1 - Salvation

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -  1 John 1:9

Of course, everything starts with salvation. I recognize that I am a sinner, I repent for all my sins, and I am born again as a new creation in the family of God. Viola!

Well, actually, there is of course a lot more to it than that. But this is where it all starts, and this is holy ground. Some believers have been given the impression that all their sins and problems will magically melt away in this moment, and alas, this is not so. For we must "work out our salvation with fear and trembling", and there's a lot of nitty-gritty to walk through. But that doesn't make this initial moment of salvation any less sacred or holy. For in that moment, our accounts are washed clean. The list of charges charged against us is now on Jesus' tab, for He has paid for it, and we are no longer responsible for all our outstanding debts; He has paid.

Praise the Lord. :)