Walking a Christian Journey

A NEW LIFE BEGINS

You started a brand new dimension of living when you received Jesus into your life. One man said, “When you find Jesus Christ, life finds you!” The Living Bible puts it this way: “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!” (2Cor 5:17-20).

 

1. What Does It Mean To Be “Saved”?

Salvation is not something you do, but something Jesus does when you receive Him. No way can you save yourself, any more than a drowning man can. He needs the help of someone else. He's saved when he puts his total trust in the lifesaver.

 

That's what Jesus has done for you. He has rescued you from a life that was overwhelmed by sin, under the control of Satan, and heading for the well deserved judgment of God... and He's planted your feet on the firm ground of God's domain, taking you out of your old ways and giving you eternal life.

 

The Bible says that God has “rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan's kingdom and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, who bought our freedom with his blood and forgave us all our sins” (Col 1:13,14 tlb).

 

An eternal transaction was taking place as Jesus was dying on the Cross. He was representing you and me before His Father. God's righteous judgment had pronounced us guilty because we had sinned... but His great love had sent His Son to take the punishment we deserved instead.

 

When you received Jesus into your life, this is the wonderful exchange that took place... “God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange he poured God's goodness into us” (2Cor 5:21 tlb).

Now a whole new way of living spreads before you... and it all revolves around a special person... Jesus Christ. When you opened your life to Him, you started living under His control.

 

2. What Does It Mean To Be “Born Again”?

The Bible has another way of describing what has happened to you. It calls it being “born of the Spirit.”A man came to Jesus one night. He was a very religious man, but Jesus took one look at him and knew that he was lacking the most important thing of all. “Nicodemus,” He said, “you must be born again!”

 

Poor Nicodemus, He'd never heard of such a thing. He found this difficult to understand. How could he possibly enter his mother's womb and be born a second time? Then Jesus explained it to him: “What I amthe kingdom of God. “Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven; so don't be surprised at my statement that you must be born again” (John 3:57 tlb).

 

Jesus was using birth as an illustration. He was picturing the experience of coming alive to God in the realm of the Spirit. A baby has no knowledge or contact with the outside world before it is born; in the same way every individual who has not been born of the Spirit of God has no knowledge or contact with God, and with the things of Heaven and eternity. For nine months before it is born a baby is alive. It has all the potential of life, without the ability to use it.

 

a. It Has Eyes But It Can't See. There is eyesight lying dormant in each one of us, waiting to be “turned on” by the Spirit of God. It is the ability to understand the things of God. Imagine if two unborn babies could communicate with one another, and one said to the other, “I don't believe in what I've heard about this life after birth!” To us that seems ridiculous when we realize all the tremendous possibilities that lie before a young life as it's born into the world. But the same thing is true of spiritual life.

 

The Bible puts it this way: “The unspiritual person doesn't accept the things of the Spirit of God; to him they are foolish and he can't understand them, because they are spiritually understood” (1Cor 2:14).

 

b. It Has Ears But It Can't Hear. Many times before He spoke to the crowds Jesus would cry out: “He that has ears... let him hear!” There is an ability to hear God through spiritual ears. God has always desired to communicate with you. He's made you alive in the Spirit so that you can hear Him!

 

c. It Has A Mouth But It Can't Speak. A baby also has a mouth and the potential of speech before it is born... but has no ability to communicate. God wants to have fellowship with us. That is, He wants to have mutual communication... to talk to us, and for us to talk with Him. It's only possible as we are spiritually alive.

 

d. It Has Lungs But It Can't Breathe. The first thing a baby does when it is born — is cry. It breaths air for the first time. The Bible calls the Spirit of God the “breath of life,” and when you received Jesus — God “breathed” His Spirit into you and you were “born again.”

 

e. Washed At Birth. Next, the nurse will take the baby and wash it. When we are born spiritually, a cleansing takes place in our souls. All the grime and dirt we have picked up throughout our lives from the things we have thought, and said, and done, is washed away by the Spirit of God.

 

f. Clothed In New Garments. Think of the hours a mother spends preparing those little garments for the new member of the family. The Bible says God clothes His spiritual children with the garments of His righteousness (Isa 61:10).

 

g. Nursed And Nourished. The Apostle Peter writes to the new Christians and tells them:

“Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1Pet 2:2).

 

You will grow in your faith by reading God's Word, the Bible... it's your spiritual food.

