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# Basic Christian: (Growth & Maturity) I am a Christian now what do I do?

## Congratulations on accepting Jesus as God and your Savior!

> JOHN 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Having now given your life to the Lord Jesus you might have the feeling of what do I do now? Here are some simple guidelines of what to do next to help you grow in your loving relationship with God the Lord Christ Jesus.

## Love God and Love Mankind

> Deuteronomy 6:5/Luke 10:27
> Love the Lord with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all your strength and with all of your mind, and, Love your neighbor as yourself.

Love means "commitment to the highest good" to love is to commit to the highest good that is possible for another person. The greatest love and highest commitment possible is a relationship with God in Jesus Christ.

## READ THE BIBLE

> JOHN 1:1
> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

It is crucial to read the Bible especially in today's hectic society. Unfortunately you will not get God's word reinforced to you on the nightly news, or in any other segment of society. Reading daily, even one or two sentences in the morning and evening will help to fill your days with God's inspiration and love.

The Bible is God's actual word.
The Bible has been remarkably well preserved and is an accurate translation of what God intends for us to know about him.

## PRAY

> 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18
> Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer is our way of communicating with God. As with any relationship communication is crucial. Prayer isn't the only thing Christians have; but it is the best thing we have. While God desires to do many things for us He will not do some of them unless we specifically ask Him in prayer. Jesus said "you have not because you ask not."

## FELLOWSHIP / ATTEND CHURCH

> ACTS 2:46
> Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God.

Fellowship, attending church and other Christian functions is an anchor for our faith. Being around other Christians is the best way to see how God is working in the lives of other people, and it is the best way to be strengthened and built up in your own Christian walk.

## ABIDE / STAY OBEDIENT IN CHRIST

> PSALMS 46:10
> Be still, and know that I am God

In becoming a Christian you now have the strength through Jesus to overcome worldly problems and addictions. Yes - it is necessary to turn from past deeds. Deeds that inside your heart you known to be wrong, even slightly wrong.

## PROCLAME YOUR FAITH in JESUS

> MATTHEW 10:27
> Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men I will disown him before My Father in heaven.

## COMMON MYTHS AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT BEING A CHRISTIAN

#### I'LL first clean up myself, then present myself to the Lord and to His Church

Only God has the ability to forgive sin and the ability to cleanse us from our sin. When we come to Jesus, we come directly to God, and not to man. God then instructs us through the Bible in how to have a relationship with Himself.

#### I'LL worship God in my own unique way

We worship God in His glory. We want to be recognized for who we are and likewise we should recognize God for who God is. That means worshiping God the way He has asked us to worship Him in the Bible.

#### Christianity is the easy way out and once I accept Jesus my life will be a breeze

Not necessary the case: while accepting Jesus does give us great peace, like knowing that when you die you will go to heaven. At times your faith in Jesus will require great endurance, as your faith is put to the test. We walk with Jesus by faith and not by emotions, because our faith will endure while our emotions fluctuate and change daily.

Remember Jesus loves us and is in heaven right now praying for us.

> JEREMIAH 29:11-13
> For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.

God Loves you, and wants to have a relationship with you, and like every relationship, it takes two individuals. Any relationship is only as good as the effort that is put into it by the individuals involved. Put some effort into a relationship with God, and be Truly Blessed.

God Bless You!
David Anson Brown

Criteria for Christian Baptism

1. The person being baptized confesses a personal individual faith in Jesus Christ [the Apostles' Creed, a Psalm or a Bible verse can be read or recited]. Acknowledging the sinless Divine life, sacrificial atoning death on the cross and three days later the resurrection [eternal life] of Jesus Christ.
2. The person administering the baptism is to baptize in the Name of God the Father, the Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit [not in the name of any individual, group or denomination] i.e. (Matthew 28:18-20) "I baptize you in the Name of God the Father, the beloved Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit."
3. The water baptism event [submerging into water] signifies our (dying) death and burial to this world (sin and death) while then [emerging from the water] signifies our own personal resurrection with eternal life in Jesus Christ entering into a new life in the eternal Kingdom of God.
4. Note: The water baptism [and accompanying confession of faith] is the Biblical public confession of faith for each individual Christian and is not to be confused with an alter call that although being a public stand it is not in its entirety the Biblical confession of faith.

> Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them [Disciples], saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach [Disciple] all Nations, *baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son [Jesus], and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

> 1 Corinthians 15:12-26 Now if Christ be preached that He [Jesus] rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man [Adam] came death, by man [Jesus] came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His [2nd] coming. Then cometh the end [of mans' seperation from God], when He [Jesus] shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He [Jesus] shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

> 1 Corinthians 15:35-50 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest [seeds of plants] is not quickened [sprouted], except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain [seed], it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a [flower] body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial [stars] bodies, and bodies [planets - moons] terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It [human body] is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, *that [physical] flesh and blood cannot inherit the [sternal] Kingdom of God; neither doth [sin] corruption inherit [heaven] incorruption.

> Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam He [God] said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: *for [bodily] dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

> Matthew 17:1-8 And after six days [six, incomplete not yet a permanent transfiguration] Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart [outside of Israel], And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses [Law] and Elias (Elijah) [Prophets] talking with Him. ... While he (Peter) yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I Am well pleased; hear ye Him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise [Resurrection], and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. - Note: Jesus was without sin and therefore could be bodily Transfigured something sinful humans cannot do we need to first die and separate from our physical body of sin (Romans 8:3) and then we Christians receive our new transfigured (1 Corinthians 15:35-55) bodies.

> Colossians 2:6-17 As ye [Christian] have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and [established] stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in [Jesus] Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are [spiritually] circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision [new heart; mind, soul and spirit] of Christ: *Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen [resurection] with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened [made alive] together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; And having spoiled [Satanic] principalities and [Demonic] powers, He [Jesus] made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat [food], or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [essence of reality] is of Christ.

Criteria for Christian Communion

1. First the 'body' (of Jesus Christ) bread [wafer] is to be unleavened (sinless), unsweetened (reality), salt (preserved), holes (pierced) and browned (bruised).
2. Second the 'blood' (of Jesus Christ) cup [grape juice, wine] is to be mingled (combined) 1/3 water with 2/3 grape [fruit of the vine]. Use three separate glasses or containers, 1 with water, 1 with grape, 1 empty. Then pour [mingle] at the same time both the grape and the water into the empty cup creating the cup of 2/3 grape mingled with 1/3 water. 3. Reading a Bible verse or passage provides the 3rd element of Communion the element of the Word of God being the Spirit of God.
3. Reading a Bible verse or passage provides the 3rd element of Communion the element of the Word of God being the Spirit of God.
4. Note: When the Communion bread is lifted up blessed, exalted and broken it represents the physical body of Jesus Christ on the cross then when the bread is eaten (consumed, eternalized) it represents the Spiritual [resurrection] body of Jesus Christ. Likewise when the Communion blood is mingled [grape, water] it represents the physical blood and water of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross [after His death - by the spear wound (John 19:34-35)] for the remission of our sins and then when the blood is drink (consumed, eternalized) it represents the resurrection eternal life Spiritual blood of Jesus Christ. Both [the one body] the physical (earthly) body of Jesus Christ and His eternal Spiritual Resurrection [bodily resurrection] of Jesus Christ [along with our new eternal spiritual body in Jesus Christ] are represented in the one Communion of bread and wine (grape).

> Matthew 26:26-29 And as they were eating, Jesus took [Communion] bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the Disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My Body. And He took the [Communion] cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed [after the atoning death on the cross] for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that [Heavenly] day when I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom.

