Exploring Common Questions For New Believers

Overall Goal: To provide foundational answers to common questions new Christians have, grounded
in scripture, and fostering a welcoming understanding of the Christian faith within a full-gospel
context.

Foundations of Faith

Topic: Understanding God, Jesus, and the Bible and Born Again

1. Question: What does it mean to be "saved" or "born again"?

   
   

   • Answer: To be "saved" or "born again" refers to the process of recognizing our sinfulness and need
     for God's forgiveness, and then placing our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This results
     in spiritual transformation, a new relationship with God, and the promise of eternal life.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

     
     

   • John 3:3: "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are
     born again.'"

     
     

   • Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from
     yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

     
     

   • Romans 10:9-10: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God
     raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,
     and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

     
     

   • Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He
     saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

     
     

2. Question: Who is Jesus Christ?

   
   

   • Answer: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully human. He came to earth, lived a sinless
     life, died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, and rose again, conquering death. He is the Savior of
     humanity and the way to have a relationship with God.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

     
     

   • John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the
     glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

     
     

   • Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ
     died for us."

     
     

   • 1 Corinthians2 15:3-4: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died
     for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day
     according to the Scriptures."

     
     

   • Acts 4:12: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to
     mankind by which we must be saved."

3. Question: Who is God?

   
   

   • Answer: God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, the ultimate authority, and a being of love,
     justice, and mercy. He is triune – Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit – three distinct persons
     in one Godhead.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

     
     

   • Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

     
     

   • John 4:24: "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

     
     

   • 1 John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

     
     

   • Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
     Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

     
     

4. Question: What is the Bible and why is it important?

   
   

   • Answer: The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the
     Holy Spirit. It contains God's revelation to humanity, including his character, his plan for salvation, and
     instructions for living a life that honors him. It is our ultimate source of truth and guidance.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

     
     

   • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
     and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good
     work."

     
     

   • Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

     
     

   • Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
     penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of
     the heart."

     
     

   • 2 Peter 1:20-21: "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the
     prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but
     prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

     
     

     Living the Christian Life

     Topic: Prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the Church, Baptism and Comunion

     
     

5. Question: Who is the Holy Spirit and what does He do?

   
   

   • Answer: The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God. He indwells believers, empowers
     them for Christian living and service, convicts of sin, guides into truth, and gives spiritual gifts. He is
     essential for experiencing the fullness of the Christian life.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

   • John 14:16-17: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be
     with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor
     knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

     
     

   • Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
     witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

     
     

   • Romans 8:9: "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if
     indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not
     belong to Christ."

     
     

   • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There
     are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of
     them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is
     given

     
     

6. Question: How do I pray and why is it important?

   
   

   • Answer: Prayer is communicating with God. It can be done anywhere, at any time, and in any way
     that feels genuine to you. It involves talking to God, listening to Him, offering thanks, confessing sins,
     and making requests. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God, brings peace, and allows us to
     participate in His work in the world.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

     
     

   • Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
     with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
     understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

     
     

   • Matthew 6:6:4 "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who
     is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

     
     

   • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this

     is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

     
     

   • James 5:16: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
     healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

     
     

     for the common good."

     
     

7. Question: What is the church and why should I be a part of one?

   
   

   • Answer: The church is the community of believers in Jesus Christ. It is not just a building but a living
     body of people called together by God. Being part of a church provides fellowship, support,
     accountability, opportunities for spiritual growth, and a place to use your gifts to serve God and
     others.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

   • Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
     deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one
     another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

     
     

   • Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of

     bread and to prayer."

     
     

   • 1 Corinthians5 12:27: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

     
     

   • Ephesians 4:11-13: "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors
     and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until
     we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
     to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

     
     

8. Question: What are baptism and communion (the Lord's Supper)?

   
   

   • Answer: Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ through immersion in water,
     symbolizing your death to your old life and resurrection to a new life in Him. Communion (also called
     the Lord's Supper or Eucharist) is a symbolic meal where believers partake of bread and wine (or
     juice) in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Both are important acts of obedience and
     participation in the Christian community.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

     
     

   • Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
     Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

     
     

   • Acts 2:38: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for
     the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

     
     

   • 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus,
     on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This
     is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took
     the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in
     remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s
     death until he comes."

     
     

   • Romans 6:3-4: "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized
     into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as
     Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

     
     

     Growing in Faith

     Topic: Spiritual Growth, Sharing Faith, and Understanding Full-Gospel Beliefs

9. Question: How do I grow in my faith?

   
   

   • Answer: Spiritual growth is a lifelong process that involves intentionally engaging with God through
     various means such as reading the Bible, prayer, fellowship with other believers, serving in the
     church and community, and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. It requires commitment,
     discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

     
     

   • Scripture References (NIV):

   • 2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be
     glory both now and forever! Amen."

     
     

   • Colossians10 3:16: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish
     one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with
     gratitude in your hearts."

     
     

   • Hebrews 5:12-14: "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to

     teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You have become so in need of milk

     that you can’t digest solid food. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with
     the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained
     themselves to distinguish good from evil."

     
     

   • 1 Corinthians11 3:6-7: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So
     neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things
     grow."

     
     

10. Question: How do I share my faith with others?

    
    

    • Answer: Sharing your faith involves telling others about your personal experience with Jesus Christ
      and the good news of the Gospel. This can be done through your words and your actions, living a life
      that reflects God's love and truth. It's important to be authentic, respectful, and sensitive to others'
      beliefs.

      
      

    • Scripture References (NIV):

      
      

    • Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
      the Father and of the12 Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
      commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

      
      

    • 1 Peter13 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
      everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
      respect."

      
      

    • Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
      witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

      
      

    • 2 Corinthians 5:20: "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal
      through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."

      
      

11. Question: What about sin and forgiveness? How does that work now that I'm a Christian?

    
    

    • Answer: Sin is any thought, word, or action that goes against God's will and character. As
      Christians, we are still susceptible to sin, but we have been forgiven for our past, present, and future
      sins through Jesus' sacrifice. When we sin, we should confess it to God, and He is faithful and just to
      forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Living as a Christian involves striving to live in a
      way that honors God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

      
      

    • Scripture References (NIV):

    • 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
      from all unrighteousness."

      
      

    • Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

      
      

    • Romans 6:1-2: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no
      means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

      
      

    • Galatians 5:16-17: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For
      the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in
      conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."

      
      

12. Question: What does it mean to be a "full-gospel" church?

    
    

    • Answer: A "full-gospel" church typically emphasizes the entirety of the Gospel message, which often
      includes the belief in and practice of spiritual gifts (such as healing, prophecy, speaking in tongues),
      the power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, and the expectation of God's supernatural intervention
      in the world today. It focuses on both the saving grace of Jesus and the empowering presence of the
      Holy Spirit for daily living and ministry.

      
      

    • Scripture References (NIV):

      
      

    • Acts 2:4: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the
      Spirit enabled them."

      
      

    • 1 Corinthians16 12:8-10: "For to one is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another
      the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to
      another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to
      another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still
      another the interpretation of tongues."

      
      

    • Mark 16:17-18: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out
      demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they
      drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will
      get well."

      
      

    • Romans 15:18-19: "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished
      through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—by the power of signs
      and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to
      Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ."

What’s Next?

Find a good Bible based church where the Word of God is not watered down, and attend weekly.
Read your bible daily. A good starting place in the gospel of John in the New Testament. Seek out
other strong believers to fellowship with.