Apicontent

“Will all my problems disappear now that I’m a Christian?”

Now that you are a Christian, Jesus is in you and with you. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords who has all authority in heaven and on earth. You were created by Him and for Him, and you have a relationship with this Wonderful Creator who knows all things. You have direct access to the Source of life, love, and light.

Life will still be hard, but now you are with Jesus.

[Shift your focus from your problems to God in “God in Times of Crisis“]

“What should I do about my old habits and sins?”

When you start feeling increasingly troubled or uncomfortable about your old habits and sins, that’s the Holy Spirit gently prompting you from within—like a tap on your shoulder. Respond to Him and deal with them.

[Learn more about overcoming old habits and sins in “Attitudes and Behavior“]

“How do I overcome temptations?”

God promises in His Word: “No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

[Learn more about “Resisting Temptation.”]

“Can I still spend time with my friends who aren’t Christians?”

When you spend time with your “old” friends who aren’t Christians, you will realize that you have changed and continue to change. Things you used to enjoy doing with your non-Christians may no longer interest you. You will discover that your deepest friendships and close community are with fellow believers who love and follow Jesus.

“I’m living with my partner, but we aren’t married. What should I do?”

God desires you to be holy because it is true freedom.

God instituted marriage to be a union between a man and a woman. Sex is His gift to marriage for oneness.

Because every situation is unique, we strongly encourage you to seek the wise advice of mature Christians you trust.

[Learn more about “Godly Relationships“]

“If I keep sinning, will God punish me, or will He still bless me?”

God loves you as His child and wants the best for you. Nothing can separate you from His love.

If you willfully live in sin, it will hinder your fellowship with God and can block His blessings. You will experience God’s fatherly discipline because He disciplines His children whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6).

“But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

[Learn “Spiritual Breathing” to maintain your fellowship with God]

Your Questions?

If you have questions, use the box below. I will respond to you in Messages. —Pastor Jon

“Can I follow Jesus by myself?”

When you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit brings you into the church (God’s family and Christ’s body), and you become a child of God and a member of His family. You have a new identity.

[Learn more about “Becoming the New You“]

So, following Jesus is a community effort, a family affair. You need the church, and the church needs you. You will get to know Jesus far better when you share your life with other Christians.

[Learn about “Why Church?“]

“Which church should I become part of?”

Finding a church is about joining a community where you share your everyday life with others, grow deeper in your faith together, and serve side by side on the same mission God has for His people, the church.

So, it’s okay if it takes time to find a church God has for you. One of the best ways is to ask Christians you know and trust. God often uses His people (followers of Jesus) to guide you.

[Learn about “Finding a Church“]

“Should I get baptized now?”

Normally, there is no reason to wait to be baptized. As soon as you are connected to a local church, you should ask the church leaders for their guidance about being baptized.

There are some situations where you need to delay your baptism. For example, you might live in an area with no church, or openly becoming a Christian could put your life in danger. In those cases, it would be best if you knew some Christians you trust. You can ask them for help and advice. Regardless, God is always with you. He will show you what to do and guide your next steps.

[Learn how “God Guides Your Steps“]

“Why are church people hypocritical?”

Failing to live up to God’s standards perfectly isn’t the same as hypocrisy. Apart from Christ, Christians cannot live a life pleasing to God. Our Heavenly Father has given us the Holy Spirit to rely on moment by moment to live like Jesus.

Hypocrisy is pretending to be something you’re not. It is offensive to God. Jesus harshly criticized the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-36).

No church community is perfect, but it can be healthy.

A healthy church puts Jesus at the center. It encourages and equips you “to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). In it, Christians mature in their faith. You will feel you truly belong, are known as who you are in Christ, and fruitfully participate in God’s works.

Your Questions?

If you have questions, use the box below. I will respond to you in Messages. —Pastor Jon

The best way to get to know Jesus better is through the Bible. Start with the Gospel of Mark (the shortest of the four Gospels), and then the Gospel of Luke. After that, read the Gospel of John, and lastly, the Gospel of Matthew. They are in the New Testament. They show you who Jesus is.

[Learn more about “The Bible“]

If you need a Bible, we recommend the NET (New English Translation) Bible on this JO App. The Bible is translated into many other languages if English is not your preferred language.