 

h. Given The Family Name. When you were born of the Spirit, you became part of the family of God. God is your Father Who loves and cares for you. Now you bear His Name, and everywhere you go you represent Him.

 

3. A New Perspective

Here you are then... you've stepped out onto the threshold of a new dimension of living. Suddenly you're seeing life around you in a new perspective.

 

You feel so clean inside, and so full of the joy God has given you, even the trees and the flowers look brighter. You see your friends... and even your enemies... in a different light. You understand why they sometimes act the way they do... they need Jesus just like you did.

 

God has been so good to you. Now, instead of being full of your own selfish thoughts, you want to help others and bring them into the same blessing you have received. Life is wonderful. And that is just what Jesus said He had come to do... “I have come that they might have life... and have it more abundantly!” (John 10:10).

 

4. A New Awareness

But not only that! You're also finding that you have a new awareness of eternal realities. God is no longer some great influence way up in the sky somewhere... He's a real person to you. He's a loving Father!

 

Jesus is so real, you can talk to Him every day, and hear Him speak to you in that quiet voice deep inside. You'll never be alone again. Jesus said, “I am with you always... I  will never leave you nor forsake you” (Matt 28:20, Heb 13:5).

 

Every day, for the rest of your natural life, you are going to be discovering more and more about your wonderful Lord. In fact, stretching before you is a lifetime of exciting discoveries.

 

5. A Map And Manual

You'll need a map and a guide to help you... and God has provided both. The Bible is His written Word to you. It maps out for you all that Jesus has done, is doing, and is going to do.

 

It contains all the wonderful promises of God that now belong to you because you belong to Him. It is a complete manual for life, which covers instructions and promises for every aspect of your life and future.

 

You will be wanting to read it more than doing anything else. As you read, you will learn the wonders of God's love for you; His plan for your life both now and throughout eternity. You will start to have unfolded to you the fullness of what Jesus has given you, and the kind of person you are now because you are His.

 

6. A Companion And Guide

Just as God has given us the Bible to be our map for life, so He has given us the Holy Spirit to be our constant companion and guide.

 

As you begin to walk along your road of discovery, the Holy Spirit is leading you every step of the way.

His work is to lead us into all truth, and to reveal the many qualities of God's character to us... not only showing us what God is like, but changing us to be like Him.

 

God's plan is for us to live with Him forever. Thus, the years we live on earth are given to us to develop the capacity to live comfortably in His atmosphere of purity, holiness, peace, joy and truthfulness.

 

The work of the Holy Spirit in us performs the initial miracle of new birth, and thereafter causes us to continue growing in our new life. One day, all Christians will be fully matured and made perfect before the Lord.

 

This is how the Bible describes the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives:

“But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him” (2Cor 3:18 tlb).

 

7. A New Relationship

This is a real time of rejoicing. You are now part of God's family... the Royal Family of the Universe! Sons of the King! The Apostle Paul describes it like this:

 

“Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God's very own family, citizens of God's country, and you belong in God's household with every other Christian. “What a foundation you stand on now: the apostles and the prophets; and the cornerstone of the building is Jesus Christ himself! We who believe are carefully joined together with Christ as parts of a beautiful, constantly growing temple for God. And you also are joined with him and with each other by the Spirit, and are part of this dwelling place of God.” (Eph 2:19-22 tlb)

 

The Bible uses many illustrations to describe the new relationship we have with God and our new spiritual family. We are called “living bricks being built into a spiritual house that God dwells in” (1Pet 2:5), or “soldiers in the army of the Lord” (2Tim 2:3,4),

 

Perhaps the main illustration God uses is that of a body.

“And God has put all things under his [Jesus] feet and made him the supreme head of the church — which is his body, filled with himself...” (Eph 1:22,23 tlb).

 

“Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the `Body' of Christ... All of you together are the one Body of Christ and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it” (1Cor 12:12,27 tlb). You have now become part of a spiritual Body, and just as every part of your physical body is important to the rest of it, so are you important to the rest of the Body of Christ, and every other individual Christian is important to you.

 

8. A New Kind Of Joy

The joy you have experienced isn't the end in itself. It is a product of your new relationship with God through your faith in Jesus.

 

You realize that your salvation didn't come by anything you did, but it was a gift. God planned and initiated your experience of coming to know Him. Just as you have learned that it is impossible to obtain salvation yourself, it is true also that it is impossible to live the Christian life without God's help.

