How the New Testament Helps Us Come unto Christ

The New Testament will be the focus of our study in 2023. How one approaches this set of scriptures determines whether or not we are ready to deepen our faith in Christ, build on our understanding, and grow in resilient faith. It also determines our willingness to move toward living a more mindful and meaningful life that is crucified with Christ. And for most of us – we know that the New Testament is a sacred record of Christ’s mortal life and ministry. It is also a collection of letters and epistles of the original Apostles of the primitive Christian faith.

As you are invited to study the New Testament – make the effort to allow the Holy Spirit to assist in growing in understanding, establishing a firm testimony of who Jesus Christ is, and what He offers each of us individually. Through our own personal study, meditation, and reflection of how to apply the teachings of the Savior and his apostles into our own lives gives us rich experience in joy, healing, and peace.

And to help with this journey – consider the following questions as a way to prepare:

1. What do you already know and understand about the New Testament?
2. What are some of your favorite stories from the New Testament? How come?
3. What purpose is it to make it worth your while to study, reflect, and consider the teachings of the New Testament?

More importantly, what do you believe it means when Christ gives us an invitation in Matthew 11:28?

• What does it mean for you to come unto Christ?
• What type of rest is the Savior referring to here?
• How does he give us rest when we come unto Him?
• What blessings have you already experienced in your own life as you have come unto Christ?

You are welcome to share your comments in the comment section below or write them down for further meditation as you prepare for the coming devotions, commentary, and insights as we journey through the New Testament.

True Cost of Discipleship, Conversion, and Spiritual Maturity

Since we are called to be disciples of Christ – we are to consider the cost of such discipleship. The meaning of true spiritual conversion, and how we progress toward spiritual maturity. And studying the New Testament this year will give each one of us ample opportunity to discover for ourselves what that cost entails, how we are being converted, and ways we are empowered to grow in faith to where we become perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).

This requires our attention to not only what we read and hear about Christ, to also consider what the Holy Spirit reveals to us regarding the Savior. What will be helpful is to keep a notebook next to you so that you are able to write down your questions, calls to action, and any Gospel principles you discover during your time of studying, meditation, and prayer. Include ways to apply what you read into your own life, what it means to you personally, and how it relates to your present situation.

One way to begin is by asking these questions as a foundation for your study:

• What experiences are you hoping to have while studying through the New Testament?
• What teachings of the Savior are you wanting to gain understanding of?
• How will your own personal journey and study through the New Testament will allow you to explore what it means to be a true disciple?
• How will it help you move toward living a more mindful and meaningful Christian life?

And there is a real cost to true discipleship. A true cost to living a more mindful and meaningful life based on the teachings of the Savior and his apostles. A true cost whereby we ought to identify with Paul when he said:

For through the law I died to the law, in order that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, and that life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Epistle to Galatia 3:19-20, The Lexham Bible

Authentic mindful Christian living is all about living a crucified life unto Christ. It is the reason the Savior said that those who truly desire to follow him are to deny themselves and to take up their cross. More importantly, Jesus taught that the scriptures testify of Him (John 5:39). Therefore, if we truly want to come unto Christ, to truly follow Him and become a true disciple of faith – we ought to invest in the cost of studying the scriptures.

Overcoming Our Personal Objections

How often have you said that there is not enough time to study the scriptures? How often have you heard others make the same statement? Specifically, with all the busyness and hustling we have going on in our lives. Responsibilities to maintain employment, maintain healthy relationships with family, doing our best at being good parents for our children, attending various functions for ourselves and our kids. There are many reasons we object to not having enough time to sit down for a moment and to reflect upon the scriptures.

So, where do you feel you stand when it comes to devoting time to studying through the New Testament? Be honest. And if interested – share your response in the comment section below.

Personal Scripture Study Evaluation

Answer honestly with the following scale: (1) Never (2) Seldom (3) Sometimes (4) Often (5) Always

1. I study the scriptures on a daily basis.
2. I understand the value in making time for daily scripture study
3. I am aware and utilize scripture study skills that help me understand the Gospel message of the scriptures
4. As I study – ideas come into my mind that have not occurred to me before
5. I record spiritual impressions and ideas from my study

Based on this, what areas do you believe need to be strengthened? What objections do you need to wrestle with and overcome? How is improving your time devoted to scripture reading and studying going to benefit you spiritually, physically, emotionally/mentally, financially, and relationally?

Another way to overcome personal objections is to consider the rich blessings you may receive in making the time and effort to implement consistent discipline of scripture reading and studying. Compare them with those times you actually had devoted time to engage in scripture study. What support do you find that may help encourage you to maintain consistent discipline of scripture study?

The Blessings and Benefits that come from Scripture Study

The primary goal of developing the spiritual discipline of scripture study is to help one become a true disciple of Jesus Christ. It is one of the foundational ways to build upon and increase in understanding regarding spiritual truths, Gospel principles, and seeking guidance and personal revelation.

With the understanding of the cost of establishing consistent scripture study, the purpose and goal of scripture study, and the blessings that stem from consistent scripture study:

• What have you personally learned regarding your own responses to the questions?
• What is your own personal study goal going forward
• What do you know compared to what you do not know about the Scriptures?
• How will growing in understanding of who Christ is going to increase your desire to maintain consistent scripture study?
• What challenges are you willing to overcome to make it a goal to develop and maintain the spiritual discipline of scripture study?
• How much are you willing to study?
• Where will you establish a routine of scripture study, meditation, and prayer?
• When will you devote to scripture study?

It may be helpful to write down your goal and plan to accomplish a consistent routine.

Remember, the desire is to Come unto Christ. To follow Him. To be converted. And to grow in faith through Him. This is only accomplished when we consider the cost and make the necessary investment to study the New Testament.

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