Good Advice to New Christians

Steve Nale

If called upon to give some good, practical advice to a new Christian, what would you say? That might seem to be a very simple thing to do until you are put in the position of actually giving the advice yourself! One might suggest, "Read your Bible daily." Another, "Attend all the services of the church." Still another might suggest, "Listen to the counsel of the elders, attend gospel meetings, and study with a mature Christian in whom you have confidence." All of these suggestions are good, but the "doing" of them is the product of something even more basic. What we are referring to may be found in Acts 11:23.

The eleventh chapter of Acts discusses the dispersion of Christians which occurred during the persecution which arose in conjunction with Stephen's preaching. Christians in Judea were scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch (of Syria). Those in Antioch converted a lot of folks. This news, reaching the brethren in Jerusalem, prompted them to send Barnabas to encourage the brethren there. Note verse 23: "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord."

A new Christian simply needs to be encouraged to "cleave to the Lord." Let's notice what this entails.

First, the new Christian must put service to Christ and His church FIRST in his/her life. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (NKJV) New Christians need to be impressed with the fact that service to Christ means changing priorities. They must set their priorities in line with Christ's priorities, not vice versa.

Second, the new Christian must be advised that total commitment to Christ is required in order to be His servant. In Luke 14:33 Jesus said, "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."(NKJV) A Christian cannot be a "fence straddler." The Christian cannot compromise his service to Christ by trying to serve "conditionally." James reminds us that "friendship with the world is enmity with God." (James 4:4)

Thirdly, the new Christian needs to be advised to take his/her commitment to Christ seriously. The Hebrew writer reminds us that our level of commitment has a direct affect on others and that the faithfulness of other Christians can be directly affected by our example. (Hebrews 10: 23-25)

Fourth, the new Christian needs to be encouraged to observe ALL of Christ's commands. Jesus, after giving His apostles the great commission to take the gospel to the whole world said," ...teaching them (new Christians [my addition, sn]) to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (NKJV) The Christian cannot "pick and choose" which of Christ's commands he/she wishes to obey. We must obey ALL!

Finally, the new Christian needs to desire and receive exhortation daily. Through the association with faithful Christians, God has provided the avenue for our spiritual growth (Heb. 10: 25; Acts 2:46,47). This is God's Way; let us have the determination to follow!