 

As you are dependent on Him for the forgiveness of your sins, so you are dependent on Him to live in victory and joy day by day. Joy comes continually as a result of this relationship of trust in the Holy Spirit's power within. Christians in the past have lived under very difficult circumstances at times, but  history and the Bible confirm that the believer experiences joy under all circumstances.

 

The Apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament of the Bible concerning this experience:

“Since then it is by faith that we are justified, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. “Through him we have confidently entered into this new relationship of grace, and here we take our stand, in happy certainty of the glorious things he has for us in the future. “This doesn't mean, of course, that we have only a hope of future joys — we can be full of joy here and now even in our trials and troubles. “Taken in the right spirit, these very things will give us patient endurance; this, in turn, will develop a mature character, and a character of this sort produces a steady hope, a hope that will never disappoint us” (Rom 5:1-5).

                        

9. There Will Be Temptations

Everyone is tempted, so you can expect it. You will be more aware than you were previously concerning the temptation of sin around you.

 

Even Jesus was tempted when He walked the earth 2000 years ago. He must have  experienced the battle in the mind which temptation occasions. But the Bible makes it clear that, while He was tempted, He never sinned. He blazed the trail ahead for us, so that we, who follow, can live in daily victory too.

Temptation is the devil's business. He wants always to discredit a person's experience with Jesus, if he can. The Apostle James made a startling statement when he said:

 

“Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust or desire and enticed” (Jas 1:14).

 

There is an important difference between temptation and sin itself. We are all tempted, and the enemy usually picks our weakest area of life as the target.

 

However, temptation does not become sin unless we begin entertaining and receiving the wrong thoughts into our life. When an evil thought comes to mind, it is important to know that the initial thought is not your own, but is the enemy presenting a temptation hoping that you will receive it.

 

It is at this point that you make a choice — by rejecting the temptation in Jesus' Name. If you will do this, you will find the Holy Spirit will be there to help you and give you strength to resist evil. There is a promise in James 4:7: “So give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

 

An important thing to keep in mind is to stay away from the obvious areas, places and people, which would cause the greatest temptation. You are courting danger to flirt with temptation. God gives you a wonderful promise, and victory will always be yours, if you just live simply by His guidance:

 

“But remember this — the wrong desires that come into your life aren't anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. “And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. “He will show you how to escape temptation's power so that you can bear up patiently against it” (1Cor 10:13 tlb).

 

B. NOW — WALK WITH GOD

When you were converted you turned your life around. Now you must not stand still at that point, but begin to walk with God. This means living day by day with Him and being led by Him. This is simple and exciting. The Lord Jesus Christ dwells in your heart by His Spirit, but He will control only that portion of your life which you yield to Him.

 

1. Surrender All To Him

The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians about this:

“And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy — the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you” (Rom 12:1, 2 tlb).

 

Because His Spirit now dwells in your body, the only way He can express His life and love is through a person totally committed to Him. Don't expect the Holy Spirit to transform your “heart-house”, if you refuse to let Him into all its rooms. I know you will want to be sure you have surrendered everything to Him, so here's a suggestion:

 

Take a number of slips of paper and write down on each piece the money you possess, your car or any possessions, your loved ones and lastly yourself. Have a short time of prayer in which you make a commitment to God. Give each of these over to Him — “Here, Lord, is my bank account, my T.V., my home. I surrender them to you.” When you surrender to God, you surrender to life and joy and peace. This is what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus.

 

2. Communicate With Jesus

Your life will grow and develop as you communicate with Jesus. The Apostle Paul gives good advice in Philippians 4:6-8:

 

“Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. “If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. “His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”

 

a. Anytime, Anywhere. Prayer is simply talking to God. You can talk with God at any time... in the bus, train, car or anywhere. However, it's a great idea to have a special place and a special time of the day when you draw aside into a secret place with Him. Just be quiet and listen. Bring your problems and requests into His presence. Here is an important promise God has given to encourage you:

 

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your Father who knows your secrets, will reward you” (Matt 6:6 tlb).

 

b. Find A Prayer Partner. “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done of them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt 18:19).

 

This is a special promise to any two people who will agree to pray in unity and faith together. In this way, you can encourage one another to believe and be positive in your faith. It adds extra power to your life. There is unlimited scope in this kind of prayer. In the promise God says if you shall ask ANYTHING! What possibilities! God will do it from Heaven. What a great experience to join the forces of Heaven in seeing miracles in people's lives and circumstances. In the Old Testament of the Bible there is a question asked:

 

“Is anything too hard for God?” (Jer 32:27).

