Establishing New Christians
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· 14 viewsHow we ought to be leading new converts
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21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Introduction:
Introduction:
I remember the proud moment of holding each of our four children for the first time. There's something about holding a new baby that brings such joy. As you look at that tiny infant, you realize how vulnerable they are. You feel the weight of responsibility as you realize that they depend on you to be cared for and protected, nurtured. and sheltered.
The same is true of a new Christian. The moment a person trusts Christ as their Saviour, they are born again-a newborn babe in Christ. As a child of God, they receive all the rights and privileges associated with being “in Christ" But just like a new baby, they don't even know what they have been given...or how vulnerable they are.
Satan immediately works to undermine a new Christian's confidence in the gospel, in the promises of God, and in their decision to trust Christ. He tempts them to think that their old life was better and that it is impossible to live for Christ. He sends false teachers to draw them into cult teachings.
What does all of this have to do with soulwinning?
Everything. Because the Great Commision does not just instruct us to teach the gospel, but it also instructs us to establish new believers-to encourage them to be baptized and to teach them "all things whatsoever have commanded you³ (Matthew 28:20).
When you have the privilege of leading someone to Christ, your investment in their life has only just begun. We see this so clearly in the Apostle Paul's life. Although Paul was aggressive in his determination to Preach the gospel new cities- Places where people had never even heard of Christ (Romans 15:20)-he was also faithful to go back those he had led to the Lord and teach them how to live their new lives in Christ. He worked to ground them in their faith and connect them to the local church He had a passion to see people saved and growing in the Lord.
Consider, for instance when Paul preached in Lystra in Acts 14. There, he led people to Christ, but when unbelieving Jews who hated Paul's message showed up on the scene, they persuaded the people" to stone Paul and only left him once they believed he was dead.
Hours later, however, Paul got up and, with a broken, aching body, went on to Derbe to preach the gospel. In this, we see Paul’s fervency to reach unsaved people with the message of salvation. But from Derbe, Paul couldn't forget those who had recently been saved in Lystra. So he returned to the very city where he had just been persecuted to follow up on these new converts- to confrm them in the faith. From Lystra, he backtracked further to other cities where he had led people to Christ -Iconium and Antioch.
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Every new Christian needs to be confirmed --that is, to be established. They need someone to care enough to give hem spiritual encouragement, support, instruction, and grounding. If we only lead people to Christ, but we do not help strengthen them in the faith, We are not fulfilling all of the Great Commission. So just how do we confirm people? What does the process of biblical growth look like? Why do new Christians need to be established in their faith?
This morning we'll look at how to leave a newly-saved Christian with assurance of salvation, how to lead them in Christian growth, and how to help them come full circle in being able to lead others to Christ.
I. Early Instruction
I. Early Instruction
When someone comes to faith in Christ, they need immediate guidance to establish a strong spiritual foundation. Now that you have led someone to Christ. What do they need to know? What can you do to help them grow in their faith? Conversations about these four areas ought to take place either immediately after salvation or in a follow up visit soon after.
A. Assurance of Salvation
The moment a person is saved, they received the gift of eternal life...
This is also the moment that Satan begins working to undermine their faith. It is perfectly common for new Christians to experience doubt or confusion early on...
God Promises to Save All Who Call on Him for Salvation
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Salvation is not based on feelings but on the promises of God’s Word (John 6:37
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
2. Eternal Life is Forever
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
A believer’s salvation is secure in Christ; it is not something that can be lost.
3. Being Born Again Makes You Part of God's Family
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Just as a physical birth cannot be undone, neither can spiritual birth John 3:3
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
New Christians should know that God is now their Father, and they are His children forever.
B. Baptism
Baptism is an Identification
Romans 6:3-4 – Baptism symbolizes the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
It publicly identifies a person as a follower of Jesus… Walking in newness of life is basically stating...
2. Baptism is for Every Christian
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Every believer in the early church was baptized after salvation...
3. Baptism Should Be by Immersion
The biblical model of baptism is full immersion, following Jesus’ example (Matthew 3:16
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
The Greek word for baptism (baptizo) means to “immerse” or “dip.”
3. Baptism Should Take Place Soon After Salvation
Acts 8:36-38 – The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized immediately after believing.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Delaying baptism can hinder a new believer’s growth and obedience.
C. Bible Reading and Prayer
Bible reading nourishes the soul (Matthew 4:4
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Encourage new Christians to start with the Gospel of John, Romans, Psalms and Proverbs are also great books to keep apart of your new journey...
2. Prayer is communication with God
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Teach them how to pray daily.
Help them memorize key verses (Psalm 119:11
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.
D. Church Attendance
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The local church provides teaching, fellowship, encouragement, and accountability.
New Christians should commit to faithful church attendance to grow in their faith.
II. Nurturing Growth
II. Nurturing Growth
New believers must be nurtured so they can grow in faith and maturity.
A. Fellowship and Hospitality
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
IN other words, encouraging one another in Christian growth is to be apart of what it means to assemble together. There is no better time to build these relationships than immediately after someone is saved...
Fellowship strengthens believers through encouragement and accountability. Hospitality fosters relationships—invite them to meals, small groups, or church gatherings...
B. Church Involvement
One of the most important truths to remember for a soulwinner who is encouraging a new convert is the importance of the local church in the life of every believer. A soulwinner should be aware of being the only point of spiritual influence in a young christian’s life. Although your friendship is vital, they need a local church as well. They need a Pastor, Bible preaching, bible studies and accountability, and a church family...
“There ought to be a good Godly pressure.”
Encourage new Christians to serve in small ways (greeting, ushering, assisting in events).
Being active in church helps them feel a sense of belonging and purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The bible makes it clear that we are many members within the body...
C. Discipleship
Biblically speaking, a disciple is a committed follower of Christ, and discipleship is a life-long process of growth.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
One-on-one mentoring
Invest time in teaching a new Christian foundational truths.
Structured Bible studies
Help them develop a deeper understanding of Scripture.
Accountability partnerships
Encourage them to grow spiritually with a trusted mentor.
Any investment that you make in the life of a young christian, is a worthwhile investment.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
III. Committed to Multiplication
III. Committed to Multiplication
Mature believers should not only grow in their faith but also help others do the same.
A. Intentional Involvement
Encourage a New Christian to Invite Others to Church
John 1:41-42 – Andrew brought Peter to Jesus.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
New believers are often excited about their faith—help them share it with others.
2. Invite a New Christian to Go Soul-Winning with You
Teach by example—let them see how you share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Offer to Help a New Christian Share the Gospel
Provide them with gospel tracts.
Help them practice a simple gospel presentation.
B. Private Prayer
Encourage them to pray for lost souls, opportunities to witness, and strength to remain faithful (Colossians 4:2-3
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Prayer deepens their dependence on God in soul-winning efforts.
C. Faithful Testimony
Remain Faithful as a Christian
A new Christian watches the lives of mature believers.
Be an example in conduct, speech, love, and faith (1 Timothy 4:12
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
2. Remain Faithful as a Soul-Winner
Evangelism is not just for pastors or leaders—it’s for every believer (Acts 1:8
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
A consistent testimony strengthens your witness.
Conclusion
Conclusion
New Christians need guidance to grow in their faith.
Mature believers must take responsibility to disciple and establish them.
The goal is multiplication—new believers becoming disciple-makers.
Call to Action:
Will you commit to nurturing a new believer?
Will you remain faithful in soul-winning and discipleship?
