Believing the Bible

Many people today attack the authority of Gods Word. They throw out certain passages they dont understand, and question many others. Yet Jesus Himself recognized the Scriptures as Gods perfect Word. The Bible itself clearly states in 2nd Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is God-breathed.” So if youve recently led someone to faith in Jesus, its critical to establish the truth and authenticity of the Bible with them. Remind your new brother or sister in the Lord that the Bible is Gods authoritative word. Nothing in Gods Word is unimportant. Now, not all of truth in the Bible is immediately understandable. So if your friend is struggling to understand a passage, encourage them to pray about it, and talk to someone who can help them gain insight. Nothing that the Lord has said in the Bible should ever be treated irreverently or dismissed. By accepting the Bible as Gods Word, your friend will experience authority, power, and fellowship in their new relationship with God. Belief in the full authority of Scripture is vital to living an authentic, victorious Christian life! Only through such faith can your friend receive all that God has in store for them

Be Patient!

If youve had the joy of leading someone to faith in Jesus Christ, you know its one of the most thrilling experiences on earth! Knowing that another soul has entered into the Kingdom of God gives you an excitement that is beyond words! And you can begin encouraging this new believer in their faith. Now, as you begin the discipleship process, its so important to practice patience. Often we want to see someones bad habits changed overnight. We get discouraged when a new believer isnt as spiritually mature as we think they should be. But even though its important to encourage a new child of God to grow, its also important to practice patience. The reality is that it takes each of us time to mature in the Lord. I accepted the Lord as my Savior as a 12 year old boy. And even though it was a very real commitment, I didnt really begin living the Christian life in its fullness until I was 17. You see, its Gods Holy Spirit that brings the growth, not you or me. In First Corinthians 3:6 Paul says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” So yes, keep encouraging and praying for your friend. But also, let them learn, and grow, in Gods perfect timing.

Get into God’s Word

One of my earliest memories is sneaking out of bed early in the morning to watch my father pray and read the Bible. It deeply impressed me as a child. Each day my father would read a chapter from Proverbs – one for each day of the month. Its something I still try to practice today. One of the most important habits a new Christian can cultivate is reading the Bible. Its the best way to learn about God and His ways. So if you know someone who has recently become a follower of Jesus Christ, encourage your friend to read the Bible each day. Have them start with the book of Proverbs to gain wisdom and understanding in the Lords ways. The Gospel of John is another great book. Offer to read through the passages with your friend. That way youll be available to answer any questions they may have along the way. Second Timothy tells us that “all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Just as my father taught me, theres no better way to grow in the Lord than by spending time in His Word!

The First Steps

Have you recently led someone to Jesus Christ? If so, congratulations! Nothing compares to the joy of helping to usher a soul into the family of God! And now you have the opportunity to help your friend grow in their new relationship with the Lord! One of the first steps you can take is to encourage your friend in their new faith. They may be struggling with some doubt, and wonder, “Am I really saved? Did Jesus really come into my heart? How do I know for sure?” Remind your friend of the truth from Gods Word. In John 10:28 Jesus tells us: “I give them eternal life, they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” New believers may also struggle with a sense of guilt from their past sins. If that happens, open the Bible to Romans 8:1 where Paul writes, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” And finally, remind your new brother or sister in Christ that Jesus lives in them. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” These verses will help a new believer. Gods Word can penetrate your friends heart, with the Lords promises

Let Your Light Shine

Dear friends, if you know Jesus Christ this Christmas season then you must let your light shine. God has said to us, “You are the light of the world.” And He has told us to let this light shine. Wherever God has placed us, He has asked us to be His ambassadors and to speak well of His son Jesus.

This Christmas, I want to challenge you to shine for Him. Take hold of the Gospel of John and read it over and over again. Let Jesus Christ shine through you. Let your light shine in your neighborhood, at your workplace, at the gym, and with your family.

There is great darkness in the land right now. People are anxious, worried, and afraid. Today we need to step up in the name of Jesus Christ and say, “Wait a minute. It doesnt have to be like this. I know Jesus. He is the light of the world. If we follow Him we dont have to walk in darkness. We dont have to be afraid.

Friends, there are millions of us who know Jesus, love Him, and are walking in the light. If we all walk in the light of Jesus Christ, then the light is going to shine.

Today, let your light shine. The world desperately needs to know Jesus Christ. Let your light shine to the people that God has put in your path today.