Next steps

How to grow as a believer

Speak to Jesus daily as your best friend

Tell Him what's going on in your life and where you want help or guidance. Try to pray morning and evening.

When you have a specific need, ask your Heavenly Father and end your request with the words "in Jesus' name". (We call this prayer.) When you ask for answers to specific needs and He answers your needs, it will help your faith to grow. It is very exciting to see God working in your life when you pray. You no longer have to worry! Your Heavenly Father wants to bless you. You were created for relationship with Him.

"Do not have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance by prayer and with thanksgiving, give your definite requests to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Think on good things." (Philippians 4:6-9) Keep positive thoughts and words!

Read your bible daily

Starting in the New Testament; try the gospel of 'John' first. It is about Jesus' life and shows how He cares for people. God will speak to you through the bible. Now that you have asked Jesus into your heart and life, the Spirit of Christ lives in you and He helps you to understand the bible and brings insight.

Also read 'Proverbs' in the Old Testament so that you develop in wisdom. The word of God is like food to your new spirit within and helps you grow. Simply read a few verses and think (or meditate) on them and how they can relate to you personally. You may like to write down your thoughts!

Church

Find yourself a bible believing Christian church and go to it regularly. See:

This is very important because as a new Christian you need other Christians to help you develop. God intended for us to have friendship and good relationships with other believers, and so be part of His family. He wants you to experience His love and anointing power. (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 2:4,5; 1 John 1:6,7)

A true Christian church believes that Jesus is God. Cults do not believe that Jesus is God. They have their own 'changed' version of the Bible. God reveals himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (See Faith Builders)

Ask your church about a 'New Christians' bible course. This will help you to establish an understanding of God's ways and your new 'right standing' with God.

Note: It may take time to find a church that is right for you. There are lots of different styles of churches, modern, contemporary or traditional. Be patient. Pray for God's help.

Heavenly Father,

Please help me to find a good church where I can grow in understanding and make some good friends. Show me where you want me to settle, I pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Know and trust God's unconditional love

God is a Spirit and God is love (John 4:23;1 John 4:8) and a God of faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:9). He desires only the best for you. He esteems you highly. Luke 12:31 tells us to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added to us". It takes time to grow as a Christian. Do not expect too much of yourself in the beginning. As you get to know more of the bible, God renews you from the inside. Remember, you are saved by 'grace' which is God's unmerited favour and not by works - the things you try to do (Ephesians 2:8,9).

You have been given the 'gift' of righteousness (right standing before God) through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:22,23) Therefore, God never gives up on you. So do not give up on yourself!! Do not listen to thoughts or speak words of condemnation or unworthiness. You are precious in His sight just by being YOU. Your spirit has become brand new!