New Believers

Another way we help you take things to the next level is by sending you a very special copy of the Bible – The New Believer’s Bible – the perfect Bible for new believers or believers who want to learn more about their faith. An ideal introduction to God’s Word, and written in plain English, this New Testament Bible in the New Living Translation focuses on basic discipleship with some 40-50 pages of explanatory notes on the upfront, as well as additional insights on every page. Core biblical themes are introduced at basic levels of theological sophistication and presented in very simple language.

And we want to send this to you as a free gift. There is absolutely no cost to you!

To request your very own New Believer’s Bible, simply email your name and address to: bible@corechurchla.com

Prayer is God’s appointed way of obtaining things.

“You do not have because you do not ask.”

James 4:2

Do you ever wonder why you never seem to know the will of God for your life, why you never have any opportunities to lead others to the Lord, or why you always seem to be scraping by? Maybe you haven’t seen answers because you haven’t asked God. He wants us to experience the blessings of seeing our prayers answered, such as the salvation of a loved one, a divine healing, or a wonderful provision. But we first have to ask.

Prayer is one of the ways we make ourselves ready for the return of Jesus Christ.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will be as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:34-36

As believers living in the last days, our lives should be characterized by watchfulness and prayer (see also Mark 13:32-33).

Whatever concerns you may have at this moment, it is always time to pray! Remember, Scripture tells you to “[cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

The closer we draw to God, the more we sense our own sinfulness. When Isaiah came into God’s presence, he said, “Woe is me, for I am undone!” (Isaiah 6:5). The confession of our sin removes any barriers and clears the air of anything that would cause God not to hear our prayers.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us . . . ”

1 John 1:9

This is, once again, modeled in the Lord’s Prayer. After “Our Father who art in heaven,” we find, “Forgive us our sins” (Matthew 6:12).

If we are faithful in the first three steps, the last step will not degenerate into some spiritual shopping list. Too often in prayer, we cut to the chase instead of spending time in adoration, confession, and thanksgiving first. Yet, God does want to hear our needs and requests. Scripture tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7). We are also promised,

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4:19

Do not neglect this vital part of your Christian walk. As someone has said, “Prayer is the breath of the newborn soul, and there can be no Christian life without it.”

Also known as inductive Bible study, discovery learning is more of an individually-based study of God’s Word. Rather than relying on a speaker or a book to direct the process, discovery learning puts on the emphasis on your willingness to get into Scripture.

This could be likened to a search for treasure, in which you are exploring an area and examining everything you find for something of value. In fact, the writer of Psalm 119 uses this analogy when he writes, “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure” (Psalm 119:162).

There are three basic skills that come into play with an inductive study:

1. Observation – This involves asking who, what, when, where, and why questions about the passage you’re reading. When studying Scripture, it’s important to understand the context of the passage. Think about the people, places, and events mentioned in the section you’re reading. Don’t be afraid to look at biblically-sound outside sources to provide a complete picture; just don’t rely on it solely.
2. Interpretation – Now that you understand the background of the passage, it’s time to look for the meaning. What does this Scripture teach about God? What does it say about man? Is there a command to obey? A promise to claim? Is there a warning to heed? Is there an example to follow or avoid? The Bible is filled with principles—the building blocks that form the foundation of what we believe and how we behave toward God and others. Simply put, a principle is a spiritual lesson.
3. Application – This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Now that you’ve gained knowledge and spiritual understanding, you need to put it to work in your life. What is God trying to teach you through this passage? How does what you’ve learned apply to your life? How will you cooperate with God in living what you have learned? One thing you can do is write a statement of how you will put the spiritual lesson into practice. For example: I will be a consistent and faithful student of God’s Word so I will grow.

Inductive study sounds like a difficult task, but it is something that anyone can do, no matter where you are in your walk with Christ. The secret lies not in having a head for facts, but in having a heart to listen, learn, and obey.

One of the easiest—yet most difficult—methods of studying the Bible is devotional reading or quiet time. This is simply a time of one-on-one fellowship with God through the reading of His Word, worship, and prayer.

First and foremost, make sure you set aside a reasonable amount of time and a quiet place where you can read and pray without distractions. This is time you’re setting aside to spend with God. You don’t want anything to interrupt you during this time.

Have a plan of action. Whether you want to read through the Bible in a year, study one of the gospels in depth, or focus on a single person, there are many resources that can help you in those areas. A good starting point is simply to read a chapter of Scripture a day and keep on going.

Don’t rely too much on outside sources. Devotional books are not bad, and can be a good supplement to your Scripture reading. But remember that the focus on your quiet time should be on reading God’s Word and meditating on it, not what someone else wrote.

Once you’ve read through the passage, consider what God is communicating to you through that piece of Scripture. Maybe it has to do with something you’re going through. Maybe it’s something you’re going to experience, and you just don’t know it yet! Regardless, allow God to speak to you in His still, small voice as you contemplate His Word.

Now, it’s time to pray about it. Talk to God about what you have read, seeking His insight and His will. Ask that He would help you take what you’ve read and apply to your life today.

One of the keys to spiritual growth is to become part of a local church.

In its biblical form, the church should provide biblically-sound teaching, genuine worship, an atmosphere in which Christians are able to use their God-given gifts and abilities, and spiritual leadership that will help keep believers accountable.

