By FLAME
This article is for new Christians, that is, for those who have just recently decided to place all their hope and confidence in Jesus Christ having believed that He has both died for their sins and has been raised from the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If that describes you, I would like to give you a big welcome to the family of God. Praise the Lord that you have decided to no longer live for yourself but for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I want to encourage you from this day forward to live life like Jesus is of greater value to you than anything else this world can offer you. In the following paragraphs I will attempt to help you answer the question ‘Now what should I be doing since I have become a Christian?’
First, my new believer, I would encourage you to find a local church that you can weekly worship, fellowship, and hear the Word of God faithfully preached at. The Bible tells us that we need to be in fellowship with other Christians (see Hebrews 10:24-25). Being around other Christians at a local church will be good for you for it will let you know that you are not alone in your desire to please God. Furthermore, it is important that you hear the preaching of the Word of God for God’s word is able to both instruct you and strengthen you in your new faith. With that being the case it is important that you find a church that teaches the Word of God (that is to say, the Bible) in truth. You may ask the question ‘How will I know if a church is teaching the Bible in truth?’ Here are some good questions to ask some people at the church you visit. ‘Does this church believe that Jesus is both 100% God and 100% Man?’, ‘Does this church believe that Jesus died for the sins of the world and on the third day physically rose again?’ Does this church believe in the Trinity (that means that there is one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)? Does this church believe that Jesus will come again to judge the world?’ If the church you visit answers any of these questions in the negative this is not a church that is teaching the Word of God in truth. Go and visit another church. Lastly as a word of warning, if you hear the pastor saying that God wants all Christians to be rich and never get sick leave that church immediately for he is not teaching the Bible in truth (see James 2:5-6, Philippians 2:25-27). If you find that the church you visit to be a good church where you feel strengthened in your faith you need to ask the pastor about being baptized if you haven’t been already. God wants all His children to be baptized once they confess faith in Jesus (see Matthew 28:19).
Second, it is important that you make it a habit to start reading God’s Word, the Bible, everyday. God has given you His Word so that you can know what He is like and so that you can know what His will is for you. It would be good for you to start trying to read at least for 20 minutes a day. A good place to start would be the book of Luke. Next you might consider reading Genesis, and then 1 Corinthians.
Lastly, it is important that you pray to God everyday. Prayer is simply talking to God. Now that you have a relationship with God you are able to talk to Him as your heavenly Father. Your prayers to Him should include among other things, thanksgiving for what He has done for you that day, confession of the sins you committed that day, and any prayer requests that you might have for Him. Also remember that you can pray to God at any time not just when you are in your house on your knees, but even when you are doing everyday things such as walking down the street or sitting on the bus.
Well, my new believer, I hope this article was helpful for you in your quest to figure out what are some of the first things you should be doing after you have given your life to Christ. I am glad that you have decided to follow Jesus and to no longer walk in the ways of the world. May the Lord be with you as you set out on this new journey.