The answer to that is, NO!

 

c. Join With Others. Also make sure you attend a prayer meeting and join with

others in the family of God for prayer. Great things are being accomplished in the earth

through the prayers of the Church. Be a part of it.

 

3. Obey The Holy Spirit

“Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about these things

that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine good things in others. Think about all you

can praise God for and be glad about it” (Phil 4:8 tlb).

This is good advice. As you are daily looking to the Lord for guidance in your new

life style, these things will happen. You will be conscious of God speaking through His

Word as you read it.

An inner conviction will grow in your heart that a particular thing is right. Obey this

conviction, for this is how you are learning to be led by His directions.

There are many voices in the world, but the Holy Spirit's voice will never ask you

to do anything that is sinful or that would hurt anyone, and never anything that is contrary

to what is written in the Bible.

You must expect that sometimes people will fail you, but don't be discouraged. God

is always the same, and His character is absolutely reliable.

When faced with a decision or a choice between two ways of conduct, always

choose the high road — the way which is better, purer, more generous and honest. If there

is any doubt about something, it is probably wrong for you.

 

4. Read The Bible Every Day

The Bible is your most exciting book. It is the world's best-seller. Here in this one

book (made up of 66 books) is the thinking of God about everything that matters. As you

read God's Word, you will find you will be challenged to change. When you discover an

area of your life that is contrary to God's way — then you will want to change.

This will add to the joy in your life. Reading the Bible will be like having a bath... it

will bring with it a sense of cleansing and refreshing.

The Psalmist put it this way:

“I have thought much about your words, and stored them in my heart so that they

would hold me back from sin” (Ps 119:11 tlb).

We share God's life through His words and we find strength and authority to

challenge and defeat the temptations of Satan. In Ephesians 6:7 we are told that the sword

of the Spirit is the Word of God.

Make up your mind you are going to read the Word of God every day. Start by

reading the New Testament. Pray and ask God to speak to you as you read it.

It's good to have a notebook or diary to write down the important lessons and points

you get as you read.

Also take note of those things God is asking you to do. There is great joy in

obeying His instructions, for they are producing the very life and character of God within

us.

 

5. Find A Spiritual Home

It is very important to find a spiritual home where you can receive instruction and

fellowship to help your growth and understanding.

You need to find a shepherd (who is sometimes called a pastor, an elder, or

minister)... someone you can look up to and entrust your life, who will be your spiritual

father. Be loyal and faithful to that person and allow him to help guide you. If you find there are areas of your life that you have not been able to gain victory over alone, share with your shepherd. His counsel and prayer will help you. Remember God wants you to be completely free. Jesus said: “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

 

6. Support God's Work

God wants to prosper your life and meet all your needs.One thing you will want to do now is to honor God by giving money and time to support the work of God. This is part of our worship and helps extend His Kingdom. In this way, others will have an opportunity, as you have had, to hear the good news (the gospel). A good habit which is encouraged by God is this: Take a tenth of your income each payday and put it aside for God's work. Take this to your spiritual home and offer it in worship to the Lord with all the other believers. This is your way of expressing your love and thanks to God for all He has done for you.

 

7. Ministry-Gifts To Help You

God has given special ministry-gifts to the Church such as instructors and teachers. They are called by five different names: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers.

 

You will learn to recognize these as you participate in the life of the Christian Community. They are God's provision for your help. You can read about them in Ephesians 4: 11-13.

 

8. Tell Others About Jesus Be sure to share your new life with others. This may bring misunderstanding or even persecution. But God will give you wisdom in how to share the gospel with people.

 

Remember, they need Jesus badly. Pray for them and realize that God's Spirit is using your words to work in their hearts — even when the evidence seems to indicate the opposite.

 

You are part of a mighty witnessing army of believers around the world. There are literally millions turning to Christ and He wants you to have the joy of winning someone to Him also.

 

What a fantastic life you now have! Enjoy it, and enjoy God. God bless you, and welcome to the Family of God.

 

C. CONCLUSION

Remember:

• God loves you.
• He is living within you.
• He is there to help.
• Obey, when you feel the Holy Spirit is telling you to do something.
• Speak with God often in prayer.
• Read and study His Word.
• Tell others about Jesus.
• Fellowship often with others in the Family (Church) of God