In our travels around New Zealand, we meet a lot of people who have been ‘Christian’ for many years yet are still struggling to live in freedom. They may be addicted to pornography, have frequent outbursts of anger, live with a partner they aren’t married to or are constantly stressed. They may openly profess their faith, study the Bible constantly and pray regularly but know in their hearts that they aren’t right with God. The reason is because their foundations of what they believe aren’t strong enough.
Here is a basic summary of the true way to follow Jesus and how we can be sure we have strong foundations.
1. Repent
This means to think again and make Jesus Lord of your life rather than living for yourself. It also means that you are utterly repulsed by sin, so you choose to sin no more. It does not mean that you will be perfect but you are aiming towards it.
2. Believe
Put your trust in Jesus Christ alone to save you. Not Buddha, Mohammed or even your good works.
3. Be Baptised
This is more than just an outward symbol of an inward belief. It is actually a burial of everything in you that was corrupted by sin. Just as Jesus died on the cross, lay in the ground for three days and rose again to conquer the effects of sin, so we die when we go underwater in baptism. Then we come back up out of the water as a new creation free from the effects of sin.
4. Receive
The gift of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe. This is when God comes and lives inside of you and guides you in the right way to go. He also gives you power to be able to do the same things that Jesus did.
If you are ready to take these steps then it is important that you talk to a mature believer who can walk alongside you and show you how to look more like Jesus, teach you how to read the Bible and encourage you when it gets difficult. If you can’t think of anyone nearby, please contact us.