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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Congratulations! If you are a new believer, you have just experienced the beginning of your new, eternal life (John 3:16; 10:10). Your sins have been forgiven and you have been given a fresh start ...
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Gary Patton
Don't let others make you religious by burdening with a lot of worksy, so-called disciplines. Jesus has set you free from that! (Galations 5:1) "'Law creep', eroding grace, has affected many congregations, plus their denominations, since Jesus came to destroy all religions and denominations/sects and replace Himself." ~ © gfp '42™ Hang out with real Jesus Followers and stay away from cultural-only Christians. Whatever else you do… "Trust in God Almighty with everything you've got. Don't even try and figure out what's going on in your life. In everything you do, simply stay in intimate relationship with Him. Then, He will show you the next, best baby-step for you to take." ~ gfp '42™ (Patton Paraphrase of Proverbs 3:5-6) Blessings all!
Steve Nearman
God has promised, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled". (Matt. 5:6) So feast on His infallible Word. "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1Pet. 2:2) For His Word is truth. (Psa. 119:160, John 17:17) Have an open mind to new principles that will be shared with you from fellow believers, but check it out yourself to see if the scriptures agree. "These (Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so". (Acts 17:11) "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". (2 Cor. 10:5) Do not trust your own thinking! For "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes" (Prov. 21:2) and, "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps". (Jer. 10:23) "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts". (Isa. 57:8-9) Instead, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." (Prov. 3:5-8) 2 Tim 3:16-17 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work". Keep the lines of commutation open with your Savior, (1 Thes. 5:17) He wants to hear from you throughout each day. Beware of the enemy! 1 Pet. 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour". 2Cor. 11:12-15 "But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness,..." They are wolves in sheep's clothing. Not every one that states they are Christian is a true child of God. Many "church goers" and "clergy" are just religious unsaved people. Matt. 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" Also read: 2 Cor. 2:11, 11:3; Fellowship of kindred minds is another blessing from God. (Phil. 2:1-5) The opposite is an unholy mix "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers..." Read: 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 Finally, remember you are complete in Jesus Christ. There are no rituals, rites, ceremonies or ordinances you need to keep to be right with Him or to maintain your salvation. He has already done it ALL for you. Mic. 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God" Is. 66:2 “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor (humble) and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word."
Ben Zickefoose
A brief response to the question “what is the next step for a new Christian?” is found in the epistle the Apostle Paul wrote to Titus. Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. KJV In other words, when you have converted to Christianity, i.e. have denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, live soberly (treat yourself right), live righteously (treat others right) and live godly (treat God right), in this present world. This is really simplifying an answer to the question. It is a three point outline for one desiring to live the Christian lifestyle. The Christian religion is a religion of relationships. The teachings of Jesus were about relationships. It is challenging to recall any of Jesus’ teachings that did not relate to relationships, such as those with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, husband, wife, children, parents, neighbors, enemies, Satan, teachers, elders, etc. Be encouraged to study the Word of God. Commit to making Jesus Lord of your life. He said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46 NIV Study the Bible and live the lifestyle He taught. Be holy. Be righteous. Be godly. Blessings
Ed Besselman
1) Read God's Word - the Bible (Start with the Gospel of John, then Romans) 2) Pray often 3) Fellowship with other believers (find a mentor) Repeat
James Kraft
Memorize John 3:16, 10:28, and 5:24 which tells us we have passed from death unto life. Those verses will help you to recognize false teachers who come to you in sheep's clothing and tell you, you have to do something to be saved. Matthew 7:15-23. You can know them by their fruit. They always add works to grace. Salvation is all grace without works. It is a free gift of God, not by what we do or do not do. Ephesians 2:8-9. Many organized churches preach a false message of works salvation. We are in the last days and false teachers are everywhere. Memorize Romans 11:6 and 4:5. Know that you are a child of God by faith in Jesus alone without works. That you have eternal life now. First John 5:13 Know that Christ has paid your sin debt in full. You can no longer be condemned. John 3:18. Memorize John 6:40, John 6:37 and 6:39 Keep away from churches that burden you with extra biblical rules an regulations. Remember John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me HATH ETERNAL LIFE. False teachers will tell you Jesus lied. They won't enter in by faith, and they don't want you to enter in either. Tell them they can loose their salvation but you can't loose yours because Jesus paid for yours. We are justified sinners by faith alone in what Jesus has already done for us. Remember the gospel once given to the saints. First Corinthians 15:3-4 That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that He was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. All that believe He did it for them are saved and have eternal life. Galatians 1:7-9 Says; Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you, than that which we have preached unto you, let them be accursed. As we said before, so say I again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. There is only one gospel that Christ died for all our sins and gives us eternal life when we believe. Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30 We are sealed by the Holy Spirit and can never be lost. John 6:37 Amazing grace. Jesus paid it all and we paid 0. It is the gift of God. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, and we all sin, but the GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is a lot to learn for a new believer, but as you learn just trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct you paths. Jesus loved you so much He was willing to die in your place so that you could go to heaven to be with Him. He paid the penalty for all your sins so that you would not have to go to hell to pay for them. My only advice for new believers is to trust in the Lord and He will do what He said He will do. Just believe John 3:16. Once you are a child of God, you are a child of God forever. That is the good news of the gospel.
Guy Hawthorne
I may be echoing many, however, any new Christian should begin with the Gospel of John, then the Acts of the Apostles, then, Romans, Chapters 1-8. The Gospel of John will present Jesus as the true Son of God. The Acts of the Apostles gives a well rounded picture of what happened in the very early church and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Epistle of Romans, as Dr. C. I. Schofield once commented: Romans is the great church building of Christian belief, and Chapter 8 is the highest spire on that church. I remember eagerly taking a by-mail course from Moody Bible Institute ($40 yrs ago) when I first accepted Christ as my Savior. The Scholfield Course......but I am sure there are many out there. Of course, find a great teaching, loving church with your friends.
Jack Gutknecht
Do what I did as a new Christian, listen to Christian radio. There is wonderful Bible teaching on the air: Listen on the Go - J. Vernon McGee
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