Taking your first steps as a believer
What do you do now? If you have experienced the Love of Jesus first-hand through salvation, why not start living out His Love in your own life? Start with those closest to you. Will it be easy? No. Those closest to you may still hold on to the same set of rules that you have just been freed from, and their eyes may still be closed to the Truth. But you have to show the change in your life. Start by praying for them. You could even find out that someone else has prayed for you to be saved! Here are some more things you can do to help you on your path as a new believer in Jesus:
- Read your Bible every day. Find the time, make the time. A new believer is like a dry sponge – you will want to take in as much Living Water as you can. If you are completely new to the Bible, start with the Gospel of John or the Gospel of Matthew. You do not have to start with Genesis and end with Revelation. In this time as a new believer, do not get stuck in theological questions about these books. They are important, but the core of the gospel is found in the New Testament.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
- Pray constantly. Every situation is a good one for prayer. Find the time, make the time. Think of things that you can thank God for! We often spend more time asking favours than giving Him the worship He deserves. Pray for those you know and who you believe also need the Love of Jesus in their lives. Pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen and guide your prayers.
Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Find others that also know and love Jesus. People often say that believers are like the coals of a fire – they keep each other going. Move one of those coals a little bit away and it will grow cold and die. Christian fellowship is very important.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
- Join a small group of believers. They will help you to find a church. Get involved with fellow believers in a church or a home Bible study group. Join a church but be careful not to set expectations that are too high, and you end up disappointed. Church leaders are human, as are all those who are part of the church. Just be open to be led by the Holy Spirit. No matter who you are or how old you are, the local church you join will have a programme that you can join and fit in.
41 So those who accepted his message were baptised, and that day about three thousand people were added. 42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and held everything in common, 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. 46 Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved. Acts 2:41-47
- Do not be disappointed when it is not easy. Jesus never promised us that we will have an easy life. You are going to experience resistance and attacks from the devil. The worst is, he does this through people, even those you love! When this happens, understand that this is a way to discourage you. Take courage in prayer.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Does it mean I have to go to another country and be a missionary? No. While God does call certain individuals to go and preach the Love of Jesus to other people, you must first show Love to those in the area, language and culture that you know. If at some point in the future you do experience the need to go out elsewhere to spread the Love of Jesus, it will be because God has chosen you to do this. He will make this known in your heart through the Holy Spirit.
Let the Love of Jesus in you draw other people to you, and then you have the perfect opportunity to tell them who it is that they are looking for in you. They are really looking for Jesus and if you have Him in your life and radiate His Love, then they will have found Him in you. Keep on loving those who are still in the circumstances you have just come out of. They need the love of Jesus just as much as you needed it.
Right now, you are a new believer. You are a little plant that needs to grow and be taken care of. Just as the plant can only take care of itself to a limited extent, you need assistance from others, and they will take care of you. This is why Christian fellowship is so important. Please follow the link below and study the Gospel of John, Chapter Three, again.