Beginning Steps for New Believers
CONGRATULATIONS Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (19) teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (20) HCSB
Jesus Commanded the Church to Go! Make Disciples intentional witnessing Go Mark Disciples intentional assimilation, baptism Mature Disciples- intentional discipleship, mentoring, teaching
Spiritual Birth Certificate (Pg. 2) It is a reminder of the date and time of trusting Jesus. It is a reminder of a changed life. It is a reminder of a new life as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Contact Information It will remind the new believer that God uses individuals to share Jesus. You are responsible for the new believer s walk for at least 3 months.
Newborn Believers 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, desire the unadulterated (complete) spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it in your salvation. (HCSB Translation)
How to use Beginning Steps (Pg. 3) Emphasize the importance of receiving Jesus. Emphasize the importance of spiritual growth. Make aware of the devil s plot to hinder growth. Prayer seeking God s help to grow.
Prayer for Strength Dear God, I know I am going to need Your help in working through this booklet and understanding what You are trying to teach me. I want to grow spiritually. Help me be faithful in completing this booklet. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
4 Easy Steps Secure an easy to read Bible, take notes. Choose a time and place to have your daily study Read the questions and use your Bible. Think about the answers and write them down.
7 Steps to Christ-like Growth Be sure of your salvation. Publicly declare your faith. Share Jesus with others. Study your Bible. Learn to pray. Be faithful to a church. Trust Jesus to direct your life.
Step 1 Be Sure of Your Salvation God wants you to know for sure that you have eternal life. 1. Your assurance is based on the Word of God. John 3:16 - God loves you. 1 John 5:13 - You can know you have eternal life by faith in Jesus.
2. Your assurance is based on the Promises of God. Romans 10:9 If you CONFESS, BELIEVE, YOU SHALL BE SAVED John 5:24 WORD, BELIEVES, ETERNAL LIFE, CONDEMNED
3. Your assurance is based on the Character of God. 1 Corinthians 1:9 FAITHFUL 1 Thessalonians 5:24 FAITHFUL Hebrews 10:23 FAITHFUL The Meaning of Faithful: reliable, trustworthy, stable, authentic, realistic, truthful, accurate.
God the Promise Keeper His promises are believable. He is absolutely faithful. His salvation gift is unchangeable. His love for you is secure. Romans 8:38-39 Nothing can separate you from God s love in Christ Jesus.
4. Your assurance is based on the Spirit of God. Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him (Jesus) you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
The Ephesians Principle 1. You heard the gospel of truth. 2. The gospel leads to salvation. 3. Salvation is only in Jesus Christ. 4. Belief in Jesus results in preservation or sealing in the Holy Spirit. 5. God s promise is the Spirit who is the guarantee or down payment on your eternal security.
The Final Proof 2 Corinthians 5:17 In Christ we are a NEW CREATION, the old has PASSED, the new has COME. YOUR ASSURANCE: 1. THE WORD OF GOD 2. THE PROMISES OF GOD 3. THE CHARACTER OF GOD 4. THE SPIRIT OF GOD
Step 2 Publicly Declare Your Faith 1. Jesus Wants New Believers to Declare Publicly Their Faith in Him. Matthew 10:32-33 acknowledges acknowledge, denies, deny Baptism is your public profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Baptism is an ACT of obedience that declares your faith. It is a test of faith. Learn to trust in Jesus. 1John 2:3 This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.
The Importance of Baptism 3. Jesus commanded Baptism. Matthew 28:19-20 Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, This is picture of the Trinity. Why? All 3 Persons are shown in equal status.
Baptism is not a Suggestion it is a Command. To be baptized shows our obedience to God. Jesus set the example for being baptized. Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus obeyed God s command for baptism under John the Baptist's ministry.
All New Believers to be Baptized 1. In the New Testament, new believers were baptized. Acts 2:37-38, 41, 47 reveal their obedience to keep God s command. Acts 8:35-38 illustrates another new believer to follow Jesus. Practice and be baptized.
An Expression of Love 5.Baptism expresses your love for Jesus. John 14:21 The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father.
Baptism Pictures Two Things 1. What Jesus did for you - He died for your sins, was buried, and was raised again. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) 2. What has happened to you - you died to an old way of life and have been raised to live a new life in Jesus (Romans 6:3-4)
The Method of Baptism Biblical teaching is by immersion-baptize, to put under A literal translation from Koina Greek language. Before baptism you must have trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.
Step 3 Share Jesus with others The good news about Jesus is exciting - life changing, and eternal. A new believer desires to share news about Jesus. A new nature, person, exists. God wants you to help others know Jesus too. John 1:40-42 Andrew brought Peter his brother to Jesus.
2 Things to use When Sharing Your Personal Testimony is Your Own account of: (1) Your life before receiving Jesus (2) How you received Jesus (3) How Jesus Makes Your Life more Meaningful
Read Acts 22:3-21 Find the 3 parts to Paul s story. My Life before receiving Jesus: (Acts 22:1-5) Paul was educated. Paul studied God s word. Paul persecuted the Way, and followers of Jesus, to death Paul was very religious.
Testimony-Part 2 How I received Jesus: (Acts 22: 6-16) Paul tells of his conversion He knew the place. He knew the time. He had an encounter with Jesus. He heard Jesus speak to him. He called Jesus Lord.
Testimony-Part 3 How Jesus makes my life more meaningful. (Acts 22: 17-21) Paul described how trusting in Jesus resulted in changing his life. Describe how surrendering your life to Jesus has made a difference. Describe how knowing Jesus has changed your life.