> 1 Corinthians 11:23 For I [Apostle Paul] have received of the Lord [Jesus] that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus *the same night in which He was betrayed [by Judas] took bread ... - Note: The Communion represents and is a part of the Levitical Feats of "The Lord's Passover" Jesus was betrayed on the night of the Passover Feast [14th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:5]. The very next day, the day of the crucifixion (cross) of Jesus is the Levitical Feast the "Feast of Unleavened Bread" [15th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:6] then that first day of the week [Sunday] is the Feast of Firstfruits [Leviticus 23:7] - Jesus Resurrected on Sunday the Feast of Firstfruits and began (John 20:22) to give individually to each one of His disciples the Firstfruits of His Holy, eternal resurrection life - Romans 8:23 And not only they [all of creation groans for redemption], but ourselves also, which have *the Firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption [from Children of God to Sons of God], to wit, the redemption of our body.

> Christian Communion - The New Testament - The body [both the physical and the resurrection body of Jesus] and the blood [both the physical blood and the resurrection - eternal life, spiritual blood] of Jesus Christ: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 For I [Apostle Paul] have received of the Lord [Jesus] that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is *My body [representing both the physical body and resurrection (spiritual) body of Jesus], which [physical body] is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood [both physical blood and resurrection Spirit-life blood]: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. *For as often as ye eat *this [unleavened] bread, and drink this [grape and water mingled] cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily [thinking they are not a sinner], shall be guilty of the [sacrifice for our sins] body and blood of the Lord. **But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, **not discerning the Lord's body [that the physical body of Jesus was given physically for our sin on the cross (redemption) and that the Spiritual body of Jesus is given to us from His eternal life resurrection (Salvation)]. For this cause [not knowing that the same body of Jesus from the cross is the same body that resurrected and is for our eternal, resurrection life, salvation] many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep [are unaware of the power and of the pending resurrection in our own life]. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened (Hebrews 12:6) of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. - Note: The 'cup' is in reference to both the physical life-blood and the Spiritual life-blood of Jesus. The Communion of Jesus Christ represents both the body on the cross and the resurrection life body of Jesus. The New Testament - The Communion of Jesus Christ represents both the Redemption (cross) and Salvation (resurrection) body of Jesus Christ. - Also Note: Jesus being without sin in His body (Matthew 17:2), bodily resurrected in His same body. We having sin our own physical body we vacate our physical body and it returns to dust [Genesis 3:19] then we each receive a new spiritual body - not a new physical body [not a reincarnation of a physical body] but a new eternal spiritual body for the purposes of our [continuing] eternal spiritual life.

Christian Living - Can I take communion at home like the disciples did? YES! - Communion brings you closer to the Lord as it is to be a proclamation of what Jesus did for you - your mind and heart become saturated with the truth of who Jesus is and all that His blood purchased for you - We pay tribute and honor to Jesus when we remember Him via administering communion to [ourselves and or] one another
"Can I take communion at home like the disciples did?" YES! I will give you the scriptures that support my answer. I am familiar with the practices that surround the modern day observance of the Lord's Supper...taking communion during special times of the year, taking communion to signify the beginning of certain seasons & celebrations...and the administering of communion just before one passes from this world. I'd like to start by telling you a few inportant things concerning communion..the Lord's Supper..the meal that heals. Communion brings healing to your body..wholeness to your life. Communion brings you closer to the Lord as it is to be a proclamation of what Jesus did for you..your mind and heart become saturated with the truth of who Jesus is and all that His blood purchased for you. We pay tribute and honor to Jesus when we remember Him via administering communion to [ourselves and or] one another..our family, our friends, our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Quite often I have wondered (other Christian's have as well) why the modern Church doesn't seem to have all that which the early Church had..the power of God on their lives, the stick-to-it-ness or longevity when it comes to serving the Lord. I mean, we pray, we fast, we worship, we read the Bible..and yet, something seems to be missing. The answer? Daily communion [or weekly, or occasional comunion]. The New Testament believers (who were the Body of Christ..as we are today) met in one anothers home daily and did what Paul (in 1 Cor. 11:26) instructed them to do: "For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until He comes again. While it is common practice to take communion in a church (like you mentioned having done) we know that the Church is really the Body of Christ Jesus...the New Testament believers gathered daily..ate together daily..observed the Lord's Supper daily. Keeping Jesus (and everything Jesus did) in the forefront of their lives made them strong as a family..communion, prayer, worship & the teaching of Jesus' words became the glue that held the early Church together...and it is no different for us today. [article link]

