If you are a newly saved Christian, you may be wondering, what is next? When I received Salvation at the age of twelve, the pastor instructed me on what to do to grow in the Lord, and strengthen my faith. I would like to suggest to new Christians three next steps that I believe will help you the most, based on my Christian experiences over the last forty years.
Get a Bible and Read, Read, Read
After salvation, the Bible will be your roadmap for getting to know your Savior in a personal way. I suggest you begin reading in the New Testament that starts with the book of Matthew. Why? Honestly, the Old Testament is more difficult to understand as a new Christian, and it mainly involves history before Christ was born. By the time, you read Matthew through Revelations (the New Testament), you will have learned about Jesus' birth, suffering, death, and resurrection. You will find you know him more intimately and that is the beginning of your personal relationship with the Lord, who has graciously promised you an eternal life in Heaven! Next, start reading from Genesis in the Old Testament to learn the history before Christ.
The Bible will be the important book you ever read. It has an answer for every problem. Do not just read it, but also apply it in your daily life and watch your faith and love grow for your newly found Savior! In addition, do not ever stop reading God's word. Every time you read in the Bible, you will be enlightened in a new way!
I personally like the New International Version of the Bible because it is more understandable to me than the standard King James Version. There are numerous versions of the Bible available to read online or download to your tablet here. I prefer to hold the actual Bible in my hands and read. I guess that dates me, but I do not mind.
Locate a Church and Get Involved!
Many people may tell you they do not "play church." Personally, I would find it harder to grow and mature in Christ without a home church to attend. Once saved, I have always had a desire to be in Church. True, your salvation does not mean that you must attend a church, but finding a church that makes you feel at home will provide the support you need to grow in Christ. I suggest finding a larger church. Larger churches have more activities and opportunities to meet new friends who have the same beliefs you do. The best way to make friends in a large church is to volunteer in one or more of the many areas in which they need help. I currently volunteer as a greeter, and on the decorating team. I have met many new people and have new friends because of this. It is always better to give than to receive, so give some of your time and you will be blessed even more than the ones you serve!
Pray and Praise the Lord Continuously!
First, know that Christ and His Spirit live in your heart now, and they will never leave you. Christ and His Spirit do not change, ever! It is we, who occasionally move away or draw closer to Christ. To remain close to Christ it is essential to pray all the time. It does not have to be in a certain place or even audible. Christ knows your mind and hears your prayers even when they are silent. Try to remain focused on Christ and offer him praise by thanking him for your salvation and every other blessing He allows you to enjoy! Praise Christ by listening to Christian CD's, radio, online sermons, and by lifting your hands and praising him with songs or words daily! Christ loves it when we praise Him! He inhabits our praise. I remember an old hymn from my church growing up, "I Just Can't Praise Him Enough" and it is true. We just cannot praise him enough for what He has done and is going to do in our lives!
Please understand that even though you have recently been saved, that did not make you into a super human. I fall short of doing these things at times, and you will too. Do not let that discourage you! Just pick yourself up and start fresh. God does not expect perfection from anyone. We are still human and make mistakes. The good news is that He is still beside you, loves you, and is waiting with arms open to welcome you back home!
Get a Bible and Read, Read, Read
After salvation, the Bible will be your roadmap for getting to know your Savior in a personal way. I suggest you begin reading in the New Testament that starts with the book of Matthew. Why? Honestly, the Old Testament is more difficult to understand as a new Christian, and it mainly involves history before Christ was born. By the time, you read Matthew through Revelations (the New Testament), you will have learned about Jesus' birth, suffering, death, and resurrection. You will find you know him more intimately and that is the beginning of your personal relationship with the Lord, who has graciously promised you an eternal life in Heaven! Next, start reading from Genesis in the Old Testament to learn the history before Christ.
The Bible will be the important book you ever read. It has an answer for every problem. Do not just read it, but also apply it in your daily life and watch your faith and love grow for your newly found Savior! In addition, do not ever stop reading God's word. Every time you read in the Bible, you will be enlightened in a new way!
I personally like the New International Version of the Bible because it is more understandable to me than the standard King James Version. There are numerous versions of the Bible available to read online or download to your tablet here. I prefer to hold the actual Bible in my hands and read. I guess that dates me, but I do not mind.
Locate a Church and Get Involved!
Many people may tell you they do not "play church." Personally, I would find it harder to grow and mature in Christ without a home church to attend. Once saved, I have always had a desire to be in Church. True, your salvation does not mean that you must attend a church, but finding a church that makes you feel at home will provide the support you need to grow in Christ. I suggest finding a larger church. Larger churches have more activities and opportunities to meet new friends who have the same beliefs you do. The best way to make friends in a large church is to volunteer in one or more of the many areas in which they need help. I currently volunteer as a greeter, and on the decorating team. I have met many new people and have new friends because of this. It is always better to give than to receive, so give some of your time and you will be blessed even more than the ones you serve!
Pray and Praise the Lord Continuously!
First, know that Christ and His Spirit live in your heart now, and they will never leave you. Christ and His Spirit do not change, ever! It is we, who occasionally move away or draw closer to Christ. To remain close to Christ it is essential to pray all the time. It does not have to be in a certain place or even audible. Christ knows your mind and hears your prayers even when they are silent. Try to remain focused on Christ and offer him praise by thanking him for your salvation and every other blessing He allows you to enjoy! Praise Christ by listening to Christian CD's, radio, online sermons, and by lifting your hands and praising him with songs or words daily! Christ loves it when we praise Him! He inhabits our praise. I remember an old hymn from my church growing up, "I Just Can't Praise Him Enough" and it is true. We just cannot praise him enough for what He has done and is going to do in our lives!
Please understand that even though you have recently been saved, that did not make you into a super human. I fall short of doing these things at times, and you will too. Do not let that discourage you! Just pick yourself up and start fresh. God does not expect perfection from anyone. We are still human and make mistakes. The good news is that He is still beside you, loves you, and is waiting with arms open to welcome you back home!
Published by Freida Thomas
Freida is a retired Accountant from the Education field. She enjoys reading, writing,volunteering, and frugal living. Freida's areas of expertise include Finance, Parkinsons, Nutrition, Food, Health/Fitness, and more.
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