At this moment, somewhere on earth, there is a new believer who has repentance and faith in Christ. Someone just got saved as we speak and as I share this ministry. Even Paul, the author of more books of the New Testament than anyone else, was a new believer at one time. The book of Acts, penned by the Gentile physician Luke, offers insight into this apostle of Christ’s early beginnings. Acts 9:6. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me do? Notice he didn’t start with the word Savior, but the word Lord. Christ Jesus wasn’t just Paul’s Savior, but he was Paul’s Sovereign, and he obeyed his Lord from that moment until he was martyred.
Paul’s early steps are ones all new believers should be encouraged to follow. Acts 9:11. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas, for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth. Every young believer should be found praying in Thanksgiving and for Direction. Acts 9:18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and rose, and was baptized. Every young believer should be baptized. Sadly, I’ve seen young people needlessly delay the public declaring of their salvation in Christ for reasons only known to them. Babes in Christ, please step out in faith and be baptized.
Acts 9:20. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. All believers, by word or deed need to preach Christ and him crucified. When I was first saved, I made the mistake of acting like a bull in the china shop when sharing Christ. Later, I learned to pray silently after God opened the door for me. Then, I would use the Scriptures to convey the salvation message kindly and humbly to the seeking or needy soul. Acts 9:27. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way. Every new believer needs to find a place to worship and learn the things of God and his Christ. Acts 9:28-29. And he was with them, coming in and out at Jerusalem. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. Every new believer should continue steadfastly in the faith and at the gathering where the Lord has led him or her. At conversion, every believer should ask, “What must I do, Lord”? Follow what the apostle Paul did: Pray, Be Baptized, Share Christ, Gather, and Be Steadfast, knowing God may have chosen you to bless others also, for the days are evil, and the Lord is coming back soon. God bless, Deacon-X.
