CONTINUING – DON’T GIVE UP!
God says in the Bible: “Whoever endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Jesus also said: “No-one who puts their hand to the plough and looks back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). In other words, now that you have begun in the Christian life, continue! When things get tough, look to God and ask for His help. These tough times will actually help you to grow in the Christian life, so don't be discouraged.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the things you need will be given to you”, Jesus promised (read Matthew 6:24-34). As we put God first in our lives, and as we live for Him, lives which honour Him, God will never let us down; He will always make sure we have everything we need.
The Christian life will not always be easy, but never turn back! There may be problems, temptations, trials, discouragement and times when you want to throw it all in. DON'T! Christ has promised us help and strength, and He has promised never to leave us or fail us. Do not go back to your old way of life; rather, go on in your new life in Christ!
Keep your eyes on Christ, not on people. People may disappoint you or fail you, but Jesus never will. The Bible constantly encourages us to be faithful in our commitment to the Lord. Jesus has told us that we need to take up our 'cross' daily, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). It costs us nothing to get saved but it costs us everything once we are saved! If that doesn't sound very nice to you, remember that there really is no better, no more satisfying, life than that of following Christ. It is worth it all!
“Those who carry on to the end (and do not turn back to their old way of life) will be saved”, Jesus promised (Matthew 10:22). “The one thing I do”, Paul said, “is to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. I am pressing on towards the goal for the prize of being called to be with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3: 13-14).
FINALLY...
In this Unit I have briefly covered a large number of subjects. I hope you will want to learn more! If so, I suggest that you speak to some keen Christians you know – maybe a friend, minister, pastor, or Christian leader in your church.
Remember that there are some people (sometimes even people in the church) who do not believe all of the Bible. Pray that God will lead you to the right Christian people who can help you further. If a person keenly and enthusiastically witnesses for Jesus Christ and their life shows the fruit of a true follower of Jesus, speak to them.
May you be like the Christians in the early New Testament Church, who “committed themselves to the apostles’ teaching (learning the Bible), to fellowship (meeting together as a church), to the breaking of bread (communion), and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
May God give you the strength and wisdom to follow Him all the days of your life!
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Have a look in this website’s Bible Study books tab, for further teaching and studies by Brian Caughley. These books are all online, and can be copied and printed. Some of them are also available as printed books, and we can send them to you, free.
We especially recommend, Now I'm a Christian - What Next? This book contains 6 important topics for Christians, especially those who have not been Christians for very long.
Also, we strongly recommend Pray for the Nation, which is a website coordinated by Brian Caughley, for praying for the nation and Church. Its website is https://www.pray-for-the-nation.org One of the Bible Study books is called Pray for the Nation and has a number of chapters on prayer, and particularly on praying for the nation.
1. When the going gets tough, who can you always turn to? (See Matthew 11:28-30). Also, humanly speaking, who can you turn to?
2. What two things has God promised us in Hebrews 13:5?
3. What must we do if we are to “win the race”? (See Philippians 3:13-14 and Hebrews 12:1-2).
4. Read Romans 12:1-2 and put these verses in your own words.
5. What is the goal we are heading towards, as Christians? (Philippians 3:13-14).
6. If you feel like giving up being a Christian, what should you do?