the event (birth), but sanctification is the process (growth). One happens in an instant; the other takes a lifetime.
• The Spiritual Appetite: 1 Peter 2:2 compares the Word of God to "pure milk," suggesting that a healthy believer should have a natural, intense longing for biblical truth.
• Rooted and Grounded: The imagery in Colossians 2:7 suggests both downward growth (roots for stability) and upward building (structure for maturity).
• The Enemy of Growth: Swindoll warns that "spiritual stagnation" is a primary tool of the enemy to keep believers ineffective and vulnerable to doubt.

Message References:

• Colossians 2:6–7: The foundational command to walk in Christ, being rooted, built up, and established in the faith.
• 1 Peter 2:2: The exhortation to "long for the pure milk of the word" so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.
• 2 Peter 3:18: The final apostolic command to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
• Psalm 119:105: (Contextual) The role of the Word as a "lamp to my feet" for the daily walk.
• Hebrews 5:12–14: (Contextual) The warning against remaining on "milk" when one ought to be ready for "solid food."

Foundational Truths for Believers

Chuck Swindoll identifies four vital pillars for beginning and sustaining a healthy Christian life:

1. Cultivate a Desire for the Word

Just as a baby cries for milk, a believer must prioritize the intake of Scripture. The Bible is not just a book of information; it is the "soul food" necessary for survival in a hostile world.

2. Commit to a Consistent Walk

The Christian life is lived "one step at a time." Growth comes not through occasional spiritual "highs," but through the daily, disciplined decision to apply God’s truth to every area of life—work, family, and personal thought.

3. Connect with the Body of Christ

Spiritual growth is not a solo sport. To be "built up" and "established," a believer needs the support, accountability, and teaching found within a local community of faith. Isolation is the greatest threat to a new believer.

4. Continue in a Heart of Thanksgiving

Colossians 2:7 concludes with "overflowing with gratitude." A thankful heart is a sign of spiritual health and serves as a guard against the bitterness and legalism that often stunt spiritual growth.

Practical Application

• Start a Daily "Feeding" Program: Don't wait until you feel like reading the Bible. Set a specific time and place each day to read even one chapter. Start with the Gospel of John or the book of Philippians.
• Find a "Paul": If you are a new believer, find a mature Christian (a "Paul") who can mentor you and answer your questions. If you are a mature believer, look for a "Timothy" to encourage.
• Establish a Prayer Routine: Start your day by simply acknowledging God's presence. Prayer is the "breath" of the Christian life; without it, the walk becomes labored and difficult.
• Identify One "Root" to Strengthen: What area of your faith feels shaky? Is it your understanding of grace? Your prayer life? Your witness? Focus on strengthening that one specific root this week through study and prayer.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll