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Tough Questions & Answers
The Question
Some
Christians make it sound too easy. Accepting a new life is a huge leap, and
yet some people say "just do it" like they're talking about sportswear. You
can't change 40-plus years of habits and attitudes just like snapping your
fingers. Over the years I would say I've tried to make the leap to living a
Christian life at least 10 times, but what's always missing for me is the
answer to these questions: What do I do after I've accepted Jesus as my Lord
and Savior? What do I do when the going gets rough? How do I sustain the new
life with all the demands and pressures on me? In other words, what is the
Christian life? Very few Christians seem willing to talk about that. They
just want you to make the initial commitment. Linda, 41, languages
teacher, married, two children, Texas.
The Answers
From Adri Manthe
What do I do after I've accepted
Jesus as my Lord and Savior?
1- Do a few hops and skips and soak it in. Shout and dance...you just got a
one-way ticket to heaven FOR FREE! :-) Jesus paid for it already. His bank
account has no limit! YeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaa
2- When you wake up the next morning, jot down a plan similar to one you
would have when preparing for an exam.
What are my objectives?
What would I like to learn most?
Start by reading the New Testament and make a Study on the meaning of
salvation. While you knew what you were doing when you accepted God as your
saviour...you need to learn more so that it can be wedged in your soul. Here
are some links that may be helpful on the meaning of salvation -
http://www.menofintegrity.org/christian.html
Ten Steps for a New Christian -
http://www.backtothebible.org/knowgod/tensteps.html
3- Establsih a Quiet Time where you would read your Bible and pray about
what you read. Ask God questions while you read the Word. He has a way of
answering you just there and then.
4- Get into fellowship. If you are "people shy", then join an Internet email
group. I can recommend a few if you email me at
holigans@iafrica.com.
5- Now for a few personal notes. This is something new for you and you may
feel odd, maybe doubt your decision. Remember, you have done this for
yourself. You may not feel
different and still feel like sinning for example you may have been a
drinker. Well, the devil could still tempt you. That's why you need to get
support almost immediately. Phone the church and ask them where you can join
in fellowship. Failing that, get online and chattingx to other Christians.
We have all been through the same temptations as you. We are all
ex-alcoholics, come out of unhappy relationships etc etc. The difference is
that we walk next to Jesus and He helps us overcome our problems.
What do I do when the going gets rough?
The obvious answer is to pray. But if your Spiritual ears are not tuned into
Jesus yet , you are going to need some help from fellow Christians.
When the going gets rough and you are still new in Christ , you must be a
particular threat to the devil. Fellowship is very important. God has a plan
for your life and while you are in the middle of a problem , you may not see
the trees for the woods...that is when God delights to step in and show His
power. Being a Christian does not mean you will not be tempted or have
problems. In fact , the greater the calling on your life , the greater the
problems. When you overcome the first obstacle in your new life , you are
well on your way to maturity. Take it one step at a time. It took you all
your life to be a sinner , and it's going to take as long as you want to
resist God to change those ingrown habits. As long as you are WILLING , God
can work with you.
How do I sustain the new life with all the demands and pressures on me?
This is a secret! A secret that God has revealed to us by His Spirit!!
Hallelujah! You too, can know that secret. if you keep your nose in the Word
and your heart willing to hear God's opinions on your actions, you will make
it through the pressures.
In other words, what is the Christian life?
I tell you, the first time you make it through a tough time, you will be
sending us a book on this question.:-)
There is freedom in Christ. You are not bound by laws. You don't HAVE to do
this , that or the other. Work on your soul, and you will do what your heart
desires! You will seek out a church, Christian friends and look forward to
your Quiet Time with the Lord.
Below I offer a comparison on world's view of Christian life as opposed to
God's views
1- I HAVE to go to Church / I WANT to go to Church
You see, the change takes place in your soul! It means to chat to Jesus
about all your problems. It means you will grow in Him. In does not make you
perfect, but it makes your heart perfect. God want our hearts to be perfect,
that's all! :-) A perfect heart seeks God's answers in all things
1Ch 28:9 And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him
with a perfect heart and with a willing mind. For Jehovah searches all
hearts and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts.
