Starting a new life in Christ is SWEET!
INTRODUCTION
The key to receiving the blessings of God is becoming His son or daughter.
This is very important because, though God created every person, It is those people who are reconciled to Him through His Son Jesus Christ are regarded by God as His children. The bible continued to say that as many as received Him (JESUS CHRIST), to them gave He power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.
This is very important because, though God created every person, It is those people who are reconciled to Him through His Son Jesus Christ are regarded by God as His children. The bible continued to say that as many as received Him (JESUS CHRIST), to them gave He power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.
To be reconciled unto God is to surrender your heart unto Jesus Christ, making Him your Lord and savior. This is done when you believe the gospel and confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God, Lord and Saviour of your life. The day you do this, you have fulfilled one of the Will of God, which is that all should know and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord.
The day you do that, God will give you a new heart of flesh to follow Him and serve His Son in spirit and truth and from that moment, your sins are ALL FORGIVEN and you become a brand new man before God, without offence and without blemish. Your sins being forgiven specifically referring to the sins you committed against God, and this is a spiritual thing, as you remain the same person, with the same name and living in the same address with your resources and debts intact.
If you were married before that time, you will still be married to same woman and not seek a new wife because old things are passed away, and everything becomes new. If you are owing debts to the banks and friends, you will still have to pay the debts to the people you borrowed money from.
Some important Truths to Remember
Before, I discuss the benefits of a new convert, lets look at some of the challenges and test the devil will put before you, as a new convert. Some of them are called stumbling blocks meant to cause you to fall out of faith, and return to your old ways. No new convert without some challenges, and the devil will choose people close you to, close friends and relative to trouble the new believer. A new convert should note the following:
Spiritual Growth
A lost person can become a new Christian in a moment of time, when he decided to repent of his sins and turn away from his evil ways unto the ways of the Living God. but he also needs spiritual growth. When a person becomes a new convert, he enters a brand new life. In a moment of time he passes from death to life, from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to the power of God.
The New Convert and Family
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mat 10:34-39)
Old Friends
wolves in sheeps clothing are real dangers for new converts and their SOUL.It is very common for one's family to be divided because of Christ, even to the point where dear family members become the new Christian's spiritual enemies. If this occurs to you, please know that it has also happened to multitudes of others as well. It is possible your unsaved family might want you to stop reading and talking about the Bible. They could also be ashamed of you being so religious all the time and will try to cool you down.
Persecution
The new convert has a lot blessing from God, but there are real life challenges from family members and friends to contend with. Your new life in Christ will make you loose many of your old friends and pals, just because your thinking and actions will longer agree with theirs. Among your relatives and colleagues, some will find you boring.
Some people will HATE you just because you are born again and dress and talk differently. They will show their annoyance in different ways. Some will be aggressive towards you, call you names to mock you, but take heart and be encouraged by what Jesus preached on the Mount. He taught in Mathew 5, that blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mat 5:10-12)
Loneliness
Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. (Luke 6:22,23)
Persecution for righteousness, even in the milder form of being excluded or insulted, is a test. Loneliness will probably result. That is something all godly people have to deal with from time to time. Sadly, some Christians have fallen away from salvation over the test of persecution or just the fear of it:
So, when persecution comes to you as a new Christian because you are living godly, continue to obey and let your light shine. Keep walking in faith thinking about the eternal rewards before you because of these persecutions. All godly people of the past were also persecuted and faced suffering. As a matter of fact, every disciple of Christ, will suffer persecution as the disciples of the old. This truth was preached boldly by Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy, to prepare upcoming disciples of the tough times to come. He said in 2 Timothy 3:12 that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted - 2 Tim 3:12.
Why should I give my heart to Jesus Christ -
Some important Truths to Remember
Before, I discuss the benefits of a new convert, lets look at some of the challenges and test the devil will put before you, as a new convert. Some of them are called stumbling blocks meant to cause you to fall out of faith, and return to your old ways. No new convert without some challenges, and the devil will choose people close you to, close friends and relative to trouble the new believer. A new convert should note the following:
Spiritual Growth
A lost person can become a new Christian in a moment of time, when he decided to repent of his sins and turn away from his evil ways unto the ways of the Living God. but he also needs spiritual growth. When a person becomes a new convert, he enters a brand new life. In a moment of time he passes from death to life, from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to the power of God.
The New Convert and Family
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mat 10:34-39)
Old Friends
wolves in sheeps clothing are real dangers for new converts and their SOUL.It is very common for one's family to be divided because of Christ, even to the point where dear family members become the new Christian's spiritual enemies. If this occurs to you, please know that it has also happened to multitudes of others as well. It is possible your unsaved family might want you to stop reading and talking about the Bible. They could also be ashamed of you being so religious all the time and will try to cool you down.
Persecution
The new convert has a lot blessing from God, but there are real life challenges from family members and friends to contend with. Your new life in Christ will make you loose many of your old friends and pals, just because your thinking and actions will longer agree with theirs. Among your relatives and colleagues, some will find you boring.
