Foreword

As a pastor, I always struggle with making the gospel of Jesus Christ plain and practical to congregants. In the twenty-first century, with an educated and enlightened congregation, ministers must be theologically sound but not overly deep, causing people to miss the message of Christ. Herein lies what I believe is the frustration of both pulpit and pew: How can people become practicing disciples of Christ while still having a basic concept of the depth of Christianity? Theologians from Dietrich Bonhoeffer to James Cone have offered insightful thoughts on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Nevertheless, I think Kristina Brown and her work entitled I’m Saved, Now What? falls into this ever-flowing stream of developing committed Christians.

A great number of people join churches each and every Sunday but then somehow fall through the cracks and out the back door. I’m Saved, Now What? offers a personal blueprint showing that every believer has personal accountability to God and his church. This book is theologically and biblically sound. However, it is written in a manner that you will not think you are in a seminary class, but you will be receiving a seminary education. Each chapter raises personal and pragmatic questions that, if the reader tussles with the text, will lead to transformation.
This is a great resource for church leaders that can be used for church school or Bible study sessions. Brown does not put the cart before the horse. She first establishes the role of the divine in the life of the believer. Her dissection of who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are and how they function in the past, present, and future is incredible. She takes the guessing game and opinion out of the role and responsibility of the Godhead. Only after believers know who they believe in can they begin to walk in that belief system.

By picking up this book, you have shown that you have a desire to grow in your walk with God. My prayer is that you will know that growth means change and that change is good when you know who you are changing into. This is not a “why” book but rather a “how” book. If the individual has zeal, the content of this volume will make every new convert a committed Christian. I believe that in a church world with a great emphasis on church leadership, praise and worship, and church growth, discipleship must return to the forefront of the church’s mission.
As you read this book, may you be not only blessed but revolutionized into becoming the complete, cultivated, and cultured Christian that Jesus, the Christ, desires you to be. There is more to Christianity than just being saved. I’m Saved, Now What? will truly explain the “more.”

--Dr. Jeffery K. Rumlin
Senior Pastor, Dayspring Baptist Church
Jacksonville, FL
Preface

The Basic Truth Series was birthed out of what some would call a setback or an unfortunate situation. But I call it a blessing in disguise.

God will create a situation in which you’ll find yourself alone and unable to move. You will, in a sense, be forced to spend intimate time with Him. He has a way of getting our attention, whether it’s by allowing a temporary setback, such as an ailment that results in inactivity, or by removing us from a situation that hinders our fellowship with him. For me, it was a time when I couldn’t find work. Rest assured that when this happens, God is in control. We get so used to the hustle and bustle of life, going here and there, seeing this or that person, that when God creates a situation that slows us down, we think something is wrong. In reality, nothing is wrong. God just wants a season alone with us. He may be trying to redirect our lives or give us new insight into his will. He may inspire us and give us fresh and exciting ideas. He may have something for us to do that requires our full attention and complete commitment. It may be that God wants to give us a period of rest. We should take advantage of every opportunity God gives us to rest in his abiding love. During this period of immobility, it is important that we depend totally on God for everything we need. I once heard someone say, “God pays for what he orders.” That little phrase speaks volumes. Psalm 37:23 states, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way.” If God is ordering the things in your life, you can rest in knowing that he will pick up the tab.

Note: Unless otherwise specified, all scriptures are quoted from the King James Version of the Bible. Quotes attributed to the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible are from the 1984 version.