1Ki 8:61 And let your heart be perfect with Jehovah our God, to walk in His
statutes, and to keep His commandments, as at this day.
From
Stephanie Stormont
The Christian’s
life easy? NOPE! That hasn’t been my experience. In fact it is probably
tougher in a lot of ways now that I have decided to make Jesus Lord of my
Life than it was before…but I am happier than I have ever been before too…
What do I do after I’ve accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior?
Walking in that new life is a process, we are all works
in progress…We step out in faith and trust God…at that point we have to rely
on Him completely. There is NO WAY we in our human flesh can live a
Christian life. Yes, we can make the choice that we want to please God and
live for Him but it is only through His strength that we can do that. Get in
the Word of God. Find a church where there is Bible based teaching, get
involved in a Sunday School/Bible Study class. Find a small accountability
group to support and uplift you as you grow.
What do I do when the going gets rough?
Habits and weaknesses are not easily changed. Yes, God
can change them like a snap of the finger but that is the rare exception…He
guides us through the process so as to strengthen our walk and make the next
hurdle easier to handle. Temptations come but He promises us in His word
that He always makes available a way of escape to those who see Him. Again
find a church and a small accountability group to help you through those
difficult times.
How do I sustain the new life with all the demands and pressures on me?
Life will always put pressures on us…and satan knows
that too. He will do everything in his power to steer you away from walking
in the freedom and power that you have available to you through Christ
Jesus. Again here is where trust comes in…we need to keep our eyes on
Jesus…keep in the word and search out a church and small group to fellowship
with.
What is the Christian Life?
The Christian life is the most rewarding, joyful,
peaceful life there is. All hell can be raging around you and yet, God gives
you a peace and joy that don’t make any sense to someone who doesn’t know
Jesus. It is a life of love, a life of worship, a life of peace, and a life
that is exciting.
From Bonnie Benson
'What to do after I accept Jesus?'
Start to read the Bible, Bible study books are real
good also. This will help you to get to know more about Jesus and who He is,
you will develop a friendship with Him. Find a church to go to so you can
get to know other Christians. It won't be easy; but His peace will always
guide you ...no matter what.
'When it gets rough?'
Go to other Christians for support and prayers....go to
the word and read about His promises to us. Write some of them down and
re-read them through out the day. If you stumble....don't worry...just pick
yourself up and, start again. The Lord will never give up on you!!
'How to sustain the New Life?
Try to spend time with the Father every day...reading
His word, praying, and just telling Him how much you love Him. He will give
you the strength and joy to go through out your day... to be a loving caring
person. And yes, it is not always easy ....but when you struggle, it helps
to remember that the Lord is right there.....ask Him right then, to help
you.
From Shawn Faille
Is it easy to become a Christian????
It is so simple it is hard! There aint a huge long list
of things to do before getting saved. A lot of people think they gotta clean
themselves up before facing God. He catches the fish before He cleans em...right?
Some take extra scrubbing. All He wants is us to surrender, stop flopping
around in the boat. Taking our hands off things is the hard part.
We exercise faith everyday. Believing something we
cannot see. When we sit down in a chair we have faith that it is gonna hold
us up.....right? Once saved, it has to be a daily process of walking by
faith. It's amazing to me how many people will go bungee jumping but wont
believe in God. They place their trust in a jumbo rubber band, believing
it's gonna hold em up but wont place their faith in God who created them,
who loves them and who gave His only son to die for em.
What do I do when the going gets rough?
Remember who is in control...HIM not you. Just don't
turn your back on the only one who can deliver you. Talk to God, seek help
from other believers, immerse yourself in praise to Him. Hey look, if you
were out in the ocean and heard someone yell SHARK, are you gonna swim out
in the ocean farther (worlds ways) or are you gonna head for shore....where
there is safety. HE is our Rock, our fortress, our Hiding place. The ocean
only offers seaweed to get tangled up in and deadly shark attacks. ~ Shawn
Faille
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