You have made the most important decision of your life. When you received the Lord Jesus as your Savior, we rejoiced with you in that decision. God has given you a new life. It is not normal for a baby not to want to eat. So, in your newfound faith, you will want to grow by obeying what the Word of God says. It’s like taking those first steps in life. We clap and cheer as we see signs of spiritual growth. We have included four of the first steps that should be part of your new life in Christ. You will need a Bible, so if you do not have one, let us know.
1. TELL OTHERS ABOUT YOUR SALVATION
Matthew 10:32,33; Roman 10:9,10; If you have believed in your heart (by receiving Christ as your Savior) then Romans 10:9 says that you need to confess the Lord Jesus. Confession just means that you share what Jesus did in your heart — forgave your sins.
Where should I “confess” Him? Tell someone that is close to you what you have done, a family member, or a friend. It does not have to be a big announcement, but you need to share your decision with someone.
2. STUDY GOD’S WORD
Your spiritual growth will depend on what you do with the Word of God — that is, how much you read, study, and obey it. Peter wrote that it was to be desired for spiritual growth. 1 Peter 2:2 Paul urges young Timothy to study the Word to show himself approved unto God. 2 Timothy 2:15
Our Lord said that the Word which He spoke was “spirit and life” John 6:63. In Colossians 3:16 we have the command “…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
Follow an order in your Bible study. This is the best way to get the most from your time in God’s Word. May you grow in your faith and your love of the Savior.
3. PRAY EVERY DAY
1Thessalonians 5:17,18 emphasize the importance of your prayer life. You should be talking to God and telling Him what you are dealing with. You should confess any known sin as soon as you identify it.1John1:9 Colossians 3:17 instructs us to pray in Jesus’ name. Prayer is not a laundry-list of our wants, but it is making God aware of the things we need in order to be able to do His will. Philippians 4:6 We should praise God in our prayers and give thanks to Him for all He has done. Hebrews 13:15
4. UNITE WITH A CHURCH
Acts 2:41, 47 Just as a new baby needs it’s parents to feed it and protect it, so every newborn Christian needs a church home. You should become a member of a Bible believing church. It should be a church where the Bible, God’s Word, is the final authority in all matters of doctrine and Christian living. The church is a vital part of your spiritual growth. It is a place where other believers will encourage you and provide a friendship that is positive and will contribute to your spiritual maturity.
1 A church which stands for and upon the Word of God 2 Timothy 4:1-5
2. A church that preaches Christ died for your sins. 1 Corinthians 15;1-3
3. A church which is sharing their faith, seeking the lost. 2 Corinthians 5:19
- A church looking for the rapture or “blessed hope”. Titus 2:13;1 Thessalonians 4:16,17
- A church that teaches His glorious return to earth. Revelations 19:11-16
5. BELIEVER’S BAPTISM Acts 2:41; Matthew 28:19, 20 The Bible is clear on the matter of baptism. That is why it is called “believer’s baptism,” because only those who have received the Lord Jesus as their Savior are ready for baptism. In Romans 6:4 it pictures us as being “buried with Him by baptism.” In the book of Acts, the early church was baptizing the new believers in Christ. (Acts 2:41; 16:31-33; 19:5) Philip would not baptize the Ethiopian until he confessed Christ as his Savior. Our Lord commanded that all that believe in Him should be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20)