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Step Into The Kingdom

Stepping into the kingdom begins with understanding why we need saving in the first place. Scripture tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). None of us stand righteous before a holy God on our own. And the consequence of that sin is real—“the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). But the good news is that God’s justice is matched by His mercy. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). Jesus stepped into our brokenness, took our sin upon Himself, and died the death we deserved. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Salvation isn’t something we earn or achieve—it is something we receive. Scripture says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). This invitation is open to everyone—“everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

To enter the kingdom is to turn from sin and toward God, trusting Jesus as Savior and yielding to Him as Lord. When we do, the Spirit makes us a new creation—adopted, forgiven, and secure in Christ. This is what Scripture calls the Helmet of Salvation: the steady, unshakable assurance that we belong to Him, and that He guards our minds and hearts as we walk forward in faith.

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The Heart of the Kingdom

Once you belong to Christ, you become a subject of the King. And like all who have entered His kingdom, your first steps are simple ones: trust, obedience, and a desire to follow where He leads. One of the earliest ways Scripture invites us to do this is through baptism. It is an outward declaration of the inward reality God has already accomplished: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In baptism, we follow the pattern of Jesus Himself, who began His earthly ministry by being baptized by John, and we follow His command in the Great Commission to make disciples and baptize them in His name (Matthew 28:16–20).

Baptism does not save us—salvation comes through Christ alone. Nor is baptism a condition for salvation; the thief on the cross reminds us that grace is not limited by circumstance. But for those who are able, baptism is a beautiful act of obedience and allegiance, a way of publicly saying, “My life now belongs to Him.” In all things, our aim is to pursue Christ wholeheartedly and obey His commands with joy, trusting that He is the One who equips us for every good work in His kingdom.

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The Armor of God

At last, it's time to suit up!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's evil schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

(Ephesians 6:10-17)​

Putting on the armor is not a metaphor for retreating from the world—it’s preparation to walk faithfully into it. Following Christ in daily life can feel daunting, especially if you’re young in the faith or still learning what it means to stand firm in Him. Many churches long to disciple well, but personal mentorship can sometimes be hard to find.

This ministry is not a substitute for that essential, in-person discipleship. In every season, I encourage you to seek out wise, godly mentors who can walk with you, challenge you, and help you grow.

But while you seek that community, you’re not alone here. Equipped for the Kingdom exists to help you take your next steps—to grow in wisdom through God’s Word, to strengthen your discernment so you can take every thought captive, and to encourage you as you learn to live out your calling with courage and hope.

Now that you’ve stepped into the kingdom, your next steps will look a little different depending on where you are in your walk. Whether you’re brand new to the faith or learning how to stand firm as a young adult, there is a path here to help you take your next faithful step.