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Now that you are a Christian and are in fellowship with God, you will want to learn more about how to grow closer to Him. The Bible calls this growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Here are some things that will help you begin growing as a new Christian:
Read the Bible daily
The Bible is God’s inspired Word. Besides revealing the Good News about forgiveness and eternal life, it can also answer the many questions you will have as you try to live a life that pleases God. It will enable you to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)
Here are some suggestions as you begin reading the Bible on a daily basis:
- First, read through the Gospel of Luke a chapter a day. This will help you understand the basic facts about the Gospel.
- Then read Acts for the exciting story of how Christ’s first disciples spread the Good News of His death and resurrection. Next, read some of the letters that Christ’s apostles wrote to these first disciples - all of whom were new in their faith just like you. These letters include Romans through 3 John.
- Then, go back and read Matthew, Mark or John.
- Think about what you read; study and analyze it. Ask your pastor or a mature Christian friend to recommend a good Bible study guide. The Bible not only reveals God to us, it contains greater wisdom than all the other books in the world.
- Read through the Psalms - the Old Testament book of worship - to enrich your devotion to God.
- Read Proverbs to gain wisdom and common sense and to strengthen your relationships with other people.
- Pray for understanding. The Holy Spirit will help you (Psalm 119:18) and you will begin to see life from God’s perspective.
- Whenever you can, talk with others about what you are learning.
Pray daily
Talk with God often. Talk over your problems with Him. Let Him bear the weight of your troubles. (Matthew 11:28, 1 Peter 5:7)
Praise and thank God for who He is and for what He has done for you. Admit your weaknesses. Confess each specific sin you are aware of. Pray for others that they too may receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Suggestions for your daily devotional time:
- Plan a definite time, preferably in the morning when your mind is fresh and rested. Make it a habit.
- Select a quiet place where you can be alone with God.
- Make a list of requests for others as well as yourself.
- Read and meditate on a portion of Scripture, then spend time in prayer.
- As you end your daily time with God, commit the day and yourself to Him.
learn to depend on the holy spirit
God is actually three persons in one: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit actually lives within every true believer in Christ. (John 14:16-17)
The Bible says the Holy Spirit, as He lives inside you, is your counselor to help you understand the truth revealed in God’s Word.
“The counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit will:
- teach you
- guide you
- strengthen you in your times of need
Learn how to deal with temptation
Temptation is a part of life. It was before you received Christ, and it still will be. It is not a sin to have wrong thoughts from time to time. It is, however, a sin to choose to dwell on such thoughts over and over again.
The Bible says “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He replied to the devil by quoting scripture. Three times He said "It is written...” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Be prepared for temptation through prayer and through your knowledge of God’s Word.
The Bible says “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Be prepared to take advantage of God’s way out of temptation, whether it means you flee the scene of the temptation (1 Timothy 6:11) or that you stay on the scene and resist it (James 4:7).
Attend church regularly
When you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you began a relationship not only with Him but also with all other Christians. Whatever it meant to you in the past, going to church can now become a rich and rewarding experience.
- You will grow in understanding by hearing God’s Word preached and taught.
- You can ask questions and discuss scripture with others.
- You will learn to worship God, which means praising Him for all He is and thanking Him for all He has done for you.
- As you worship, learn and serve with other Christians, you will find individuals with whom you can form lasting friendships (friendships that will last for eternity).
what’s the next step?
-
Newcomer's Welcome - At the conclusion of each service, you are invited to come meet Michael Foutz, our Senior Minister, in the lobby of the worship center. Come introduce yourself... "Welcome Home!"
-
New2CCV Class - Have you got it all figured out, or are you seeking a better way of life? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions this class is for you. There is only "One Way" and that is through Jesus Christ. Come and learn more about what it means to be a Christian and what it means to be a part of this church family and how to "jump on board".
-
Community Connection - Maturity happens best within the context of "community". Learn to do life together with us. Get involved in a Small Group Bible Study. We will help. No training required.
Check the calendar, your bulletin, or call the church office (588-2268) about dates, times and locations for each of these Next Steps.
Tell others about Christ
Letting others know about your new life in Christ - by word and by action - can be one of the most satisfying and exciting experiences you have ever had. The apostle Peter encourages us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) (See How to share your Faith on the following web pages.)