Memorizing Scripture Romans 15:13 Romans 1:16 Romans 2:4 Romans 3:23 Romans 5:8 Romans 6:23 Romans 10:9,13 God fills you Not ashamed God s kindness All sinned God s love God s gift Trust in Jesus
Review Lesson Why share Jesus with others? Matthew 28:19-20 Who needs Jesus? Make a list Share your testimony daily. Acts 1:8
Step 4 Study Your Bible 1. God s Word Has Specific Purposes 2 Timothy 3:16 teaching, rebuking, correcting, training in righteousness. God s Word is Useful for Teaching. Jeremiah 31:3 God s everlasting love, God s faithful love. Romans 5:8 God proved His love when Jesus died for our sin.
Study Your Bible God s Word is Useful for Rebuking (to point out a fault) and Convicting of Sin. Ephesians 4:26-31 anger, stealing, rotten talk God s Word is Useful for Correction of Error. Psalm 119:9 keeping Your Word
Study Your Bible God s Word Is Useful for Training in Righteousness. (godly behavior) Delight in God s Word, the joy of your heart. 2.There Are Several Methods of Learning God s Word. 1. Hear, 2. Read, 3. Study, 4. Memorize, 5. Meditate on God s Word.
Learning God s Word Hear God s Word Romans 10:17 Faith comes by what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message of Christ. Read God s Word 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching.
Learning God s Word Study God s Word 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn t need to be ashamed of, correctly teaching the word of truth. Memorize God s Word Psalm 119:11 I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.
Meditate on God s Word Joshua 1:8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything in it.
The Four Purposes Teaching Rebuking and Convicting Correction Training in Righteousness
Step 5 Learn To Pray Jesus Set the Example for us. Mark 1:35 He got up early Jesus taught the Necessity of Prayer. Luke 18:1 the need to always pray What did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them? Luke 11:1 How to pray.
On Prayer Why should we pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray constantly The acrostic ACTS will help you to begin developing your prayer life. Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication
1. Adoration is praise focusing on who God is. Psalm 145:3 God is great and is highly praised; His greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 147:1,5 How good it is to sing to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely. Our Lord is great, vast in power; His understanding is infinite.
1. Confession is acknowledging your sins before God in order to receive forgiveness. A relationship was established. God will never break the relationship. Unconfessed sin can hinder your relationship Psalm 66:18 If I have cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Actions to Practice When you sin: Confess the sin to God (1 John 1:9a) Receive His promise of cleansing (1 John 1:9b) Claim victory over temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)
3. Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude to God for specific acts. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in everything. 4. Supplication is making requests and expressing desires to God. (1) Petition is asking God for your needs. John 15:7- Remain in God to receive Phil. 4:6-7- Make your requests known to God.
(2) Intercession is praying for the needs of others. Exodus 32:30-34 Go to God and pray on the behalf of others who have sinned. Romans 10:1 Be concerned for others to be saved.
Review Step 5 A doration C onfession T hanksgiving S upplication
Step 6 Be Faithful to a Church Matthew 16:17-18 Jesus spoke these words about Himself, I will build my church and the forces of hell will not overpower it. The word church means called out ones. Called out to follow Jesus. Christianity is a chosen faith. Chosen by God and not mankind.
Why Be Faithful to a Church? 1. Through Your Local Church You receive Instruction. a. Spiritual Leaders to the church (Ephesians 4:11) b. Why leaders? (Eph. 4:12-14) for the training of the saints.
2. Through Your Local Church you have the Privilege of Fellowship. (Hebrews 10:24-25) a. To promote love and good works, encouraging each other. 3. Through Your Local Church You Meet to Worship. (Colossians 3:16) a. teaching, admonishing, singing psalms, hymns, gratitude.
4. Through Your Local Church you have Opportunities for Service. (Romans 12:6-8) a. God gives special spiritual gifts for service. Matthew 28:19-.Go and make disciples of all nations.
5 actions 1. Sharing eternal life with the world 2. Baptizing new believers 3. Teaching the Bible 4. The joy of ministering in Christ s name 5. Giving your money, time and talents
Review The word church means Called out ones 4 reasons to be faithful to your church 1. Receive instruction 2. Fellowship 3. Worship 4. Service
Step 7 Trust Jesus to Direct Your Life Jesus desires to guide you daily in your spiritual adventure. Jesus is to be Lord of your life. Confessing Jesus is trusting in Him. A life directed by Jesus will be spiritually fruitful and filled with joy. (John 15:4)
Jesus Lordship Means 1. Jesus Christ is Lord. John 13:13- You call me Teacher and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am. John 20:28 My Lord and My God.
Paul describes Jesus 1. I Cor. 2:8 They would not have crucified The Lord of glory. 2. II Thessalonians 3:16 May The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. 3. I Tim. 6:15 He is the blessed Only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Jesus Lordship Means 2. Jesus Christ Has Earned the right to Direct Your Life. Philippians 2:8-11 God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Jesus is Worthy to Direct our Lives Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed by this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
3. Jesus Christ Desires to Direct Your Life. (1) Recognize daily His right to direct your life. (Luke 9:23) If anyone will come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
(2) Confess your sins consistently and accept His promise of forgiveness. (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
(3) Trust Him completely as you allow Him to direct your: Time - Ephesians 5:15-16 Pay careful attention, then to how you walk - not as unwise people but as wise - making the most of the time Money - 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save to the extent that he prospers, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. Abilities - Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Relationships - Matthew 22:34-40 He said to him, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind Love your neighbor as yourself. Mind - Romans 12:1-2 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Ambitions - Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Morality - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
What areas need to be surrendered to Jesus? Time - opportunities Money every week set aside Abilities do all as unto Jesus Relationships Two commandments Jesus gave: Love God wholeheartedly Love your neighbor
Mind Let God transform your mind Ambitions Seek first the kingdom of God Morality Honor God with your body
Review Jesus Christ is Lord Jesus Christ has earned the right and desires to direct your life.