For me...It started with the desire to live in complete obedience to God, but not knowing how.
God brought me into contact with a church where they didn't commit sin, and they showed me all I needed to know to follow suit.
Repentance from sin can and should be permanent.
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of past sins, at the same time accomplishing my immersion into Christ and into his death, burial, and resurrection. My "being raised with Christ to walk in newness of life" provided my rebirth.
My water baptism into Christ's sufferings allowed my contact with His sanctifying blood.
Reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost, (accompanied by a sound from heaven and a vision).
The gift of tongues.
Growth in grace and knowledge followed, but daily prayer time set aside for Him helped foster good habits. Like avoiding the places that served only my now dead "flesh".
And carrying my bible nearly everywhere, especially when I went to fast food places for breakfast, lunch, or supper.
Avoiding the people who only wished my failure.
Distancing myself from the things that would have resulted in my eventual destruction, like cigarettes, pot, cocaine, acid, peyote, mescaline, booze, porn, dirty movies and books, etc.
I learned that the things of the flesh cannot reside by those that walk in the Spirit.
And reading!
Oh how I love the scriptures!
I make time to read at least three times a day nearly every day.
It has all resulted in almost thirteen years without sin, to the glory of God.
I am sure I have omitted some things from my "how to" list, so I will be happy to answer any questions my post may generate.
God brought me into contact with a church where they didn't commit sin, and they showed me all I needed to know to follow suit.
Repentance from sin can and should be permanent.
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of past sins, at the same time accomplishing my immersion into Christ and into his death, burial, and resurrection. My "being raised with Christ to walk in newness of life" provided my rebirth.
My water baptism into Christ's sufferings allowed my contact with His sanctifying blood.
Reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost, (accompanied by a sound from heaven and a vision).
The gift of tongues.
Growth in grace and knowledge followed, but daily prayer time set aside for Him helped foster good habits. Like avoiding the places that served only my now dead "flesh".
And carrying my bible nearly everywhere, especially when I went to fast food places for breakfast, lunch, or supper.
Avoiding the people who only wished my failure.
Distancing myself from the things that would have resulted in my eventual destruction, like cigarettes, pot, cocaine, acid, peyote, mescaline, booze, porn, dirty movies and books, etc.
I learned that the things of the flesh cannot reside by those that walk in the Spirit.
And reading!
Oh how I love the scriptures!
I make time to read at least three times a day nearly every day.
It has all resulted in almost thirteen years without sin, to the glory of God.
I am sure I have omitted some things from my "how to" list, so I will be happy to answer any questions my post may generate.