Ten Essentials for New ChristiansSample

#10: Help Others Love God

Whether they are family members, friends, or strangers, God wants you to love others to the extent that you do not want them to go through life without realizing, understanding, and accepting the deep love God has for them. And if that’s not enough motivation for you to tell others about Jesus, we’ll put it a little more bluntly: You should love them too much to see them separated from the love of God for eternity in hell.

Jesus didn’t come into the world to judge the world but to save the world. He demonstrated his love for us by laying down his life for us so that we could be saved. The least we can do is to tell our family, friends, and neighbors about the greatest love in the world.

You might think that this is an assignment that is outside your comfort level and beyond your capabilities. You are correct. This is a big deal. It is huge. So, never forget that God has equipped you with his Holy Spirit. Rely on that supernatural power as you share Christ’s love.

“[D]on’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said (Luke 12:11-12).”

Q&A

What About Spiritual Warfare?

The Bible says that spiritual warfare is a real deal. There is a cosmic battle between the forces of God and his angels versus Satan and his demons.

Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Christians are smack dab in the middle of the battlefield. The eternal outcome is already known to both sides. When the timing is right according to God’s timetable, Satan and his demons will be defeated and thrown into the lake of fire, where they will be tormented for eternity.

Nonetheless, Satan and his demons want to oppose and obstruct God’s purposes. They don’t bother the non-Christians, most of whom unknowingly support and further Satan’s strategies. And Satan can leave lukewarm Christians alone because they aren’t doing anything to advance God’s kingdom.

If you are a fully devoted follower of Christ, then Satan has you on his hit list. But fear not. Remember that while God and Satan are opposites, they are not equal opposites. This is a supernatural, cosmic mismatch, fully under God’s control. Don’t get distracted by looking at the enemy; keep your eyes fixed on God.

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).”

God is with you and has equipped you for the battle.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm (Ephesians 6:13).”

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We hope this plan was helpful to you. You can read more from Stan Jantz and Bruce Bickel in their book, Ten Essentials for New Christians, available here.