I’m a New Christian! Now What?

To claim the name of Christ and call ourselves Christians means we are claiming ourselves to be separate from the world. This sounds like a noble claim – and it is – though sometimes you’d never know it. Think about how many people make this claim and bear the Christian label but seem to be just like everyone else. This is a sad testimony to how, over time, Christian practices have been severely diluted. In many cases, this watered-down approach is to the point of not even being able to recognize true Christian principles. For someone who has just come to Christ, this can be a serious challenge. Are these new Christians being guided into the process of following Jesus’ footsteps, or to some other examples? What should any and every new Christian be focused on learning and growing towards? Let’s begin with the bottom line. To be a Christian is work, and this work actually begins even before we claim the name of Jesus. The seemingly little-known fact of the matter is, we don’t simply choose to be Christians; rather, we are called to be Christians. We know this because it was a plain statement of Jesus that he gave as a response to some who were grumbling at his teachings. He said, “No one comes to me except the Father draw him.” So, where is the work? It begins with being open to God’s call. Because this call is NOT an audible voice, those who are called need to be attuned to the change God is drawing them to. Our response. Once we are aware of this drawing, our next task is to respond. Jesus informed us throughs parables that responding to the call of discipleship requires an investment of thought and consideration. For many of us, our experience in coming to Christ was energized and emotional. We realized that we were sinners, and we ran towards Jesus for the forgiveness of those sins. While this certainly is a good beginning, it is not what true discipleship is all about. You don’t simply get emotional and then essentially sign a contract that requires you deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus! Hearing this approach to being a Christian can come across as depressing. All we have talked about is work, thinking, sacrifice and dying for Jesus. Is it really all just work and effort? Of course not! There is MUCH more to this call. Check out our September 25, 2023 podcast, “I’m a New Christian! Now What?” for more. Along with the work, we also examine the blessings. After all, Jesus said that his true followers would be with him in heaven. He said that God’s spirit would dwell within them and guide them. He said that he would give them rest, that his “yoke is easy” and his “burden is light.” Join us as we look at the whole of the journey that true Christians are called to take. It is so worth it!