1. AFTER CONVERSION, THEN WHAT?

2. Our New Birth Consisted Of Having heard the gospel – Rom. 10:17 Having heard the gospel – Rom. 10:17 Having believed the gospel – Jno. 8:24 Having believed the gospel – Jno. 8:24 Having repented of our sins – Acts 17:30 Having repented of our sins – Acts 17:30 Having confessed our faith – Rom. 10:9-10 Having confessed our faith – Rom. 10:9-10 Having been immersed in water – Acts 2:38 Acts 8:38 Having been immersed in water – Acts 2:38 Acts 8:38 Becoming a Christian – Acts 11:26 Becoming a Christian – Acts 11:26

3. Beware – Challenges Lie Ahead Acts 14:22 – “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulation enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22 – “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulation enter the kingdom of God.” II Tim. 3:12 – “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” II Tim. 3:12 – “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

4. Some Challenges You May Face Problems with our past religion – Jno. 9:34, 12:42-43 Problems with our past religion – Jno. 9:34, 12:42-43 Problems with relatives – Matt. 10:34-37 Problems with relatives – Matt. 10:34-37 Problems with old sins and/or habits - Acts 8:18-24 Problems with old sins and/or habits - Acts 8:18-24 Problems with peer pressure – Gal. 2:11-14 Problems with peer pressure – Gal. 2:11-14

5. Do Not Despair Or Give Up God is on your side – I Pet. 1:3-5; II Pet.2:9, 3:9 God is on your side – I Pet. 1:3-5; II Pet.2:9, 3:9 Jesus is your High Priest – Heb. 4:14-16 Jesus is your High Priest – Heb. 4:14-16 God’s word is powerful enough to save you I Pet. 1:22-25; Jas. 1:21-25 God’s word is powerful enough to save you I Pet. 1:22-25; Jas. 1:21-25 The question is: How can I make my calling and election sure? II Pet. 1:5-11

6. Abide In the Truth – The Doctrine of Christ This requires – This requires – –Study – II Pet. 3:14-18 –Practice – Heb. 5:12-14 –Faithful attendance – Heb 10:23-25 »Provides teaching and admonition – Eph. 5:19 »Edification – I Cor. 14:26 »All need to do these things – no exceptions Heb. 13:17; Rom. 15:14

7. These Things Are Found Not out in the world Not out in the world Not in denominationalism Not in denominationalism Not in membership at large Not in membership at large Not in erratic attendance Not in erratic attendance They are found only in the fellowship of a local, sound church of Christ They are found only in the fellowship of a local, sound church of Christ

8. Also Remember - Don’t look back – remember Mrs. Lot - Lk. 17:32; Phil. 3:13-14; Rom. 6:21 Don’t look back – remember Mrs. Lot - Lk. 17:32; Phil. 3:13-14; Rom. 6:21 You are one of God’s priests – act like it I Pet. 2:5 You are one of God’s priests – act like it I Pet. 2:5 Be determined – Acts 20:24, 28-32 Be determined – Acts 20:24, 28-32 Be a fighter – I Tim. 6:12; II Tim. 2:3 Be a fighter – I Tim. 6:12; II Tim. 2:3 Teach others – II Tim. 2:2; Acts 18:26 Teach others – II Tim. 2:2; Acts 18:26 Never quit or “retire” I Cor. 15:58 Never quit or “retire” I Cor. 15:58

9. REMEMBER ! Heaven is worth far more than anything you may have to endure to get there. II Cor. 4:14-16 “knowing that He who raised us the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

10. What is your condition tonight? Have you started on the journey to heaven by being obedient to the first principles of God’s word? If you have started are you constantly working to make sure that you are spiritually successful?