[lead]I am pleased that you have made the decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. As a result of your decision, you have been given the gift of eternal life and will live forever in the presence of the Lord.[/lead]
It is recorded in the book of Luke that “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” (i.e. turns from a life of sin unto the Lord) (Luke 15:10). Simply stated that means that there is a celebration in heaven over you because you chose to serve the Lord.
A New Beginning
When you choose to trust in Christ for eternal life we are born again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3, 1 Peter 1;23) and given a new beginning. The Bible says that: “… if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) All of your sins have been washed away because you have asked God to forgive you. The Bible further states that: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Never again will you need to feel condemned by your past. God will remove our sin “as far as the east is from the west,…” (Psalm 103:12) Peace and rest are now yours in Jesus Christ. Hope for tomorrow and strength for today. Praise the Lord.
Getting Started
It is our desire to assist you in your walk with the Lord. Here are a few things that will help you get started.
Read the Bible and Talk to God
Paul the apostle told his young friend Timothy to “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
It is important to know what God has said to us and to have the ability to discern between the truth and a lie. The Word of God provides us with “… all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.” (2 Peter 1:3)
Concerning prayer Jesus said: “…that men ought always to pray…” (Luke 18:1) Prayer is talking to God. You don’t need to be formal; simply begin to share your thoughts and desires with Him. God loves to have us come to Him, seek His counsel and help. He wants us to share with Him all that is in our hearts. In prayer we recognize our inability to rely upon ourselves and to put our trust in Him for all our daily needs. Prayer will help keep you close to the Lord and keep an openness to His will for your life.
In an effort to assist you with your new walk with the Lord we have included with this letter a Bible and a copy of the book: “Discipleship: The next step in following Jesus” by Pastor Greg Laurie. We encourage you to begin your study of God’s Word and begin to put into practice the things contained within it’s pages.
Fellowship with other Believers
The Bible teaches us that it is important for us to spend time with other Christians. We worship together, study the Scriptures, pray and encourage one another to grow in the things of God. Paul told the Hebrew Christians that we should not forsake “…the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhort one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day (of the Lord) approaching.” At Candlelight Fellowship we have developed a regular Sunday morning worship and Bible study time, as well as various other activities to assist you in gathering together with other believers who share your common interests. We encourage you to make Christian fellowship a regular part of your weekly schedule.
Share Your Faith
You have come to know Jesus because someone took the time to share His love and plan of salvation with you. You have been given the greatest gift available to man. It is important that you share what you have come to enjoy with others so that they to may know Jesus and enjoy eternal life. Jesus told His disciples to “Go therefore, and teach all nations,…” (Matthew 28:19)
You will be encouraged as you see your friends and family come to know the Lord as you share your faith with them and watch the Lord work in their lives.
How To Share Your Faith Without An Argument
Our Commitment to You
The Staff of Candlelight Fellowship is here to serve you and are excited to see you grow in the things of the Lord. Anything we can do to assist you is a blessing and privilege. Please feel free to call me or one of the other leaders in the fellowship. This will allow us the blessing of being a part of your life.
Again, Welcome to the Family of God !
May “the LORD bless you and keep you;… make His face shine upon you, be gracious to you;… and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Sincerely,
Pastor Paul