Now that you are a Christian and are in fellowship with God, you will want to learn more about how to grow closer to Him. The Bible calls this growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Here are some things that will help you begin growing as a new Christian:
Read the Bible daily
The Bible is God’s inspired Word. Besides revealing the Good News about forgiveness and eternal life, it can also answer the many questions you will have as you try to live a life that pleases God. It will enable you to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)
Here are some suggestions as you begin reading the Bible on a daily basis:
- First, read through the Gospel of Luke a chapter a day. This will help you understand the basic facts about the Gospel.
- Then read Acts for the exciting story of how Christ’s first disciples spread the Good News of His death and resurrection. Next, read some of the letters that Christ’s apostles wrote to these first disciples - all of whom were new in their faith just like you. These letters include Romans through 3 John.
- Then, go back and read Matthew, Mark or John.
- Think about what you read; study and analyze it. Ask your pastor or a mature Christian friend to recommend a good Bible study guide. The Bible not only reveals God to us, it contains greater wisdom than all the other books in the world.
- Read through the Psalms - the Old Testament book of worship - to enrich your devotion to God.
- Read Proverbs to gain wisdom and common sense and to strengthen your relationships with other people.
- Pray for understanding. The Holy Spirit will help you (Psalm 119:18) and you will begin to see life from God’s perspective.
- Whenever you can, talk with others about what you are learning.
Pray daily
Talk with God often. Talk over your problems with Him. Let Him bear the weight of your troubles. (Matthew 11:28, 1 Peter 5:7)
Praise and thank God for who He is and for what He has done for you. Admit your weaknesses. Confess each specific sin you are aware of. Pray for others that they too may receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Suggestions for your daily devotional time:
- Plan a definite time, preferably in the morning when your mind is fresh and rested. Make it a habit.
- Select a quiet place where you can be alone with God.
- Make a list of requests for others as well as yourself.
- Read and meditate on a portion of Scripture, then spend time in prayer.
- As you end your daily time with God, commit the day and yourself to Him.
learn to depend on the holy spirit
God is actually three persons in one: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit actually lives within every true believer in Christ. (John 14:16-17)
The Bible says the Holy Spirit, as He lives inside you, is your counselor to help you understand the truth revealed in God’s Word.
“The counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit will:
- teach you
- guide you
- strengthen you in your times of need
Learn how to deal with temptation
Temptation is a part of life. It was before you received Christ, and it still will be. It is not a sin to have wrong thoughts from time to time. It is, however, a sin to choose to dwell on such thoughts over and over again.
The Bible says “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He replied to the devil by quoting scripture. Three times He said "It is written...” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Be prepared for temptation through prayer and through your knowledge of God’s Word.
The Bible says “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Be prepared to take advantage of God’s way out of temptation, whether it means you flee the scene of the temptation (1 Timothy 6:11) or that you stay on the scene and resist it (James 4:7).
Attend church regularly
When you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you began a relationship not only with Him but also with all other Christians. Whatever it meant to you in the past, going to church can now become a rich and rewarding experience.
- You will grow in understanding by hearing God’s Word preached and taught.
- You can ask questions and discuss scripture with others.
- You will learn to worship God, which means praising Him for all He is and thanking Him for all He has done for you.
- As you worship, learn and serve with other Christians, you will find individuals with whom you can form lasting friendships (friendships that will last for eternity).
what’s the next step?
-
Newcomer's Welcome - At the conclusion of each service, you are invited to come meet Michael Foutz, our Senior Minister, in the lobby of the worship center. Come introduce yourself... "Welcome Home!"
-
New2CCV Class - Have you got it all figured out, or are you seeking a better way of life? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions this class is for you. There is only "One Way" and that is through Jesus Christ. Come and learn more about what it means to be a Christian and what it means to be a part of this church family and how to "jump on board".
-
Community Connection - Maturity happens best within the context of "community". Learn to do life together with us. Get involved in a Small Group Bible Study. We will help. No training required.
Check the calendar, your bulletin, or call the church office (588-2268) about dates, times and locations for each of these Next Steps.
Tell others about Christ
Letting others know about your new life in Christ - by word and by action - can be one of the most satisfying and exciting experiences you have ever had. The apostle Peter encourages us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) (See How to share your Faith on the following web pages.)
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