Care of New Converts

MEMORY VERSE  “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28 BIBLE PASSAGE  Act 15:36, Acts 16:5 INTRODUCTION  In these days of shallow evangelism, there is a need for extra spiritual efforts on the souls saved to get them established, localized in a church fellowship and mobilized until they too become soul winners. This is the essence of this series. May the Holy Spirit teach and give us full understanding in Jesus’ Name. Amen FRUIT-BEARING IS A MUST FOR THE BELIEVER  The primary purpose for our election into the family of God is to go forth and bear fruits – Jn 15:16, Rom. 7:4. Failing to carry out this instruction may be disastrous in that it may lead to an eternal loss of fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ – Jn 15: 1-2, Matt 3:10, Heb. 6:8. It is wise, therefore, to watch on possible causes of unfruitfulness which may include: wiles and devices of the wicked one, tribulations and persecution, worldliness – Matt 13:18-22. It is important to note that these causes may not be due to a personal fault, yet, this type of attitude may incur the Lord’s disappointment for failing to invest life’s resources – Lk.13:6, Lk.19:20 ABIDING FRUIT IS CHRIST’S COMMAND  Jesus ordained believers not only to bear fruits but also to ensure that the fruits abide – Jn.15:16. In order to achieve this, therefore, efforts must be geared up towards conserving, maturing and multiplying the fruits – Col 1:28. An essential tool in the hand of the Holy Spirit to achieve this is the man/woman sold out to the ministry of follow-up of the souls. Biblical examples include the early Apostles, particularly Paul – Acts 15:36, Acts 2:46, Phil.2:19-20, Eph.1:15-18, Acts 18:18-23. The principles adopted included spending quality time in prayers and Bible study with the souls as led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is pleased to increase the work of grace in a life when our trust and confidence in God is expressed in the new convert to suitable and appropriate truths in the Holy Bible – Acts 2:41-47 CONCLUSION  The Lord’s command is that all born again Christians should bear fruits and more importantly that the fruits should abide. Having examined some basic principles, it is only worth it to put into practice all learnt in this lesson. Call on the Holy Spirit today and He will help Pastor E. A. Adeboye