I was Saved Today . . .What Now?

Steps to HelpYou Grow

1. Read the Bible

2. Pray

3. Find a Church

4. Share your Faith

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If you asked Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sins and be your Lord and Savior, then the Bible says you're a new person. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 God has forgiven you of all your sins. Simply put...you were guilty of breaking God's laws and Jesus paid your fine for you. At this momment you have a been given a new spirit. The Bible calls this beingborn-again. Jesus discribes this in John chapter 3. Picture yourself like a newly born baby in your new walk with Jesus. God, through the Bible shows us what we need to do to grow in our knowlegde of Jesus Christ. As that newborn baby needs milk, the Christian needs to read the Word of God, the Bible. 1 Peter 2:2 says "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." Reading the Bible will help you grow spritually. King David said that God's Word is sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10).

A place to start reading the Bible is in the Book of John.

Prayer is the ultimate unlimited cell phone plan...its free, and the network reception is perfect anywhere, all the time. You don't even need a phone. It's simply you talking to God. To pray, you just speak from your heart with the words that come to mind. You don't need to learn an old language or be poetic, just be real with God. You can pray with you eyes closed or open, anytime of day and yes, anywhere, even in the shower. God knows everything about you, including your thoughts. You might wonder, why do I need to pray if God knows all my thoughts. Well, its the same reason you bother to talk to anyone or a good friend who knows you well. You want to continue and grow in your friendships. Likewise, a real friendship with God requires your participation. God will give you a closer relationship as you choose it by taking the steps discribed here to grow in your relationship with God. This is often refered to as "growing in Christ." Here are some things to talk to God about... what you're thankful for, ask for forgiveness for any new sins, ask for help in forgiving others, or ask for help in understanding in the Bible, ask for help with relationships, etc. The Bible says to pray about everything. 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 says, "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Also, in Philippians 4:6–7 we are taught not to worry, but pray and receive Gods peace; "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Lastly, Jesus tells us to pray in Luke 18:1, "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart."

Find a church. Why? The Bible tell us to hang out and help out with other Christians. It's common to hear this referred to as fellowship. The Bible encourages us to meet regularly in Hebrews 10:24-25: "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."

In any Biblically-sound, God-centered church, the following beliefs should be obvious:

• -The Bible is held as the inspired and only infallible authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
• -God is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (John 14:26, Matthew 28:18, 19).
• -Salvation is the free gift of God to all who will repent of their sins and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This is the only way to come into a relationship with God (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9).

Avoid any group that teaches doctrines, beliefs, or rituals that deviate from the Bible. Many false teachers speak only parts of the truth and their messages have been aptly described as the "skin of the truth stuffed with a lie." Most cults are identifiable because they refuse to:

• -Adhere solely to the 66 books of the Bible. Instead, they add their "special revelations."
• -Accept that our relationship to Jesus Christ has been provided by God through His grace and is received through faith alone. Instead, they practice salvation by works.
• -Acknowledge Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God and give Him the full recognition He merits.

Share your faith. This becomes a natural desire once you have been saved. It is hard not to get excited about being forgiven by God and knowing one day you will get to be with him in heaven. People also call this witnessing, which again is just telling people about about Jesus. When starting to follow the first three steps above, you will be noticeably different. It's common for friends to notice "something different about you." Sharing your new faith can give others the same chance to hear about Jesus that you were given to live for eternity with Jesus Christ in heaven. Jesus tells us to “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."-Mark 16:15 God will even help you share your faith as mentioned in Acts 18, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.