The New Birth and Beyond
Written by Evangelist Tim Downs
All Scriptures references are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
For more information visit
www.answeredhere.com
www.gowinsouls.com
INDEX
- Repenting
- Being Baptized in Jesus Name
- Receiving the Holy Ghost
- Bible Study
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Faithfulness to Church
- Giving
- Witnessing
- Holiness & Separation
Repenting
The first step to getting right with God is to repent of your sins. Every person who will make a start towards God will have to humble themselves and ask God to forgive them of all their sins.
Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
To understand how to repent, we must ask you a question. If you did something wrong to another person what would you have to say to them? Yes, you would have to ask them to forgive you or say you’re sorry. Now, if you never asked them, you only thought you were sorry but never told them, would they know you were sorry? Of course not, you must speak to them and ask their forgiveness.
The same is true when we pray, we cannot think our prayers we must speak them out of our mouths, we must pray out loud when repenting of our sins.
Ask the Lord to forgive you of every sin, every lie, dishonest thing, everything you have ever done since even the age of a child!
You should repent every day, every opportunity you have!
Repenting is simply asking God to forgive you of every thing you have done wrong
Psalms 51:1-13 gives us an incredible insight on how to truly repent, please take time to search these scriptures.
Being Baptized in Jesus Name
This is a very important step to your new birth experience. We must be baptized the Biblical way, to receive true salvation. The Bible warns in many places that there will be false doctrines, or false teachings and that we must study the word of God to know the truth. There are a lot of false teachings on the subject of baptism, we must learn from the scriptures instead of people who mean well, but have little knowledge. The name of Jesus is the greatest name ever given, He is the one who died for us on the cross, He was willing to die that we may have everlasting life!
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
We must realize that through the NAME of Jesus we are saved! Many churches baptize repeating the command in Matthew 28:19 instead of obeying the command, they simply repeat what Jesus said to do.
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
If you pay close attention to this scripture, you will notice that it says to baptize in the NAME of. Now the word NAME is singular meaning only one. There is only one NAME whereby we must be saved!
The name is JESUS! Every scripture reference of actual baptisms in the word of God after Jesus death, show that baptism was performed in the NAME OF JESUS!
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:16
(for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 10:48
And He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they Him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Philippians 2:9
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
Receiving the Holy Ghost
Part of the new birth as spoken in John 3:5 is to receive the spirit of God or the Holy Ghost.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Expect a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
It is very important that if you have not received the Holy Ghost since you have repented and have been baptized in Jesus name that you seek for the Holy Ghost as often as possible until you receive it.
When the people in the Bible received the Holy Ghost, there was no question if they had it or not. You see, there was a certain sign that was given to show the Holy Ghost was given. Speaking in tongues is that sign.
Acts 10:44-46
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues. and magnify God.
When you seek the Holy Ghost, you must be praying out loud. You cannot speak in tongues if you are not speaking. Most people think their prayers or pray very quietly without making any sound. You must pray out loud.
Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.
Some people are confused about the gift of tongues and receiving the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues. The gift of tongues is when someone will speak very loud in tongues all by them self when it is quiet. Then someone will give the interpretation afterwards. Not everyone will have the gift of tongues and interpretation, But everyone will speak in tongues when they receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Bible Study
Bible study is very important. You must take time to read and study the word of God. You need to ask the Pastor or someone from the church about getting involved in a home Bible study or a new convert’s class right away. Do not wait, this is very important.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Many truly miss knowing the truth because they never study the word of God. There are people today who trust what others say more than looking into the scripture for them self. You must search the scriptures and read the word yourself.
Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, That thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Yes we must study the word! Just like the old saying “Never talk about politics an religion” the reason we fight over these two subjects is because there is little knowledge on either topic. Most people just believe the way Grandpa or Uncle George believes without ever studying for them self. The problem is we love Grandpa and Uncle George so we trust what they say instead of learning for our own knowledge.
Study thy word, there can be found the greatest truths you will ever know!