[Learn about the NET Bible]

The Bible is not a book of rules or a collection of life principles. It is God’s Word given to His people to tell us about Himself and His plan. The Holy Spirit speaks to you through the Bible.

[Learn about “The Bible – God’s Love Letter to You!“]

Another way you can get to know Jesus is through prayer. Prayer is a conversation with God. You can pray anytime, anywhere, out loud or silently, alone or with others.

[Learn more about prayer with “Prayer Starter“]

The third great way to know Jesus better is through other Christians. Jesus lives in them just as He lives in you.

God has made you part of His family, and being with other believers—sharing life, worshiping, learning, and being on God’s missions together—you’ll see Jesus in action more than you ever could alone.

[Learn more about “Living as God’s Family“]

Your Questions?

If you have questions, use the box below. I will respond to you in Messages. —Pastor Jon

In this journey with Jesus, God will help you in all your relationships.

1. Start with Love

God is love.

First and foremost, God wants you to experience and enjoy His love for you.

[Learn more about how to “Experience God’s Love”]

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). He also said that we prove ourselves to be the followers of Jesus if we love one another (John 13:35).

When you begin to experience God’s love for you, you can love others with His supernatural love.

[Learn more about how to “Radiate God’s Love”]

2. New You

You are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your past no longer defines you, and an abundant life with Jesus lies ahead. You have changed radically!

However, most of your current relationships remain unchanged. People in your circles may expect you to be the “old you” because that’s what they know about you, and sometimes, they would prefer your old ways.

This can create tensions.

3. Family, Friends & Neighbors

God wants you to love them with His supernatural love.

If they don’t understand your new life in Christ or are openly opposed to you, ask God for wisdom. Jesus knows your situations well and guides you moment by moment.

When they’re open, you can share your testimony with them. A Christian testimony is to tell others what God has done for you. You’re testifying to the reality of Jesus in your life. You can ask God for the right words to say.

[Learn more about “Your Personal Testimony“]

Most importantly, be an imitator of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) and let people around you see your Christ-like actions. They will know that God is real.

This is true with anyone in your daily life — at home, at work, at school, and in your community. Let your new life speak for itself.

4. New Relationships with Christians

Jesus also wants to bring you into new relationships with other Christians because you belong to God’s family.

This new community will encourage you, help you grow closer to Jesus, and give you strength to handle more difficult relationships in your life.

[Learn about “Living as God’s Family“]

5. Undesirable Relationships

Some of your current relationships may be unhealthy or even harmful, particularly for a new Christian to be in.

If you have the ability to do so, it is okay to distance yourself from them.

If you can’t change or avoid the situation, trust God to give you guidance, protection, wisdom, and strength to handle those now-challenging relationships. Jesus promises never to leave you or abandon you (Hebrews 13:5).

More Resource

>> Becoming the New You

Your Questions?

If you have questions, use the box below. I will respond to you in Messages. —Pastor Jon

“I’m afraid that my family and friends will judge or reject me.”

When you trust and choose Jesus even over your family and friends, He promises that you will never be alone (see Mark 10:30).

Your family or friends may not understand or may even oppose your new faith at first. But Jesus, who is in you, will give you His supernatural peace and promise to guide you.

Choosing Jesus does not mean disrespecting your parents. With His love in you, you can love and honor them even better than before.

“I’m worried I’ll be persecuted for my faith.”

Take heart. When you face persecution, God will give you amazing grace, unshakable courage, and supernatural strength in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus knows persecution firsthand and says: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

“I’m afraid I will never be a ‘perfect Christian’.”

God always provides you with the means to accomplish what He asks you to do.

God has given every Christian, including you, the Holy Spirit so that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Living a Christian life like Jesus is impossible in our own strength and effort. He wants us to rely on the Holy Spirit.

[Learn more about “The Holy Spirit“]

“Do I have to give up everything in my old life?”

God knows you best and wants you to have the abundant life Jesus promised. He wants you to become the person He intended you to be so that you can do what He has designed you to do. When God asks you to give up something, He is changing you into the person you are meant to be.

[Learn more about “Becoming the New You“]

Your Questions?

If you have questions, use the box below. I will respond to you in Messages. —Pastor Jon