Some people will HATE you just because you are born again and dress and talk differently. They will show their annoyance in different ways. Some will be aggressive towards you, call you names to mock you, but take heart and be encouraged by what Jesus preached on the Mount. He taught in Mathew 5, that blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mat 5:10-12)
Loneliness
Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. (Luke 6:22,23)
Persecution for righteousness, even in the milder form of being excluded or insulted, is a test. Loneliness will probably result. That is something all godly people have to deal with from time to time. Sadly, some Christians have fallen away from salvation over the test of persecution or just the fear of it:
So, when persecution comes to you as a new Christian because you are living godly, continue to obey and let your light shine. Keep walking in faith thinking about the eternal rewards before you because of these persecutions. All godly people of the past were also persecuted and faced suffering. As a matter of fact, every disciple of Christ, will suffer persecution as the disciples of the old. This truth was preached boldly by Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy, to prepare upcoming disciples of the tough times to come. He said in 2 Timothy 3:12 that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted - 2 Tim 3:12.
Why should I give my heart to Jesus Christ -
There are many good reasons why you should give your heart to Jesus. One of them is to see and enter the kingdom of heaven. God is preparing a kingdom in heaven for His children, those washed with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself answered Nicodemus that Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God and except a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Brethren, except you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven - Math 18:3 and the bible continued in Luke 13:3,5 that except a sinner repents, he shall perish.
Jesus says to you, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Jesus the Christ is the only true path for unity with God. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
The new birth or being born again is the renewing of your relationship with the Father though Jesus Christ. It allow you to begin life a new in the family and kingdom of God. It is more than church membership,praying to God more times or studying the bible. It is also more than living a good life and caring for the poor and giving your goods to the Needy. It is when a person repents of all his sins and turn to God with all sincerity and with his whole heart.
This is why there are many born again christians who do not have any evidence of a changed life because they have not turned to God with their whole heart and trusting in God alone.
BLESSINGS - What you should know and Do:
1. You must know that God’s promises are true: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you have given your life to Christ, you are a new creation − whether you feel like it or not.
2. His blood purchased everything for you - Salvation, healing, deliverance from all evil, including Poverty, barrenness and all evil. If you were sick and then Jesus forgives your sins - Then you are also healed. His blood has made countless provision for your protection and safety, His blood has provision for your success etc, but you have to know these promises, believe them and call them forth.
3. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)
4. The LORD is near to all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. (Psalms 145:18-19)
5. God is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
6. Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him - Heb 11:6
7. "And now, Brothers and sisters, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. This is interpreted to mean that we should love the Lord with all our heart, spirit, soul and body - indeed with all that is in us, we should serve the Lord.
8. We are saved by grace, and not anything thing we have done or claiming to do for God. We are not saved because of how obedient and holy we are...NO. While we were still sinners, even before we were born, Christ died for us, and we receive justification through His blood.
When you see child of God struggling with a weakness, don't laugh at him, for it is only by His grace that you are standing. Our righteousness is like a filthy rag before God, so no boosting or pride of achievement
9. Remember to humble yourself before the Lord always, so that He will lift you up. Always ask for His mercy to speak for you - for mercy triumphs over judgement. Make sure you are found with the righteousness of God only...and not self righteousness, which is sin and deceit.
10. The Lord is your praise and your life. Outside Jesus, you have no life. Jesus Himself told us that John "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
11. If you desire your prayer to be answered always, then Jesus says "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you". By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
12. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)
13. The LORD is near to all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. (Psalms 145:18-19)
14. You are to believe the Lord, Trust in Him and praise Him always - At home and in the church
15. You are to return to Him with all your heart, walk before Him and serve Him with all your heart.
16. You are to seek Him daily, fear Him, follow and love Him with all your heart
Important Steps for New Convert
1. New Converts are expected to share the gospel of Christ
2. Beware of Old Friends - A new convert should be careful with old friends, as some of them will never be able to keep up with your new life, and may attempt to tempt you to sin and return back to the world.
3. Remember that you old and unsaved friends are still in darkness, and would not see anything wrong with going to different places like Clubs. Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Cor 15:33).
4. So avoid places of temptation like swimming pools, beaches, discos, Las Vegas, etc. It is also important to dress modestly so you won't cause another to sin (1 Tim. 2:9). The wicked dress to get others, if possible, to lust after their body! Remember also Rom. 12:2. Believers are to avoid certain people, places and things. Remember also if Eve would never have gone near that tree with the forbidden fruit she would have never been tempted, which led to her sin and leading Adam into sin also.
5. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom 12:2). Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ?
What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore come out from them and be separate," says the Lord. "Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty. (2 Cor 6:14-18)
6. Keep your heart pure - A new convert should be separated from all guile, filthiness and corruption. Guide your heart, mind what you see, look unto, hear and speak.
FIRE...
1. New Converts are expected to share the gospel of Christ
2. Beware of Old Friends - A new convert should be careful with old friends, as some of them will never be able to keep up with your new life, and may attempt to tempt you to sin and return back to the world.
3. Remember that you old and unsaved friends are still in darkness, and would not see anything wrong with going to different places like Clubs. Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Cor 15:33).
4. So avoid places of temptation like swimming pools, beaches, discos, Las Vegas, etc. It is also important to dress modestly so you won't cause another to sin (1 Tim. 2:9). The wicked dress to get others, if possible, to lust after their body! Remember also Rom. 12:2. Believers are to avoid certain people, places and things. Remember also if Eve would never have gone near that tree with the forbidden fruit she would have never been tempted, which led to her sin and leading Adam into sin also.
5. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom 12:2). Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ?
What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore come out from them and be separate," says the Lord. "Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty. (2 Cor 6:14-18)
6. Keep your heart pure - A new convert should be separated from all guile, filthiness and corruption. Guide your heart, mind what you see, look unto, hear and speak.
FIRE...
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