The New Life

Following Jesus means endeavouring to live as he lived - in obedience to Father God.

The Bible tells us to "put of our old self" and "put on our new self" (Ephesians 4: 22,24).

Repentance is an ongoing part of the Christian life. As it did when we became Christians, Repenting always involves:

• acknowledging that we have been living in disobedience to God
• renouncing the sin that the Holy Spirit shows us in our lives
• asking Jesus to forgive us for our sin · receiving Christ's forgiveness
• and seeking to live in a new way - free from the sin of our past lives.

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what things you need to PUT OFF so that you can be freer to grow with God.

These things may include "sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, rage, malice, slander and filthy language" (Colossians 3: 5,8).

We also need to repent of and rid ourselves from any association with Satanic practices such as astrology, tarot cards, clairvoyance, psychic activities, Masonic lodges and witchcraft.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you PUT ON the new self of "love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5: 22).

Living your new life is easier when you are aware of the devil's schemes to disrupt our lives, because we can ask our VICTORIOUS LORD JESUS to protect us. God has given us spiritual armour that we can PUT ON regularly (Ephesians 6: 10-18).

Serving Jesus

We serve Jesus by loving others in the same way that he loves us (John 15: 12)

Begin to tell others about what Jesus has done for you. Lead others into making the commitment that you have made. Do not judge or condemn them, but minister the love of Jesus to them.

Forgive people who have hurt you and ask God to forgive and bless them in the same way that you have been forgiven and blessed (Matthew 6: 12).

Pray for people who are sick, who don't know Jesus, or have any need. Begin to pray earnestly for them on a regular basis.

Meeting with other Christians (Fellowship)

Now that you are a Christian you will see more things and the world through the eyes of Jesus.

You will feel and think differently, and feel the need to meet with other Christians and join a church, for several reasons:

• To worship God with others
• To be strengthened
• To be encouraged
• To study God's Word
• To pray
• To know that you are not alone in your beliefs and experience