I once heard a man say:” Once you accept Jesus Christ into your life, you are saved immediately, but it takes a lifetime to become a Christian!” What does that mean? You’ve probably thought that once you get saved, you are automatically a Christian. Well that is true in a sense, but the man was saying that it takes a lot more than just accepting Jesus to live a Christian life. A Christian should always strive to glorify God, but many times we fail. When we are saved we are “born again.” God doesn’t want us to stay in the infant stage of our Christian life. He wants us to grow!!!

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 KJV

We are so thankful that you have accepted Christ and have began a wonderful journey in your life. I hope this outline of scripture will point you in the right direction as you grow in the Lord. So many times people get saved then wonder, what do I do now?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6: NIV

First thing, READ YOUR BIBLE!!! The Holy Bible is God’s Word. It is the guide for living that God has given to us. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus Christ himself used scriptures to defeat the devil. We also should use Scriptures in our lives. God has laid it out so perfectly, all we have to do is read and discover what God has to say.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 KJV
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 KJV

Next talk to God!!! Yes, you can talk to God in prayer, anywhere-any place- any time. Prayer is not just a request line to God. It is fine to ask God for what we need and sometimes just want, but don’t let that be the only time you go to God in prayer. We should praise Him, ask Him to show us His will for our life, thank Him, and sometimes just sit in silence so we can hear Him.

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 KJV
Jesus went to be alone and prayed; this is an example from the Master.

“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed”. Luke 5:16 KJV

We are called to worship God. There is great joy in worshipping God. God shows himself to us in so many ways when we worship. The Bible says God is the giver of all good things. We can praise Him with song, prayer, reading the Bible, speaking of Him, and through so many other ways. We should also strive to fellowship with other believers. Find a good church that teaches the Bible. Pray for God to lead you where to make your church home. And most of all remember:

”For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20 NIV

“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him…”Exodus 15:2 NIV

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:2-3 KJV

Now, the good part. We’ve got something to tell!!! We should all be witnesses of Jesus Christ. We should want to tell the lost about Him, so they can be saved from eternal damnation as we are. We have been given this wonderful gift of salvation!!! When we get a new car, clothes, or jewelry we want everybody to see it. We are so proud. We should be much more exited about Jesus. We’ve already obtained the greatest thing we could ever strive for. By GRACE, God has given us forgiveness of our sins!!! It’s nothing we have earned, so we ought to share it with everybody. Remember everything you say and do is a witness, either good or bad, for our Lord.

“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:32-33 KJV

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Jesus said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

Strive each day to be as Christ-like as possible. The rewards of a good life are without measure. There will be hard times in this world, but as Christians we have hope. For we know that we have a home in Heaven. My favorite scripture in the Bible is Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Stay strong in the faith, stay away from worldly temptations, and rely on God in all things.