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Your Next Steps: Growing in Your Faith
Congratulations on your decision to follow Jesus!
Your journey with Christ has just begun, and we are here to guide you through the essential next steps to help you grow in your faith. We believe that everyone's spiritual journey is unique, but these steps will provide you with a strong foundation for your walk with Christ.
Step 1: What Just Happened?
Today's Bible Reading: John 1, 2, & 3
If you've recently accepted our pastor's challenge to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you may be wondering, "What just happened to me?" Rest assured, you're not alone in this curiosity. Understanding the significance of your encounter with God and faith in Jesus Christ is essential for living as a faithful follower of Christ.
We call this personal encounter with God "salvation." To have received salvation means that you are now "saved." But what does that entail? Why do you need to be saved? There are three simple truths you should grasp:
- You're a Sinner: At some point in your life, you've disobeyed God's commands.
- You Can't Save Yourself: You can't escape the consequences of sin on your own.
- Only Jesus Can Save You: The Bible makes it clear that only Jesus Christ can save you.
You've taken the first step by acknowledging your need for salvation and trusting God with your life. Two significant things have happened:
- Jesus Christ has become your Savior.
- You've been adopted into God's family, and He now considers you one of His beloved children.
To explore this step further and dive into the Word of God, continue your daily Bible reading in John 1, 2, & 3.
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Step 2: Where Do I Go from Here?
Today's Bible Reading: John 4, 5, and 6
Now that you've received salvation through Jesus Christ and become a child of God, the question you may be asking is, "Where do I go from here?" However, the better question to ask is, "Where and how do I grow from here?" As a new believer, you are like a spiritual infant in need of growth.
Growing Spiritually
It's essential to understand that your spiritual life flows from Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In 1 John 5:12, it states, "He that has the Son has life," and the preceding verse affirms that "God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." Christ dwells within you, providing you with new life—never forget this!
Receiving new spiritual life is just the beginning; you must also nurture your spirit. Just as a newborn baby needs proper care and nourishment to grow, your spiritual life requires feeding and attention. Neglecting it can result in spiritual feebleness and immaturity.
What Causes Spiritual Growth?
The answer is straightforward: spiritual growth is fostered by various practices, including:
The Bible: Tomorrow, we will discuss in more detail the Bible's significance in your spiritual life as a new believer. Your spiritual growth is influenced by how you engage with the Bible. Thus, we suggest reading at least three chapters per day this week. Develop a daily habit of reading the Bible. In 1 Peter 2:2, the apostle Peter encourages us to "desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby," much like newborn babies.
Prayer: Prayer is essentially conversing with God in the name of His Son. It's vital to set aside time each day for prayer, connecting with God as you would with a friend, for He is your Best Friend. Don't worry about using flowery language; God values your attitude when you approach Him.
Witnessing: Share your faith journey with others—your family, friends, classmates, and colleagues. As a witness, you testify about what you've learned, seen, and encountered. If you've discovered that Jesus Christ is all-satisfying, let others in your social circle know about it too. Witnessing is a way to introduce Jesus Christ to those around you.
Regular Fellowship Attendance: Actively participate in church services and community gatherings to build relationships with other believers. Fellowship provides you with support and a sense of community on your journey of faith.
Obedience: Make a conscious effort to obey God's commandments and teachings as you learn more about His Word. Obedience is a significant part of your spiritual growth.
By actively engaging in these practices, you can become a strong, mature Christian, and your spiritual journey will continue to evolve and deepen.
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Step 3: How Can I Be a Strong Christian?
Today's Bible Reading: John 13, 14, and 15
As you journey in your faith, you might wonder, "How can I become a strong Christian?" Being a strong Christian is essential for two significant reasons:
- To Overcome Hardships and Challenges
- To Serve the Lord
Feeling inadequate? That's a good thing! Recognizing your need is the first step toward allowing the Lord to help you grow stronger.
Here are several key principles to guide you on your path to becoming a strong Christian:
- Be Mindful That the Holy Spirit Is in You
Christ dwells in your heart through His Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Comforter, meaning "one called alongside to help." The Holy Spirit will work in you, developing the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23), which together forms the character of Christ. In John 14 and 16, Jesus made promises about what the Holy Spirit would do. Take a moment to underline those promises for your reference.
- Be Obedient
Obey the Lord's guidance and follow the counsel of your pastor and other mature Christians. Their experiences can be invaluable on your spiritual journey. They've been through similar challenges and can provide guidance.
- Be Sensitive and Aware of the Lord's Presence
Part of obedience involves maintaining a conscious awareness of the Lord's presence throughout your day. Allow your thoughts to turn toward Him in your daily activities.
- Be Persistent, Don't Get Discouraged
It's normal to face setbacks, especially as a new Christian. Just like a baby learning to walk falls many times but doesn't give up, you should also persevere. When you stumble, approach the Lord with sincerity, ask for forgiveness, and continue. Remember, He is faithful to forgive.
- Be Cooperative With God
Rely on Jesus to help you overcome challenges. Just as a child might send Jesus to overcome the devil, trust in Christ's strength to help you. As a little girl wisely said, "Jesus is stronger than the devil, so when the devil comes to the door of my heart, I send Jesus, and when the devil sees Jesus, he goes away."
Power for Overcoming
- Be Aware of Your Weak Points
Consider the example of Peter, who boldly declared his willingness to die for the Lord but later denied Jesus three times. We all have areas of weakness and struggle, such as anger or other human frailties. Be on guard and aware of your own weaknesses, and seek God's strength to overcome them.
By embracing these principles and seeking the guidance and strength of the Lord, you can grow into a strong Christian, ready to face life's challenges and serve the Lord with faith and dedication.
Engage in Community
Small Groups and Bible Studies
In our small groups and Bible studies, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow believers, dive deeper into God's Word, and build meaningful relationships. It's a place for open discussions, learning, and spiritual growth. Find a group that suits your schedule and interests.
Send us a Message
Serving Opportunities
God has gifted each of us uniquely, and one of the ways we grow in our faith is by serving others. We offer various opportunities to get involved in serving our church and the broader community. Whether you have a heart for children's ministry, outreach, or music, there's a place for you to make a difference.
What ministry are you interested in serving?
Declaration of Faith
Baptism
Baptism is a significant step in your journey of faith. It's a public declaration of your commitment to Christ and an outward symbol of the inner transformation that has taken place. We encourage you to consider this important step:
Send us a Message
Prayer
As you embark on this exciting journey of taking the next step in your faith, we want you to know that you're not alone. We're here to support and walk alongside you. Whether you're exploring the basics of Christianity, seeking to deepen your relationship with God, or looking to strengthen your faith, we believe in the power of prayer.
Prayer Request
Stay Connected
One of the most significant ways to stay connected and grow in your faith journey is by consistently joining our Sunday services. We gather as a community of believers to worship, learn, and support one another. Whether you're visiting for the first time or have been a part of our church family, our Sunday services are a place to find inspiration, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment.
Our Sunday services are held at Landmark Cinemas, Cinema 9 & 10 in New Westminster, BC.
The address is 800 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1G2. You can find detailed directions and a map below:
Address
Landmark Cinemas
Cinema 9 & 10
800 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1G2