“A New Life”
In the 24 years since I graduated college, I have moved 18 times–8 of which were major moves to different states! It was not because we were in the military, rather we were seeking to have a more “successful” life by following job opportunities.
I know too well what it is like to start over and make a “new life”. It is not easy, especially after the 18th time. At first there is an excitement about what that potential new life may hold, yet when the reality of moving hits that excitement often fades. When there is nothing or no one familiar to you, it can be overwhelming and even disheartening!
Likewise, when people become “born again” and begin a new life in Christ, it is often unclear how to live this new life or what it truly entails. Generally, they know their sins are forgiven and they are now going to heaven and not hell, but everything else often looks and feels the same. They are told to go to church, to read the Bible and serve, because that is what Christians do. However, they are often not taught about what they have received through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, nor understand how God’s Kingdom works. Usually, there is no one to come beside them to explain these truths, so they navigate on their own and try to figure things out. The “formula” of what to do and how to behave differently only helps for a while, but eventually they feel powerless, alone and very confused. They may continually “repent” for their sins but don’t know how to change their thoughts or beliefs to experience freedom and victory.
Unfortunately, the majority of new believers are not discipled or mentored, and wind up being saved, but stuck. They don’t experience transformation or the abundant life that Christ offers. I know what this is like personally, as I experienced this the first 13 years of my “new Christian life”. However, I also know the value of a mentor, one who will come beside you and help “unveil the mysteries” of God’s Word to heal the brokenness of life. We need to grow in wisdom and understanding, and we need others to help us in that process!
Going to church one day a week will not be enough for a new Believer to have the quality of life here on earth that is available to them. This burden cannot just be placed on a pastor. We are called the Body of Christ and Jesus commanded us as believers to go into all of the world and make disciples, teaching people God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 28:19-20)
My heart’s cry is for all Christians to be discipled; to be taught how to have a close, personal relationship with the living God, so they can experience joy and victory in every area of their lives. The Bible makes it very clear that we are transformed when turn from the world’s way of thinking and living, and turn to God’s Word to reprogram the way we think.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2, New Living Translation
Fred and I have begun this ministry to help others do just this.