BILLY GRAHAM REVEALS WHAT CHRISTIANS WILL BE DOING BEFORE THEY GO TO HEAVEN
“New converts to Christianity need to
grow in spiritual maturity”, says Rev. Billy Graham, as he respond to a
question from a young believer who wants to know what they should be doing in
their life before they go to Heaven.
In a question and answer column
published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association on Monday and
reported by Michael
Gryboski of Christian Post, Graham was asked what a Christian is supposed to do after
they're saved and profess their faith in Jesus Christ.
"I'm in high school, and I decided
to give my life to Jesus at a church camp this summer. I know this means I'll
go to Heaven when I die, but what am I supposed to do in the meantime?” the
student asked him.
Graham responded that the new convert
needs to grow in spiritual maturity, because "God is just as concerned
about our lives right now."
"You see, the Bible says that when
we first come to Jesus, we are like newborn babies — spiritual babies. Just as
a baby needs food, so we need the 'food' of God's Word, the Bible," Graham
wrote.
"Just as a baby needs to learn to
talk, so we need to learn to pray. And just as a baby needs to be helped and
protected by others, so we need other believers to help and protect us."
In keeping with this biblical
reasoning, Graham encouraged the new believer to make Bible study an integral
component of their daily life.
"Make God's Word, and prayer and
fellowship with other believers a part of your life every day,” Graham said. "God
wants you to become more and more like Jesus — and you will, as your faith grow
stronger. The Bible says, 'Come near to God and He will come near to you'
(James 4:8)."
This is not the first time that Graham
has touched upon the subject of spiritual growth for the believer, be they
raised in the faith or a new convert.
In his syndicated advice column
published by the Kansas City Star on New Year's Day, Graham responded to person
who asked how they could become "a better Christian during the year."
"Every year I make the same
resolution, but when I look back at the end of the year it doesn't seem like
much has really changed,” the person
inquired.
Graham stressed the need for spiritual
growth, replying that "God doesn't want us to stand still or grow stale
spiritually; he wants to change our lives."
"Just as we need food to grow and
become strong physically, so we need spiritual 'food' to grow and become strong
spiritually. And God has provided that 'food' for us, by giving us His Word,
the Bible, and prayer, and fellowship with other believers," added Graham.
"This year — beginning today — set
aside time every day to be alone with God — even if it's only a few minutes at
first. Read a portion of the Bible (perhaps from Psalms or one of the Gospels),
asking God to help you understand it and apply it to your life. Then take time
to pray, thanking God for His goodness, and bringing your concerns to
Him."
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