A message to new converts...The New Testament book of Colossians teaches us that once a person comes to Christ, they are translated from, “the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son.” (Colossians 1:13) Literally, we enter into another kingdom. The laws of the Kingdom of God are different from the laws of the kingdom of darkness. In order to live successfully in the Kingdom of God, we must learn how to function within that Kingdom.
The Bible provides the principles of the Kingdom of God. It is not a book of rules and regulations, rather it is the “owner’s manual” for the human spirit given to us by the Creator. It is given to us to help us keep our spirit, body and soul functioning at optimum levels and in line with the principles of the One who designed and created us.
It is important to understand that the Bible is written to and for the believer. That’s why many people who have not yet come to Christ, view the Bible as contradictory or controversial. In reality, the Bible is the most consistent, well-articulated and intelligent book ever written. However, until a person is born again, they are reading someone else’s mail and it doesn’t make sense to them. The great theologian Thomas Aquinas wisely instructed, “…do not attempt to understand the Gospel so that you might believe it, but rather, believe the Gospel so that you might understand it.”
The Primary objective for any new believer is to develop a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, reading the Word of God, and by gathering with other believers. It helps to understand that the Church is a “filling station;” a place to come and be filled with knowledge and the truths of God’s Word. The corporate church gathering for worship is designed and purposed to enforce and to encourage us in our personal relationship with Christ.
