NEW BELIEVERS

I HAVE RECEIVED CHRIST AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR. WHAT’S NEXT?

Now that you are a believer here are 3 important regular practices fellow Christians use to stay connected to God, stay connected to His people and live according to His will and purposes.

The Importance of Regular Prayer

1. Prayer makes us more like Jesus.

If we look at the life of Jesus, we see that he prayed—with others (Luke 9:28), for others (Matthew 19:13-14), and on his own (Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12). It was a fundamental part of how he approached each day and every decision, retreating faithfully to spend time with his Father.

If the goal of a Christian is to become more like Jesus, that process should include imitating his actions and living out his words. As we pray, we will become more like Jesus, and we will find that prayer changes us.

2. Prayer shows us the heart of God.

When Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17, he prayed for those who would believe in him, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:21).

Prayer helps us become one with the Father and have the kind of relationship Jesus had with him. When two people have no contact with each other, their relationship will never advance. And since prayer is a conversation with God, it is how we get to know him.

3. Prayer reveals the wisdom of God.

Prayer is a conversation that goes both directions. Yes, we will talk to God, but when we spend time with him and are willing to receive, we will also hear from him. 

The Importance of Regular Bible Reading

1. To Know God

The Bible is essential for knowing God and His will for our lives.  It is the foundational truth that teaches the history of the universe, the origin of sin, the reason for death, morality, and so on. Apart from God’s Word, mankind would never learn the important message of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To Know God’s Will

The message of eternal salvation is a vital and dominant theme in Scripture, but the Bible reveals much more, including how God would have us live.  His Word also gives direct instruction to believers on how we should act in every circumstance.

God’s inspired and inerrant Word was given for many reasons: to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and instruct us in righteousness. It was also given so that we may be complete and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). By reading the Bible on a consistent basis, you can find direction for your life and learn how to best serve the Lord who gave His life for you.

The Importance of Regular Fellowship

1. Fellowship Displays God to the World

Each of us together shows all of God's graces to the world. No one is perfect. We all sin, but each of us has a purpose here on Earth to show aspects of God to those around us. Each of us has been given specific spiritual gifts. When we come together in fellowship, it's like us as a whole demonstrating God. 

2. Fellowship Makes Us Stronger

No matter where we are in our faith, fellowship provides us with strength. Being around other believers gives us the chance to learn and grow in our faith. It's always good to spend some time in fellowship so that we remember that God makes us strong through each other.

3. Fellowship Reminds Us We're Not Alone

Coming together with other believers in worship and conversation helps to remind us that we are not alone in this world. There are believers everywhere. That's why God made fellowship so important. He wanted us to come together so that we always know we're not alone. 

Sticking to these fundamentals keeps believers in the center of God’s will, connected to His people, and focused on His instruction for their lives.

We’re so excited for your new walk with Christ, and we want to help get you started on the right foot with some free resources to help you grow in your new walk.