I’m thankful you have given your life to Christ–and yes, if you’ve never made a public profession of your faith and been baptized, I urge you to speak with your pastor about doing so.

Christian churches haven’t always agreed on the details of baptism–but they have agreed on its importance. Whatever else it is, baptism is an outward sign of our new life in Christ. It reminds us that we aren’t saved by our own good works, but because of Christ and what He did for us on the cross. The Bible says that after Peter preached about Jesus to the crowd on the day of Pentecost, “Those who accept his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number” (Acts 2:41).

Make it your goal also to grow in your relationship with Christ. Just as we become friends with someone by spending time with them, so we grow closer to Christ by spending time with Him. Church is an important part of this; God will use other Christians “to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Set aside time each day also to pray and read your Bible.

In addition, pray for your family and friends who don’t yet know Christ, that God will bring them to Himself. Pray also that God will help you be a witness to them, both by your words and your life.