“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, Now What?
Congratulations on choosing to follow Jesus Christ! This marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey filled with purpose. By accepting Jesus as your Savior, you've entered into a beautiful relationship with God, promising eternal hope and abundant life.
Your decision reflects courage and faith, trusting in God's plan for your life and experiencing His unconditional love. We are excited for the journey ahead! Remember, you're not alone—You have a community of believers ready to support and encourage you. Your Heavenly Father is with you every step of the way, guiding and strengthening you.
Here’s a guide with brief explanations to the Christian faith:
1. Understanding Christianity:
Beliefs: Christians believe in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
Scripture: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4)
The Bible: Christians believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, authoritative for faith and practice.
Scripture: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. Foundational Beliefs:
God: Christians believe in the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Scripture: "For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three are in agreement." (1 John 5:7-8)
Jesus Christ: Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, who died for the sins of humanity and God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
Scripture: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Holy Spirit: Christians believe in the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers and convicts the world of sin.
Scripture: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
3. BORN AGAIN:
Bible: The concept of being "born again" signifies a spiritual transformation experienced by those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This belief is rooted in the teaching emphasizing the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entering God's kingdom. As believers, we affirm that being born again is essential for salvation and marks the beginning of a new life in Christ.
Scripture: "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'" (John 3:3, NIV)
4. Embracing Grace and Hope:
Grace: Christians understand that salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.
Scripture: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
Hope: Christians have hope in the promise of eternal life with God through Jesus Christ.
Scripture: "In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3)
5. Joining a Christian Community:
Church: Christians gather regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service.
Scripture: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Fellowship: Christians support and encourage one another in faith through fellowship.
Scripture: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
6. Living Out Your Faith:
Repentance and Forgiveness: Christians acknowledge their sins, repent, and receive forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Living by Faith: Christians strive to live according to Jesus’ teachings, displaying love, kindness, and humility.
Scripture: "Do everything in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)
7. Key Practices:
Prayer: Christians cultivate a personal relationship with God through prayer.
Scripture: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Colossians 4:2)
Worship: Christians honor God through corporate worship, praising Him for His goodness and grace.
Scripture: "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)
8. Dealing with Questions and Doubts:
Seeking Guidance: Christians seek guidance from God and fellow believers when facing questions or doubts.
Scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
9. Staying Connected:
Continual Learning: Christians continue to grow in their faith through studying the Bible and learning from mature believers.
Scripture: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." (1 Peter 2:2)
next steps
After making the decision to follow Christ, here are some important next steps:
1. your relationship with god
Purpose: Study the Bible to understand God’s character, His plan for humanity, His teachings, and His plans for your life.
Scripture: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Action: Consistently engaging in Bible reading will deepen your relationship with God and help you grow spiritually.
2. Water Baptism
Purpose: Publicly proclaim your faith in Jesus Christ and identify with His death, burial, and resurrection.
Scripture: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
Action: Connect with your church leaders to arrange for water baptism, a significant step of obedience in your Christian journey.
3. DELIVERANCE & Healing
Purpose: Receive your inheritance and resist evil through the authority of Jesus Christ.
Scripture: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, NIV)
Action: Seek deliverance and healing from spiritual strongholds, unclean spirits or demons, and receive divine healing as well as claim victory spiritually, mentally, and physically through the power of Jesus Christ.
4. Regular Fellowship
Purpose: Build relationships with other believers for support, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
Scripture: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Action: Attend church services, join Bible studies, and participate in community activities within your church.
5. Prayer and Personal Devotions
Purpose: Develop a deeper relationship with God through regular prayer, meditating on his Word, and walking in obedience.
Scripture: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Colossians 4:2)
Scripture: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8)
Action: Be intentional to set aside daily time for prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking God’s guidance in your life.
6. Discover Spiritual Gifts
Purpose: Identify and use the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for serving others and building up the Church.
Scripture: "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:4, 7)
Action: Explore your strengths and interests in ministry areas within the church, seeking guidance from mentors or leaders.
7. Grow in Knowledge and Understanding
Purpose: Deepen your understanding of God’s Word and theology.