Communion Bread Recipe
Communion Bread Recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup Water (cold), 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 6 tablespoons Olive Oil, 2 cups Whole Wheat Bread Flour [unleavened - no yeast]. -- Directions: Blend first three ingredients (water, salt, oil) in blender or beat vigorously in a bowl until white. Pour into flour and mix. Turn out onto floured board and knead for 5 minutes. Roll out to 1/4-inch thick {or thinner}, mark {a cross and or squares} lightly with a pizza cutter {or a knife}, cutting most squares almost through, but leaving some to be broken {off later - if necessary for Church} by {Church} Elders {also make pierce marks or holes with a fork}. -- Bake at 275:F degrees until nicely browned; (about 45 minutes to 1 hour). Note: Leftovers are traditionally burned or buried [it's not necessary and some or all of the bread can also be eaten by itself apart from Communion as a regular flatbread and also as a bread in a fellowship with God (break bread with God) meal/snack i.e. with cheese, smoked fish, sausage, olives, artichokes or other items and snacks, possibly including (unwatered) regular grape juice {juice can of course be watered down (and probably should) but not mingled like Communion wine just watered down to taste} or wine (if preferred) to drink]. Source: Adapted from Eat for Strength - Agatha M. Thrash, M.D. This recipe from CDKitchen for Communion Bread serves/makes 200. [article link]

Baking Stone - Do you have a stone oven? We don't - But we make "stone oven" pizzas, *flatbreads [Communion Bread], and hearth breads with this pizza baking stone
For the absolutely crispiest-crusted pizza and bread. Do you have a stone oven? We don't. But we make "stone oven" pizzas, flatbreads, and hearth breads with this pizza baking stone. Brick-oven baking stone absorbs the oven's heat, then transfers it to bread. Moisture disperses out through the crust, making terrific, light-textured breads and pizzas with an incredible crackly-crunchy crust. ... Cook's Illustrated Top Choice! "We tested 10 baking stones and came to prefer a fairly large one (16 by 14 inches is ideal) with smooth edges. The Baker's Catalogue Baking Stone's moderate weight and ample size make it our favorite." [article link]

## Articles

heartlight.org - My Utmost for His Highest: March 29, 2008 - Our Lord's Surprise Visits "Be ye therefore ready also" Luke 12:40 - If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious (that is, using religion as a higher kind of culture) and be spiritually real
The great need for the Christian worker is to be ready to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience is. The battle is not against sin or difficulties or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in work that we are not ready to face Jesus Christ at every turn. That is the one great need, not the facing our belief, or our creed, the question whether we are of any use, but to face Him. Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord's surprise visits. It is not service that matters, but intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This will give our life the attitude of child-wonder which He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious (that is, using religion as a higher kind of culture) and be spiritually real. If you are "looking off unto Jesus," avoiding the call of the religious age you live in, and setting your heart on what He wants, on thinking on His line - you will be called unpractical and dreamy; but when He appears in the burden and the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. Trust no one, not even the finest saint who ever walked this earth, ignore him, if he hinders your sight of Jesus Christ. [article link]

Discipleship Library - As many messages as possible, from Christian speakers in disciplemaking ministry, are being archived in digital form and made freely available on the Internet (Mp3's - PDF's)
Your online source for the very best in Christian discipleship training resources. We're digitizing thousands of classic studies that have been presented over the last 60 years and will be making them available for online training or downloading to your multimedia-ready computer. [article link]

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