There are those who might say, “I don’t need to go to church. I like to spend my time alone with God, and I don’t need to be around other Christians.” The reality is that no Christian can endure or prosper long if he or she lives in isolation without the support of a church. No matter how many Christian books, magazines, CDs, and movies you have, they can’t replace the experience and fellowship you get from attending church and being with other believers.

In the book of Hebrews, it says,

“Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some do, but encourage each other, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near”

Hebrews 10:24-25

A model for the modern-day church can be found in the book of Acts, which describes the early days of the church. The first-century church turned the world upside down, spreading the gospel around the known world.

The Bible has plenty to say about the characteristics of a healthy, vibrant church, and you can measure its vitality by comparing its qualities to the characteristics of the first-century church (Acts 2:42, 44-47).

A healthy church meets together regularly, places a high priority on Bible study and develops caring people who concern themselves with the well-being and spiritual development of each member. It recognizes the power of corporate prayer and worship and demonstrates Christ’s love in meaningful ways. Its members desire to minister to others and seek to share God’s good news with others.

In any Biblically-sound, God-centered church, the following beliefs should be obvious:

1. The Bible is held as the inspired and only infallible authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
2. God is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (John 14:26, Matthew 28:18-19).
3. Salvation is the free gift of God to all who will repent of their sins and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way to come into a relationship with God (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9).

A healthy church is a growing church, but growth alone should not necessarily be viewed as proof of God’s blessing. The first disciples had a “gladness and a singleness of heart” about the early church. Your church home should be a place you look forward to attending not only on Sundays, but throughout the week.

Conversely, if you feel uncomfortable about your church, it may be the Holy Spirit telling you that church is unscriptural. As you grow in your understanding of the Scriptures and seek God’s will through prayer, you will be able to discern truth from error.

Avoid any group that teaches doctrines, beliefs, or rituals that deviate from the Bible. Many false teachers speak only parts of the truth and their messages have been aptly described as the “skin of the truth stuffed with a lie.”

Most cults are identifiable because they refuse to:

1. Adhere solely to the 66 books of the Bible. Instead, they add their “special revelations.”
2. Accept that our relationship to Jesus Christ has been provided by God through His grace and is received through faith alone. Instead they practice salvation by works.
3. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God and give Him the full recognition He merits.

Commonly-known cults are Jehovah’s Witnesses, Latter-Day Saints or Mormons, Unification Church, Unitarians, Spiritists, and Scientologists.

It has been wisely said, “The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.” Regular fellowship and participation in the church for a disciple cannot be overemphasized. As you come to church and find your place in it, you will then be in a position to give to others what God has given to us.

The church that is right for you will be a place where you can grow in your love for the Lord and serve Him by contributing to the life of the church. Remember, we are all sinners doing our best to follow God’s teaching. Rely on Him to show you the way.

Remember that the model for a God-honoring church is in the Scriptures. Study God’s design and pray to be led to the place He has prepared for you. God bless you as you grow in your faithfulness.

What exactly is baptism? The word “baptism” as it appears in the Bible means immersion (the process of submersion in water followed by emergence from the water).

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water.”

Matthew 3:16

“And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Acts 8:38

Baptism is the outward expression of the inward miracle. It is a visible, tangible, physical expression of what is happening inside spiritually. Our baptism is a picture to be seen by others and reveals what is happening within us.

We are identifying with Jesus’ experience and demonstrating outwardly in our baptism that:

1. We are dying to our old life and the ways of sin.
2. We are burying that old life of sin.
3. We rise to live the new life.

You are ready when:

1. You believe that Jesus is the Son of God and are ready to receive Jesus as your Savior.
2. You are ready to repent – ready to turn your life around.
3. You are ready to put your past behind you and put your life in Jesus’ hands.

Read Acts 2:38, Colossians 3:5-10, John 1:12,13.

One of the greatest blessings of the Christian life is being able to help lead someone to Jesus Christ. It is a real joy to see someone else experience the same things you did when you became a Christian.

“But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”

John 9:25 (NLT)

God tells us that it’s important to share your faith with other people (see Matthew 28:20). In fact, it’s not just something He wants you to do; He commands us to do it!

Sharing your faith can sound like a scary thing to do, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the best ways you can do that is by telling them your story. When you share how God has changed your life, it lets people see that you were once in their shoes, but have now been changed by the power of Christ. A changed life is the best evidence of what Jesus can do.

And it doesn’t have to be a long speech. You can share the basics of your story and what Christ has done for you in just a minute.

Here are some things that can help you share your story, or “testimony,” with your friends, family, or other people you know:

Talk about how you came into a relationship with Christ. Be sure to mention the important parts of the gospel:

“I realized that I’m a sinner” (see Romans 3:23).

“I recognized that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins” (see Romans 5:8).

“I repented, or turned away, from my sins” (see Acts 3:19).

“I received Jesus Christ as Lord of my life” (see Revelation 3:20).

Talk about how your life is different now that you are a Christian.

“God has given me peace” (see Romans 5:1).

“God has a wonderful plan for my life” (see Jeremiah 29:11).

“I know that I’m going to heaven” (see John 3:36).

Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door [of your life] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in. . .” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV).

If you would like to have a relationship with the Living God, start by simply praying this prayer and mean it in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).