CONGRATULATIONS!

We would like to be the first to congratulate you on making the best decision of your life.

Now you may have a million and one questions running though you mind like…

I’m Saved, what does that mean?

You were a sinner (someone who was far from God) but you’ve realised and accepted that you can’t do this thing called life in your own strength, so you’ve called out for help and accepted Jesus as your Lord to lead you in his wonderful truth, down a new path. He saved you (brought you close) because of His love, by His grace and now not only do you have a lifelong companion, teacher and mentor, you have access to eternal life.

(Ephesians 2:8-10) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Am I Meant To Feel Any Different?

Well some people do and others don't, let’s not start this journey by comparing ourselves to anyone else. What’s most important is that you’ve made an exciting decision that takes faith and trust in God. Being saved isn’t just a feeling, granted there will be days you will feel the undeniable warmth, love and closeness of God but there will also be days where life circumstances will make you feel the total opposite! In those times it’s important to remember that following Jesus is a choice that you’ve made and will continue to make and that choice should be fuelled by the knowledge of God’s word, that He loves You and He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

What’s Next?

Now you are a part of this ever growing Kingdom family, it’s important just like a child to develop your royal IDENTITY. What does that look like: First understand you are a King AND Priest which means you are chosen, royal, priestly, holy, and God’s very own child!

(1 Peter 2:9) …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

(Romans 8:17) And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.

How Do I Read The Bible, where do I start?

We know how easy it is to get overwhelmed thinking about where to start, and we wouldn’t want that, so why not start with the book of John, it sets out plainly who Jesus is, what he did and what he requires from us. If we’re to follow him, we should get to know him.

There are also loads of resources out there, we recommend downloading the YouVersion App - read a verse a day, find a bible plan on any topic that you’re interested in, use the community around you, most importantly be patient with yourself, you’re building a new habit but one that will serve you forever!

How Do I Pray?

Prayer is a conversation, meaning it goes two ways - there is a time to speak and a time to listen, make sure you give room for both!

(Matthew 6:5-13) 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen

Am I Meant To Now Live A Perfect Life?

Yes & No. We are humans and our natural inclination is wired towards that which doesn't please God and He understands that, but His word tells us that we cannot stay the same. We are becoming daily like Him and if He is perfect we too can strive towards perfection. Will we always get it right? No, but we can try and that’s why we ask for help

(Romans 12:2) And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

What Do I Do With My Addictions & Habits?

It may sound simple but give it all to God. You took this step because you realised that you couldn't do it alone, so let him guide you. He has given you a new family, a community you can turn to, learn from and grow with in other words Jesus & Therapy!

(1 Peter 2:24) He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been healed.

(1 Peter 5:7) casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]