Fresh Start With Godنموونە

Congratulations on accepting Jesus. Now it's all about living out that fresh start and beginning to live the way God wants you to live. Today, we'll talk about some foundational principles that will help you start to grow and get your new life in Jesus off to a great start.

Water Baptism - Whenever someone makes this decision I encourage them to get water baptized. It's all about letting everyone know you're leaving the old behind and stepping into the new life God has for you. Water baptism is a way for believers to outwardly express what God has done in their hearts and lives in the presence of other believers. It's a declaration, "The old life is gone, my new life in Christ has begun, and I am not going back."

Transformation: The Key to Lasting Change - I'm sure you've noticed that all of your problems didn't just disappear after you prayed that salvation prayer. The truth is, this life you live for God is a journey, and even though you are saved and full of the presence of God, you will now need God's help to transform your life.

When we make a fresh start and accept Jesus, the Bible teaches that we are born again–a new you is born. The problem is the old you, the sin nature, remains and these two are in conflict. "For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:17). Everyone deals with this conflict. In fact, the Apostle Paul referred to this conflict as "the good fight of faith" because even though it's a conflict it is a good one!

The part God wants to change is our soul. That means the way we think, the way we feel, and our choices. Here are a few things to remember.

It is God himself who changes us. We can't change ourselves. Press into Him and you will find that He will start changing you.

He is the God of peace. The process of becoming like God doesn't have to be an anxious, frustrating process. God's work of change in your life flourishes when you learn to relax, stay in a peaceful place, and let Him have His way in your life.

God is thorough. He wants to sanctify or change you through and through so that you never go backward. He's an "all the way" God, working carefully and completely to transform your life.

How does God bring change?

God's Word - The Bible is God's Word to us. It is our ultimate authority for life and godliness, and it is the greatest tool in God's hand to bring change in our lives. That means in order to see change happen in our lives, we have to get rid of old thought patterns and start thinking in a new way. Consider the kind of messages that you're putting into your mind. Are they taking your life where you want to go? Renewing our minds is the key to experiencing a life filled with the freedom, wholeness and peace that God intends for us. The most powerful tool in renewing our minds and breaking free from old thinking patterns is God's Word. And that's why you should read the Bible every day. It has a cleansing and empowering effect on our lives.

God's People - When I think of how God has changed me, the impact on my life through relationships has been enormous. One of the most important things we can do is open our lives to the right people and let them teach us, encourage us and give us advice. You need to submit your life in two ways. First, to the pastors and leaders in your local church. Second, to Christian friends who are on the journey with you and are headed in the same direction.

God's Voice - God speaks to us by the Holy Spirit in our heart. Sometimes it's like we are hearing a whisper in our heart, other times it is just a sense or conviction of what we are supposed to do, something we shouldn't do or something we should stop doing. God's voice will never contradict His Word. He will never ask you to do something that doesn't agree with what the Bible says.

To grow spiritually, we need to be free. Spiritual freedom brings spiritual maturity. It comes as we allow God to change and transform our lives through His Word, His people, and His voice. Transformation doesn't happen overnight. Becoming more like Jesus is a journey you will be on for the rest of your life. God is in control and He is working in your life, even if you can't see it or feel it. Commit to doing your part and I can assure you God will do His!

Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of your life do you need God to bring change?

2. Does your view of God line up with what you read about Him in the Bible?

3. What are some specific ways of thinking that you need to change?

4. A life-giving church and healthy church leaders are some of the greatest catalysts for change in our lives. What practical steps do you need to take to make church a priority and open your life to leaders and friends who can help you grow wiser and stronger?