A Letter To New Believers

Feature 1 – May 2018 — Grace & Truth Magazine

A Letter To New Believers

Dear fellow believer,

When you made the decision to believe on the Lord Jesus and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior, that was the greatest decision you could ever make on earth. You now have “exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Pet. 1:4 NKJV). Such promises are from the Lord Himself, and they are for time and all eternity.

You have eternal life; this is priceless and precious. “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son ... These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 Jn. 5:11,13). The life we now have – this eternal life – enables us to have fellowship with God the Father and His Son: “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1:3).

You are embarking on a tremendous future with God in your life. “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3).

Let me share with you some things which will help you as you begin your Christian walk. I would encourage you to tell others about your decision to follow the Lord Jesus. I know you may be a little afraid – I was too – but the Lord will help you. “With the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). The Lord Jesus, after His resurrection, said, “Go and tell” (Mt. 28:10); “He is not ashamed to call [us] brethren” (Heb. 2:11). The apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. He said, “It is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). He also said, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Tim. 1:12). The apostle wanted Timothy and us to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord ... but share ... in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (v.8). The Lord will strengthen you (4:17), enabling you to stand up for Him. Ask the Lord for the right words and all that you need to be a testimony for Him.

Praying is extremely important. You must make everything a matter of prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6). “Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18). “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Th. 5:16-18).

Reading the Scriptures is also extremely important. You will need a Bible to read regularly. This is how you will grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus. A good place to begin is by reading the Gospel of John. It is the fourth book in the New Testament. You will enjoy reading God’s Word – remember to do what it says. The Lord Jesus loves to see growing Christians. Growth is one of the characteristics of living things. Because we have life in Christ we are able to grow in Him.

There are many good biblical books and magazines available. Read them with your Bible open, looking up referenced verses. Good publications will help you to understand and appreciate more and more the preciousness of God’s Word. If you find something that the Lord used to help you, share it with others that they too can be encouraged and rejoice in the Lord. Seven days without praying and reading makes the Christian weak. Be like the Bereans: “they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Fellowshiping with, which implies “being with,” other believers is also important. Ask the Lord, as the psalmist did, to direct your steps by His word (Ps. 119:133). The Lord will never lead you to a group where His name and Word are dishonored, nor where the Holy Spirit is quenched or grieved.

You have begun your walk with the Lord; continue with Him. “Continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22) until you see the Lord Jesus face to face. Many years ago Philip Doddridge (1702-1751), wrote these encouraging words: “Grace it is, free grace, which keeps us on the road. Till we behold the Savior’s face and city of our God.”

“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).

May these thoughts be of help to you,

Paul Palmer, Sr.