You are a Christian now! What comes next?The focus of this page is discipleship . I hope to help new believers become mature Christians in Christ. As Hebrews tells us, we all start out as Babes in Christ needing milk, but just as a baby grows and soon is having solid food so should the new Christian. (Paraphrase of Hebrews 5:13-14) So our desire to know more about God and His will comes as we grow and mature, in Him. I hope to give you some ideas on how to do this.
Now, that you have accepted Christ as YOUR Personal Savior, you need to get to know Him better.
When you accepted Christ as YOUR personal Savior, you also admitted and repented of sin in your life. Do you know the definition of Repentence? It is a turning from sin to God; changing your mind concerning sin, God and self. According to the Children's Ministry Bible. According to Webster, Repent is defined as-- to turn from sin in one's life and resolve to reform one's life; to feel sorry for (something you have done). As you have made this decision you have turned around in your life you are still in the same place, but you have turned your life over to God, chose a new path and a new life.
I Corinthians 5:17 tells us: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new."
As you begin to walk in this new direction here are some ways to help you get to know God better.
Remember the word GROW.
G-- go to church, Sunday School, or Bible studies, places you are around other Christians and can learn about God. R-- read the Bible and Pray Praying is talking to God. Reading God's Word is a way He talks you. O-- Obedience...be obedient to God's Word. I heard Obedience explained to kids once this way...
"Doing what you are told, When you are told, With a happy heart"
For true obedience all the elements must be there. W--Witness...tell others about God, be a testimony for Him by word and in action.
You may be wondering how am I gonna do all that?
Well you have received some promises from God:
these are my paraphrases of the verses...Please look them up and read them for yourself :o)
John 1:12 You are now a child of God. Hebrews 13:5-6 God will never leave or forsake you. II Corinthians 1:21-22 We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. I John 4:4 Greater is He(Christ) that is in You, than he(Satan) that is in the world. Satan no longer has power over you. John 13:15 Christ has given us an example to follow....Himself.
These are just a few of the promises you have received. I will adding to these from time to time.
God's two greatest commandments for His Children are in Matthew 22:37-39: "And Jesus said to them,"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
How can your communion with God be deeper and stronger? Consistent Attitude -- Your attitude is personal thoughts and feelings and personality comes out. Consistent Performance -- Walk the walk, Show the Gospel to people in the way you act, Preach without words. Consistent Purity -- Pure thoughts as well as actions. Consistent Priorities -- Keep God as your main focus.
These are just some things to think about. Psalm 119:25-40 is a good example of what you can desire from God and make your prayer for yourself to be.
Now a few of the big Questions!! Will I sin still? What happens if I do? Will I still have Problems?
Will you continue to sin?
Yes, no one is perfect, and being a Christian does not automatically remove sin from your life. Making the decision to follow Christ does sometimes remove the desire for certain sin in your life, but many times it is a process of learning and breaking old habits. The goal is to become Christlike. The Holy Spirit that now lives in you has a few purposes.
to teach
to convict of sin
to guide
The easiest way for me to understand the Holy Spirits job in my life is to think of Him like my conscience and subconscience. And He is someone I need to listen to!
What happens when you sin?
We need to recognize whatever it is as sin, and confess it to God. He tells us in I John 1:9 "If we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us are sin and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Don't just casually say I am sorry, but truly repent and have the desire to turn from that sin. If you don't have a desire to turn from it, then ask God for the desire to Never do that again. He will give it to you!
Will I still have problems?
Yes, you will! God never promised us a rose garden. He told Paul in Acts that he would suffer for His names sake. As Christians you can expect persecution and suffering of some kind at sometime in your life. You are not exempt from the trials and tribulations of life. Although, God did not promise a rose garden He does give us some ways to get through these tough times.
I Peter 5:7 Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you, accept what is common to man, God is faithful and just and will not tempt you beyond what you can bear.... Also seeChapter 11 of Hebrews on My thoughts page.