Scripture: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." (1 Peter 2:2)
Action: Engage in Bible study, read Christian books, and attend trainings to strengthen your faith.
8. Share Your Faith
Purpose: Share the love of Christ and the gospel with others.
Scripture: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Action: Look for opportunities to share your testimony and the message of salvation with friends, family, and others in your life.
9. Live a Transformed Life
Purpose: Reflect Christ’s character through your attitudes and actions.
Scripture: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Action: Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts and behaviors, aligning them with God’s will and purposes.
10. Seek Guidance and Discipleship
Purpose: Learn from mature believers and spiritual mentors.
Scripture: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)
Action: Seek out wise counsel and mentorship from experienced Christians to help navigate your faith journey and grow in discipleship.
As you embark on these next steps, remember that your relationship with God is a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Stay connected to Him through prayer, His Word, and fellowship with other believers, and allow His Spirit to guide you every step of the way.
What to read in the bible
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What to read in the bible 〰️
The most effective way to get to know God is through the Bible. Here are some fundamental passages and books to start with:
1. The Book of Genesis
Purpose: Provides the beginning of God’s redemptive plan and the origins of humanity.
Key Chapters: Genesis 1-3 (Creation and Fall), Genesis 12-22 (Abraham’s faith), Genesis 50 (Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers).
2. The Gospel of John
Purpose: Offers a deep insight into the person of Jesus Christ.
Key Chapters: John 1-4 (introduction of Jesus), John 14 (Jesus promises the Holy Spirit), John 15 (Jesus is the true vine), John 17 (Jesus’ prayer for believers).
3. the gospel of luke
Purpose: Repentance involves acknowledging and turning away from sin, leading to spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.
Scripture: Luke 15 (Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son)
4. THE BOOK OF EXODUS
Purpose: The Ten Commandments provide foundational principles for ethical living and reveal God's standards for human behavior.
Key Chapters: Exodus 20 (Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai)
5. The Psalms
Purpose: Expresses a range of emotions in prayer and worship.
Key Psalms: Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd), Psalm 51 (David’s prayer of repentance), Psalm 100 (Call to worship), Psalm 139 (God’s omniscience and omnipresence).
6. The Book of Romans
Purpose: Explains the foundational truths of salvation and righteousness.
Key Chapters: Romans 3-5 (Justification by faith), Romans 8 (Life in the Spirit), Romans 12 (Living as a Christian).
7. The Book of Ephesians
Purpose: Explores the believer’s identity in Christ and the unity of the Church.
Key Chapters: Ephesians 1-2 (Blessings in Christ), Ephesians 4 (Unity in the body of Christ), Ephesians 6 (Armor of God).
8. The Book of Proverbs
Purpose: Offers practical wisdom for daily living.
Key Proverbs: Proverbs 3 (Trust in the Lord), Proverbs 15 (The fear of the Lord), Proverbs 31 (The virtuous woman).
9. The Book of Matthew
Purpose: Presents Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Key Chapters: Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount), Matthew 13 (Parables of the Kingdom), Matthew 28 (Great Commission).
10. The Book of Acts
Purpose: Chronicles the early Church and the spread of the gospel.
Key Chapters: Acts 2 (Pentecost), Acts 9 (Conversion of Saul), Acts 10-11 (Gentile inclusion), Acts 16 (Paul’s missionary journeys).
11. The Book of Philippians
Purpose: Emphasizes joy and contentment in Christ despite circumstances.
Key Chapters: Philippians 2 (Christ’s humility), Philippians 3 (Pressing toward the goal), Philippians 4 (Contentment in all things).
12. The Book of James
Purpose: Focuses on practical Christian living and faith in action.
Key Chapters: James 1 (Trials and temptations), James 2 (Faith and works), James 5 (The power of prayer).
Reading these passages and books will provide a solid foundation for understanding God’s character, His plan of salvation, and how to live as a follower of Christ. Remember to read prayerfully, asking God to reveal Himself and His truth to you through His Word. As you grow in your faith, continue exploring other parts of the Bible to deepen your relationship with God.