The full text of this tract is shown below in the KJV version. (Do you want to print this tract in a different version than the one listed? Contact us and let us know what you're looking for—we may be able to create the alternate version for you at no charge.)

Born Again? Grab The ROPE

Congratulations on your new birth.

As disciples of Jesus, we must surrender our lives to him and follow in prayerful obedience.

Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). What does denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Jesus look like? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question; however, if you exercise with your R.O.P.E., you will discover the answer to this and the many other questions that arise on your journey with Christ.

Read the Bible

Jesus said not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

The Bible reveals and expresses the will of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Obey the Word

God’s word is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Reading the Bible is like a mirror into your soul, into which you may look. This inspection will reveal areas of your life that need to be addressed physically and spiritually.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). James explains in subsequent verses (23-25), hearers of the word soon forget, but when you obey the word consistently, this becomes a life pattern, and you will be blessed in your deeds.

Pray

Prayer is the Christian’s Starlink (if you will) to God. Through prayer we communicate directly with God. In our Christian toolbox, prayer and obedience sit at the top.

The three Hebrew men were thrown alive into the fiery furnace because they served God and would not bow before strange gods (see Daniel chapter 3). Daniel was thrown alive into a den of lions because of his prayerful service to God (see Daniel chapter 6). Daniel prayed three times daily with his windows open toward Jerusalem. In each of these events, God delivered these men because of prayer and faithful service. Daniel is a great example of a prayer warrior and was told by Gabriel that he was greatly beloved (Daniel 9:23).

The impact of prayer is demonstrated time and again throughout the Bible. Elijah prayed and God stopped sending rain for three and a half years, and then he prayed again and the skies yielded rain (James 5:17-18). The prayers of David (Psalm 51), Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11), Daniel (Daniel 9:1-19), and even our Lord, are a few powerful examples of the many times prayer made a profound impact.

You want to draw closer to God, increase your faith, your witness, obedience, wisdom, understanding, and Christian maturity? Pray with purpose and focus, truthfully, with humility, consistently, and all in the name of Jesus.

Examine Yourself

This is where rubber meets the road, so to speak. The Apostle Paul said to examine yourself to see if you are still in the faith, proving yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5). During this self-examination, what are you looking for? In short, obedience to God and whether the fruit of the Spirit is consistently on display in your daily life.

It is stated numerous times throughout the Bible that disobedience equates to sin, period! If you are in fact saved, the Spirit of God dwells in you (Romans 8:9-10). Since the Spirit of God dwells in you, your self-examination will produce evidence of the Spirit which is: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). You should look to determine your level of obedience or level of disobedience toward God.

This self-examination should conclude with a prayer of humility asking God to search your heart, thoughts, and try you to see if there be any sinful way in you (Psalms 139:23-24).

Repetition is the key

A healthy diet and exercise are deemed essential for a healthy lifestyle. In the same manner, consistent exercise with your R.O.P.E. is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with the triune God.

If you walk with God in this manner, you will literally become a radiant, Christ-centered Christian whose influence is profound in a dark and perverse world. You will be a living example of the shining light our Lord speaks about in Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Scripture verses quoted from the King James Version (KJV)

Back to top of page