Introduction

[00:00:01] Introduction Choosing to follow Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make. [00:00:08] When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, something miraculous happens. He remakes you. You become a new creation. [00:00:16] As 2nd Corinthians 5:17 says, this means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. [00:00:24] The old life is gone and a new life has begun. [00:00:28] This is the start of a journey that will transform every aspect of your life. [00:00:33] As God begins the process of sanctifying you, making you into the person he created you to be, you did not earn your salvation. It was a gift. [00:00:44] Romans 6:23 says, for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. [00:00:53] Before entering into relationship with Jesus, we are spiritually dead in our sins, deserving death for the sins we've committed. [00:01:01] But Jesus died the death we deserved to die. [00:01:04] We cannot be good enough to earn salvation and we cannot be good enough to keep it. [00:01:10] Thankfully, Jesus is good enough to earn salvation for the whole world through his death and resurrection. We are set free from the bondage of sin and given new life. [00:01:21] Now through his grace, we are free to truly grow in faith and love to become who we were created to be. [00:01:29] This journey is full of blessings, challenges and new relationships. When you become a child of God, you're not only changed on the inside, but you also become part of his family, the Body of Christ. The Church Being part of the church is not something you only are on the weekends. It's much deeper than that. [00:01:48] The church is your family. [00:01:50] Give yourself fully to it. Build meaningful relationships, serve others and grow alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ. [00:01:58] Through these relationships and the work of the Holy Spirit, you will continue to be shaped and transformed. But this journey isn't always easy. Some changes will come quickly, while others will take time. [00:02:12] There will be challenges and unexpected pains along the way, but God will use all of it to accomplish good things in your life. [00:02:19] The world may offer temporary indulgences and distractions, but these only lead to short term pleasure and long term pain. In contrast, the life of following Jesus is not only good, it is the best life. It's a life of true fulfillment both now and for eternity. [00:02:38] This book will guide you through the essential aspects of living a life in relationship with Jesus. [00:02:43] On page 33, you will learn the importance of giving a testimony of your faith through water baptism. [00:02:50] On page 81, you will learn the importance of connecting with other Christians in life groups. On page 40, you will learn how to invest in your relationship with Jesus through prayer. [00:03:00] On page 44, you will learn the importance of getting to know God by reading the Bible. [00:03:06] On page 48, you will learn how to have meaningful devotional times with God. [00:03:11] On page 113, you will learn how accountability can help you stay on track on your growth journey. [00:03:17] On page 69, you will learn about the blessing that comes through generosity. [00:03:22] On page 72, you will learn how to fulfill your Christian mission by using your influence. And on page 122, you will read about some important next steps. [00:03:33] As you begin this journey of faith, know that you are not alone. [00:03:37] God is with you every step of the way, and so is our church family. We are here to support you, encourage you, and walk this path alongside you. Welcome to the Joy of new Life in Christ. [00:03:50] Pastor Mike.