This is a textbook for building and sustaining the Church of Jesus Christ the Body of Christ. It is especially helpful not only for new converts but mature Christians as well. People outside the Christian faith will also find its pages enlightening.
The new Believer will discover what it takes and means to be born again and the more experienced will be encouraged and reminded of who they are through the life death resurrection and promised return of Jesus Christ.
Special emphasis is placed on some of the basic questions that confront Believers including: "How can I be born again? " "Who is Jesus Christ? " "Who is God? " "What is sin? " "Who is the devil? " "What is prayer? " and "What are the characteristics of a Christian?"
I've Just Been Born Again is based on the premise that not all who call themselves Christians fully understand their standing and responsibility in God and the world of which they are a part. Undoubtedly this weakness is in part responsible for the level of stagnation experienced in the lives of many Believers and by extension in many churches across the denominational spectrum. Scriptural support is thus provided to assist.
Michael L. Goddard is a multi-award-winning legendary Caribbean journalist with nearly 50 years' experience. Inducted into the Barbados Association of Journalists' Hall of Fame and recognized by several other national organizations he is the complete journalist having worked in every area of the media.
Michael L. Goddard was born again in 2001 and has transferred the excitement and passion of his journalistic career to living the Christian life and introducing people to Jesus Christ.
An elder and head of Men's Ministry at The People's Cathedral the largest Pentecostal Church in Barbados he has also served as general men's director of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies International.
"Mike Goddard has grown in his spiritual life and ministry as God has led him into leadership of the men's group at his home church. As he has worked with the men leading them deeper in their own individual spiritual lives he has confronted the need to teach and train men in the underlying fundamentals of the Christian faith. From that experience this book has been birthed. It is a well-thought-out presentation of the basic truths of the Christian faith in a reader-friendly format that will enable any Christian male or female to deepen his or her walk with God. I commend this book to the reader and pray that God will use it in your life causing you to more fully understand the basis of your faith and enabling you to walk closer with our God." -- Gerry Seale DD Barbados District presiding bishop Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies
"Anyone involved in the development of young Christian Believers will treasure this book as it provides another avenue to help to disciple persons into their newfound relationship with Jesus Christ. Mike Goddard sketches out a guideline for both instructors and converts to use to enhance the Believer's first steps and ensure that steps are firmly planted in the Word of God. His approach is laced with a Biblical undergirding for the Believer to become a reflective observant and introspective student while at the same time focusing on Jesus Christ the Author and Finisher of our faith." -- Nigel N. Henry World Missions director Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies International
"There are many highlights I can take from this fine work first of which would be that it allows the Bible to speak for itself. Perhaps 80 percent of the text is a beautiful tapestry of Scripture carefully and sequentially woven together wisely using different versions of Scripture to outline the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Also outstanding is the simple writing style that is easy to understand yet the more advanced student will benefit from the well-researched information which renders the book simple in style but not simplistic in content. This text will be beneficial to the new convert and the more mature Christian."-- Rev. Dr. Orlando Seale Superintendent of the Barbados District of the Church of the Nazarene
"Congratulations Mike on a much-needed book written from a heart that truly loves God and has a passionate desire that &lsquoall may know Him'. Not only is it a great blessing to the new Believer but to ALL Believers. Simply and beautifully written Mike not only shows us how to be born again but opens our understanding to who God really is and how He wants us to live our daily lives. I highly recommend this book to pastors for use in the Sunday school department Bible study and Converts' classes and would encourage you to make sure there are several copies in your church library."-- Pastor Rosemary Williams cofounder The People's Cathedral Barbados
"Mike Goddard wrote this book as an aid for new Christians on their spiritual journey. While reading the original manuscript at the author's request I rediscovered the richness of the Scriptures. I am glad that he arranged this book in a way that allows the Scriptures to direct encourage and enlighten at critical junctions of the exciting journey. Many times I found myself reflecting-instead of correcting. The book ministered to me. May it do the same for you. I heartily recommend it."-- Harry Mayers retired journalist lay preacher-Methodist Church in the Caribbean
"The born again Believer needs to know what is involved in being born again or to experience the spiritual birth. It is the spiritual birth or renewal that equips the Believer to carry out the mandate to "go into all the world and preach the Good News to every creature. This book outlines the basics of Christianity and what it means to be born again. The last chapter speaks to the authority given to the Believer to use the name of Jesus to heal the sick and other functions mentioned in Mark's Gospel chapter 16 verse 18. In spite of all your efforts to understand what it means to be born again aided by assimilating the contents of this book the true essence of its meaning can only be grasped when this book based on Scripture is read prayerfully. Living out the experience of being born again as outlined here enables you to better grasp its true meaning." -- Dr. DaCosta Thompson medical doctor and student of the Word of God
"As one who over the years has grown disenchanted and drifted away from the Christian ethic while I continue searching for the answer to "What're we here for? " Mike Goddard's explanation of some passages of Scripture I once found pedantic contradictory and gratuitously violent brought me enticingly close to returning to the fold. Mike's journalism training serves him well in this publication which I'm sure is only the precursor of more. He applies his trademark wry wit and knack of gentle persuasion in dissecting and analyzing a host of Bible stories and events. I don't get the impression here that he is on an evangelical crusade trying to convert anyone he's only telling you that he has just been born again . . . and that it's a good feeling. And that you have nothing to lose if you try it." -- Carl Moore first editor The Nation newspaper (Barbados) retired public affairs officer Central Bank of Barbados book editor
"This book meets a relevant need in the body of Christ. Who better to write about being born again than Mike Goddard who himself has experienced such a miraculous life-transforming experience in his own life? Mike is a good friend a Barnabas (an Encourager) very involved in men's Ministry and one who seeks to positively impact the spiritual landscape of Barbados. He has seen the need to educate and equip the new convert and has done so in a thorough and comprehensive manner. I commend this book not only to converts but also to those who are inquirers and seekers after truth. Teachers in New Believers classes will find this book a useful tool."- Rev. Paul Watson retired senior pastor Messiah's House Wesleyan Holiness Church author