Prayer
This could be one of the most important things you learn as a new Christian. You must learn to pray. Prayer guides are the best way to learn how to pray as well as attending the prayer meetings at your local church. Many people fail to learn how to pray, the Apostles even asked Jesus to teach them to pray!
Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught His disciples.
2 Chronicles 7:17
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicket ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
To pray is to communicate with God. We need to develop a prayer communication with our savior as soon as possible. Pray often. Set aside time to pray and talk to God even if you are just learning. Just talk to Him like a friend. I assure you He is listening and He answers your prayers!
Fasting
Fasting is something that is very important in your new walk with God. Most people lack in fasting because it can be very hard. The important thing to remember is when we fast, we are getting our flesh or our humanity under subjection to God.
Mark 14:38
Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation, The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
Daniel 9:3
And i set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes
Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
During our time of fasting, God can deal with our true heart without our flesh getting in the way!
You will want to try and fast at least once a month. Talk to your Pastor about different types of fasting.
Faithfulness to Church
Being faithful to the House of God can be one of the hardest challenges you will face. Many people have a false belief that we do not need to go to church to be saved. Many make excuses why they cannot make it to every service and eventually find after missing a few services that they are back doing the old things they used to do.
The scripture is very clear on this subject.
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
This scripture os saying do not stay home when the church is meeting together for a service or function!
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We come to church to hear preaching and when we do it builds faith in us. Do you know what happens when we do not go and hear the word so we have faith?
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Yes we need to hear the word so we can have faith, because as the scripture says it’s impossible to please Him (God) without it!
Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Be faithful to each service, we need the fellowship, the preaching, and the faith it brings!
Giving
Giving is a very important part of living for God. The devil has allowed many men to do wrong and take advantage of people who have given. There are very dishonest people even who claim to be ministers or TV Evangelists. We must be careful in our giving that we do not cast our pearls before the swine.You are safe to give to the house of God where you attend. The Bible is clear on the blessings of those who give. We do not want to rob God or our self of the blessing we receive from giving.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; goo measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
We owe God one tenth of our increase. Each person should give back in tithes one tenth of their increase. Tithing is already God’s, we owe that back to Him, we are blessed the most on what we give over our ten percent. So if you make one hundred dollars, you owe God ten dollars. And if you want to be blessed you should give ten dollars plus what ever you feel is a good offering unto God over that. We should be very careful that we do not try and cheat or rob God in our giving. Never worry about what the church is doing with your offering. If the church would do wrong with your giving then they would be in danger of the wrath of God. We must never give with a bad attitude.
Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
We must also give in our time, try and give God as much of your time as possible. He will reward you!
Witnessing
The first thing most new born Christians want to do is tell others about what has happened in their lives! God has done a great work and saved you from the lake of fire and Hell. It is natural that you would want to tell people of what God has done. We must never stop telling people our testimony. In the Bible, there are two ways to defeat the devil. One is by the blood of the Lamb. When we are baptized in Jesus name the blood of the Lamb is applied in our life defeating the enemy! That is why the devil gets people to be baptized repeating the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost because the name of Jesus and the blood cannot be applied that way therefore never affecting him. But when the name of Jesus is called over us the blood of the Lamb is applied! The other way we defeat the enemy is by our testimony!
Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they love not their lives unto the death
That’s why the devil is always keeping us quiet from telling others what has happened in our life and also from witnessing! The Bible is clear, we shall become witnesses!
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth.
We are also warned that we must witness and warn people of the dangers of hell!
Ezekiel 3:18
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou gives him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
The scripture teaches us that he that wins souls is wise, what does that make he that does not win souls?
Holiness & Separation
Your life as a new Christian should change you from the inside out. You will learn to walk in a different light. The old things you used to thing were important will change. You will begin to think on spiritual things. You will also want to live your life different from the other people in the world. You will not want to look like the sinners and people in this world. You will want to live a life that is holy and separate from the old life and sin. Some of the places you used to go will not be appropriate any more, you do not want to be around some of the old places where you used to be in sin. You also will want to dress more like a Christian, talk like a Christian and act like a Christian. You will want the light of Jesus to shine through you.
2 Corinthians 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: