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| I'm born again, now what? |
| Read your bible When: The easiest way to read your bible is to get in to a routine and stick to it. It doesn't matter when you do it. If you are a morning person, do it first thing out of bed - it is a great way to meet with God before you start your day. I'm not a morning person, so I do it at work at lunch time, or just before I go to bed. Why: Reading your bible helps to solidify God's words in your mind and helps you make wise choices in your day to day living, but it is not just to give advice.IIt keeps you in God's will. We are to obey God's word, and the bible is his word - you can't know what to obey if you don't read it. Which one: There are many different versions out there including NIV, Living Bible, Bible for Teens, Women, Fathers, etc, but I personally like the old fashioned King James Version. I use the NIV (new international version) for light reading, and refer to the King James for more indepth evaluation of what I just read. There are definite differences, which is why it can be good to use two types. (click here for a sample of just how different they really are) How: The 'how' is the hardest part. If you are a beginner, you can just start reading anywhere you want. If you want to read it in chronological order, I have a resource I've copied and it can be found here. If you want to study it, there are many help items out there - some are listed on my 'resources' page. You can also go to a christian bookstore and look around - there are many good study guides out there. Memorize Scripture How: The easiest way to memorize scripture, especially the Psalms, is by singing. If you listen to a christian radio station, you will get to know some of the current popular songs, and many are taken almost directly out of the bible. Other ways include pick one verse every week, copy it onto a post it note and tape it to things like your bathroom mirror, your fridge, your car dashboard. If you see it in all those places for a week, you will remember it. Why: God's word holds many promises to christians. It says in Ephesians 6:11-20: Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ... Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth (belt of truth buckled around your waist - NIV ), and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, above all, taking the shield of faith, werewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmut of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. If you know your scriptures, the enemy can't try to tempt you away or drag you off track. You will be firmly grounded in God's word. Pray when: any time is a good time to pray. Prayer is simply talking to God. Don't pray only when you are in trouble, pray when you are happy, or thankful, or lonely, or blessed. where: you can pray anywhere - on the bus, at work at your desk, at the park, in your car while driving (just don't close your eyes). There is no right place to pray. how: some new christians, espcially if they are easily distracted, may want to start praying in a quiet place first. Once you begin to pray easily, you can pray anywhere. Many people don't know how to start. It is simply a conversation with God. Tell Him what is in your heart, share your ideas and goals with Him, let him know when you are happy or sad or thankful for something He has done. There is no such thing as something too small to pray about. You can ask Him for guidance or for salvation for friends or family. You can ask Him to open doors for you. The one thing you should always be aware of when praying is that God is not a magic potion or a wishing well to get what you want. Beware of the 'name it and claim it' campaign that is floating around. Don't ask him for ten million dollars and expect to get it! God will always answer your prayer. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes the answer is no, and somtimes the answer is wait. If you strive to stay in God's will for your life he will honor your prayers. why: to put it most simply, how do you feel when a so called friend does not call or visit in a very long time? They say that 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' but too much absence and you forget who the other person is and what they are like. God wants to hear from you more often than only when you are in trouble. As you learn how to pray, you should also pause to listen. If you listen, you will sometimes hear God talk back to you (not a voice booming out behind you - but a small still voice in your mind and heart) Having a one sided conversation is not very much fun for the person doing all the listening - give God his chance to reply. |
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| Go To Church Why: As a new christian, you are still vulnerable to sliding back in to your old habits and your old life. As a christian, there should be a change in your life to reflect your new beginning. You need to hang out with other christians who are mature in their faith and can teach you things. This is especially true if you are the only one in your family who has made this decision - the other people around you won't understand your new found faith, and may try to coax you back in to your old lifestyle. You can't lose your salvation if you don't go, but if you are truly changed, you should want to go and worship with other christians. How to find a church: Preferrably find a church near your home - it is easier to get too, and if you are like me, you will have no excuses for being late or not going. Find a church that is bible based and teaches God's word, and ONLY God's word. Avoid churches that have their own 'bible'. There is only one bible. Find a church that believe's the following truths: *there is one true God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit (II Corinthians 13:14) *Jesus Christ is truly God and truly human (John 1:1,14) *Sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23) *Salvation comes through God's grace alone and is received by faith in Jesus Christ who has died for our sins. (Ephesians 2:8,9) *The Holy Spirit dwells within all who know Christ. He is our comforter and guide. The Spirit blesses us with various gifts to fulfill our ministries. (I Corinthians 6:19) *The Bible is the inspired Word of God, given to be the rule of faith and life. (II Timothy 3:16) *Jesus Christ is alive and will return to earth as Lord of Lords and King of Kings (Revelation 17:14) Such a church worships God through prayer, praise and the proclamation of the Word in the context of the essential teachings of the Christian faith. FInally, a healthy well-balanced church equips and encourages people to go out and imact the world for Christ (witness your faith to others). Most churches have a mission statement available either on their weekly bulletin or if you ask for it. Read what they believe, check it against God's word, and beware of churches that preach things like you can do anything you want if you just ask for forgiveness later, or you can be rich because God wants His people to prosper, or you have to earn your way to heaven. Find a good church. |
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