Mr. Jacob Hall: Master the Fundamentals
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
Mr. Jacob Hall is a pastor serving in the Edmonton, Alberta area. In his recent forum message to the Living Education-Charlotte students, Mr. Hall gave helpful advice on mastering the fundamental elements of our calling.
Mr. Hall was a former student of Living University, and remembered his time as a student. He reminded the current students that what they are doing now is setting a foundation that has the potential to change the trajectory of their lives. But it’s important to remember that what will keep us on the right path is maintaining a personal relationship with God.
How can we make sure we’re maintaining that personal relationship with God? Mr. Hall covered four fundamental tools to do so, and encouraged the students to evaluate how one is doing in each area personally.
Bible Study
Mr. Hall reminded the students that it’s important to prioritize studying our Bible, and to strive to read it every day. John 6:57 tells us: “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.” In our Christian walk, we learn more about Christ and the Father through the inspired writings of the Bible, allowing us to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for who They are.
Mr. Hall also pointed out that there is a great deal of uncertainty in life. We’re faced with hard decisions, and paths whose ends we can’t always see. But God’s word illuminates our path and gives us a framework through which we can navigate life. Making a priority of intense Bible study is a critical key to developing and maintaining a deep, personal relationship with God, as well as understanding how and what to do when things are unclear.
Prayer
Prayer is another crucial tool—do we take advantage of it? Having 24/7 access to God the Father’s throne is a gift, and we should use this opportunity to directly communicate with Him. God wants a relationship with us, and building this habit of daily, consistent prayer is deeply important to developing that relationship. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 admonishes us to “pray without ceasing”—an instruction we should take to heart and learn to develop as a habit.
Meditation
The tool of meditation is another important contributor to our relationship with God. Taking the time to reflect and consider His ways, laws, and blessings, as well as the lessons you’ve learned is deeply important. In doing so, we learn to orient our minds toward the way He thinks, and we set a pattern of thinking like Him. Mr. Hall pointed out that in order to take on godly character, we have to put continual effort into right, godly thinking.
Fasting
Fasting is a way to humble ourselves and draw closer to God. James 4:6 states: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” When we fast, we are allowing ourselves to become weak and rely on God, as well as eliminating distraction. It’s important to fast regularly and build a habit of humility before God.
Master the Fundamentals
If we master the fundamental elements of our calling, we’re able to build on them and grow in our faith. Having a firm foundation in our faith and our relationship with God requires consistent effort, and making sure we don’t neglect the basics.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
