Next Steps
CONGRATULATIONS!
You've prayed in repentance and asked Jesus into your life!
(Haven't done this yet, or aren't sure? Click here.)
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In sincerity, you've asked Jesus to forgive your sins
- and that's exactly what He has done!
You are fully forgiven - You are now a child of God!
This is the BEST DECISION you have ever made!
​The steps below will help you quickly get to know Jesus.
​They'll also help you overcome sinful habits, addictions and anything else that has been weighing you down and destroying your life.
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And they'll help you quickly begin to experience the Life to the Full that Jesus wants you to have.
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The Bible says,
"... if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!"
(2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17)
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And there's more good news:​
The "new creation" is not something that comes through
Your efforts
- it comes through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life!
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Holy Spirit??
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The Holy Spirit is Amazing!
There are so many exciting things to learn about Him
You can begin to find out about Him below.​
​Your important next steps:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1. Set time aside to pray every day
As I mentioned, praying is easy, it's just speaking to Jesus.
You can't see Him - but you can be certain He's there with you every time you come to pray.
He wants to be close to you and journey life with you, so He is listening and waiting.​
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When you speak to Him, you don't have to use "special" words or "special" religious language. Just speak normally and respectfully, as you would to a good friend.
Not sure where to start?
It's always good to begin by giving thanks - in other words, saying thank you.
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There are many things we can say thank you for.
For most people, these will include things like your home, your family, friends who care about you and look out for you, and the many good things you receive from God each day.
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Perhaps you don't have some of these things?
Then, you might say thank you for the last meal you had, the thoughtfulness of someone who spoke a kind word to you or who gave you a warm smile, the compassion of someone who tried to help make your day or your life better.
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It's good also to say thank you to God for His love for you, and to thank Jesus for dying for your sins.
And to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, so that you speak and behave in a way that is pleasing to God at all times.
Then you can begin to talk to Jesus about anything you need His help with, or things where you need His guidance, or any worries you may have.
Bring every concern to Him - nothing is too small, and nothing is too big. He wants to be involved in your life and will hear every prayer.
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When you've finished giving thanks and bringing your requests to Jesus, sit quietly and wait a little while as you listen for that inner voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to give you encouragement, guidance and strength.
As you continue to pray every day, you'll become more comfortable and more confident in doing it.
And, as you read your Bible every day and grow in your relationship with Jesus, you'll learn much more about prayer.
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2. Set time aside to read your Bible every day
This is absolutely essential to grow in your relationship with Jesus.
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​​When you pray you are talking to Jesus and, when you sit quietly and listen for that inner voice of the Holy Spirit after you've prayed, He will speak back to you, to give you encouragement, guidance and strength for daily living.
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But, God has also provided you with His Word, the Bible.
And reading the Bible will to help you to:
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Get to know and understand Jesus and His ways
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Learn how to live a life that is pleasing to God
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Discover and enter into the Life to the Full that
Jesus wants you to have.
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​Here's a very simple guide to the Bible:
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The Bible is broken down into 2 main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
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The Old Testament tells us about creation and God's dealings with mankind and His people before the birth of Jesus.
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The New Testament tells us about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It records His teachings and God's dealings with mankind and His people after the birth of Jesus.
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The Old and New Testaments are both further broken down into individual books, that each have specific chapter and verse references.
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The first 4 books of the New Testament are known as The Gospels:
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of John.
These provide detailed information about Jesus' life and activities during His time on earth.
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Where should I start reading?
As someone new to following Jesus, we recommend starting with the Gospel of Mark.
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This is the shortest of the Gospels and is written in a fast-moving style.
This makes it easy to quickly get an overview of Jesus life, activities and teachings.
After this, jump back to the Gospel of Matthew and then continue reading through the rest of the New Testament.
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When you've finished the New Testament you can jump back to the Book of Genesis, which is the beginning of the Old Testament.
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Alternatively, there are many different Bible reading plans available.
Here's an example:
All 4 Gospels in 45 Days Bible Reading Plan
Bible Reading Tips​
Read your Bible every day (even if you don’t feel like it).
Read it when you're awake and alert, not when you're struggling and fighting against sleep.
Before you read, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to
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Speak to you through what you read
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Help you understand what you read and how to apply it to your life
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Help you be obedient to what He shows you as you read His Word.
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A number of different versions of the Bible are available such as the New International Version and King James Version.
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I suggest you use a modern English translation and recommend the New International Version (NIV), and also that you use a printed copy of the Bible for your daily reading.
However, if you don't yet have a printed copy you can access the Bible online until you get one.
Here's an online example:
Mark 1 NIV (biblehub.com)​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​3. Get involved in a great church
It's important for all followers of Jesus to be involved in a great church. As a new follower of Jesus this is especially important for you.
What is a great church?
A great church is one that provides you with:
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Regular and consistent sound Bible teaching and Bible study
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Regular and consistent opportunities to gather together with your fellow church members to worship God in a manner that is meaningful to you
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Regular and consistent opportunities to engage with with fellow church members who are more experienced and mature in their relationship with Jesus, so you can grow together in the knowledge of God
In addition to their main services, many churches have smaller groups such as Youth Groups, Women's Groups, Men's Groups and other specific interest groups, where you can engage with others on a more personal level
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Diligent and compassionate pastoral care to support you and help you grow in your relationship with Jesus
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Spiritually mature and godly leadership that strives always to lead the church forward in accordance with Biblical teaching and God's purposes
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Opportunities for you to serve God and serve others.
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​If you have difficulty finding a great church in your area contact us and we'll help you locate one. ​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​4. Tell others that you've asked Jesus into your life
Deciding to open your heart to Jesus is the best decision you've ever made.
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You've realised He wants to have a personal relationship with you. That He wants to lead you into the Life to the Full that is only possible through Him.
And as you've made your decision to follow Him and opened your heart to Him, He has forgiven your sins and is now journeying through life with you.
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All of this is great news - and great news is always something you want to share with others!
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Of course, this is all new to you and there's still much to understand, but don't be hesitant. Let your family and friends know about this great news.
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Let them know what you've discovered - and how they, too, can have this experience. Jesus wants everyone to enjoy this same relationship with Himself.
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The Bible says
"For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life."
(John chapter 3 verse 16)
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​Your family and friends, and all those around you, are included in the "whoever" - and God "so loves" them, too!​
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Many people today are struggling to find happiness and meaning in their lives. The great news that you've discovered is exactly what they need to hear.
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If they want to know more refer them to this website!​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​5. Get to know and keep in step with the Holy Spirit
​As I've mentioned, Jesus has heard your prayer, forgiven your sins and you have now become part of the Family of God.
That’s great news!
But, more important than me telling you this, is that the Holy Spirit comes to confirm and assure you that this is so! Amazing!
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"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that
we are God’s children."
(Romans chapter 8 verse 16)
You won’t hear Him speaking aloud in your ears: He communicates inwardly, with your spirit.
He gives you a sense of peace and confidence that you now have a New, Close and Personal Relationship with Jesus, and with God The Father - and, with the Holy Spirit, Himself, too!
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As you learn to recognise Him speaking to you and leading you, it's important that you carefully follow His guidance.
This is the path to experiencing all the fulness of what Jesus has for you.
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​"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
(Galatians chapter 5 verse 25)
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To learn more about the Holy Spirit's Power in your life
click the button below.
