Next Steps
So glad that you have made a decision to accept Christ or even be prayed for. You may have a lot of questions so we have put some general next steps together you can follow that should help you navigate this new space. If you have any questions that are not answered here please email us at meetme@bosschurch.com. Welcome to the Family!
Understand Your Salvation Decision
John's First Epistle 5:13 reassures us, stating, “I convey these words to those who have faith in the name of the Son of God, so you can realize that you possess eternal life.” God wishes for us to grasp the concept of salvation fully. He desires for us to have the certainty of knowing we have attained salvation, and it's a blessing that cannot be lost.
All of us have committed sins. We've all engaged in actions that are contrary to God's will (Romans 3:23).
Due to our sins, we've earned the harsh consequence of eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).
Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross to bear the penalty for our transgressions (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He endured the punishment in our stead, which we rightfully deserved. His resurrection validated that His sacrifice was enough to atone for our sins.
God bestows forgiveness and salvation to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus, acknowledging His sacrifice as the reparation for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).
The Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence within us from the moment we have faith. He confirms our promise of eternal life, instructs us in God's Word, and equips us to live by its principles.
This is the message of salvation! If you've placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are saved! All your sins are pardoned, and God pledges to remain with you and never abandon you (Romans 8:38–39; Matthew 28:20). Bear in mind that your salvation is guaranteed in Jesus Christ (John 10:28–29). If you rely solely on Jesus as your Savior, you can be assured of your place in eternity with God in heaven!”
Seek a church that instructs based on the Bible.
Don't consider the church as merely a physical structure. The church comprises the congregation, the people. It is crucial for believers in Jesus Christ to engage in fellowship with each other, serving as one of the main functions of the church. Having committed your faith to Jesus Christ, we firmly recommend finding a church that values and teaches the Bible in your locality. That church can be BOSS but it does not have to be. There are many great churches in Sacramento that might fit your personality and meet particular needs such as Midtown Church, Genesis Church, Real Life Church, and Elevate Life Church are just a few 'googles' links away. We strongly encourage you to pray and ask God to send you where you should be and make that church your home. Engage with the leadership of the church, sharing your newfound faith in Jesus Christ. Please understand no church is perfect because people are not perfect so be patient as you adjust in a new community.
Another core purpose of the church is to educate from the Bible. You can discover how to incorporate God's teachings into your daily life. Grasping the content of the Bible is pivotal for leading a prosperous and impactful Christian life. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, “Every scripture is divinely inspired and beneficial for teaching, rebuking, rectifying, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every noble deed.”
The third mission of the church is worship. Worship is expressing gratitude to God for all His blessings! God has given us salvation, love, provision, guidance, and direction. How can we refrain from thanking Him? God is holy, righteous, loving, merciful, and filled with grace. Revelation 4:11 proclaims, “You are deserving, our Lord and God, to obtain glory, honor, and power, for you have created all things, and by your will, they exist and were created.”
Dedicate daily time for God.
Spending time each day to focus on God is crucial. Some refer to this as a "quiet time," others call it "devotions," denoting a period devoted to God. Some people prefer mornings, while others opt for evenings. The name or time of this practice isn't significant; what's important is your regular engagement with God. What does spending time with God involve?
Prayer. Prayer is a simple conversation with God. Discuss your worries and challenges with Him. Request wisdom, guidance, and provision. Express your love for Him and your gratitude for His deeds. This embodies the essence of prayer.
Bible Reading. Besides learning from the Bible in church, or Bible studies, you need to read the Bible independently. The Bible encompasses everything you need to lead a successful Christian life, providing guidance for wise decision-making, understanding God's will, serving others, and spiritual growth. The Bible is God's message to us and essentially serves as His manual for leading a life that pleases Him and satisfies us. If you want to know where to start, you can begin by looking up all the scriptures given in these steps. The books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Romans are also good places to start in the Amplified, Message, and New Living Translation versions of the Bible.
Foster relationships with those who can aid your spiritual growth.
As 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us, “Don't be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.’” The Bible repeatedly cautions us about the negative influence certain individuals can exert. Associating with those who indulge in sinful behaviors can tempt us to do the same. The character traits of those we spend time with can influence us, thus it's vital to surround ourselves with others who love the Lord and are dedicated to Him.
Try to identify a friend or two, possibly from the church you have found, who can provide support and encouragement (Hebrews 3:13). Request your friends to hold you accountable for your quiet time, your activities, and your walk with God. Ask if you can offer them the same accountability. This doesn't imply you should abandon friends who haven't accepted Jesus as their Savior. Continue being their friend and show them love. Simply inform them that accepting Jesus has transformed your life, resulting in some changes in your activities. Pray for opportunities to introduce Jesus to your friends.