Why should I become a Christian? |
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Creation:
The Bible (Genesis 1-2) tells us that God created the world and everything in it, including us. God said it was "good" and invited us to be a part of making it even better as we worked in a relationship with him.
Trouble:
However, humanity decided to go its own way, away from God, which resulted in a break in the relationship which affected all of Creation, including us (Romans 8:18-27). If we have done one thing wrong it puts a break in our relationship with God.
Solution:
But God loved the world (John 3:16-17) and sent his Son, Jesus, to save rather than condemn the world. The Hebrew word for Salvation means " ... to bring into a spacious environment" and gives the sense of "freedom from limitation", which is what Jesus invites us into; a full life with him (John 10:10).
Jesus provided this salvation for us by living the perfect human life, dying on a cross to take away all our wrong-doings and rising from the dead so that we may live forever with God.
Response:
All we have to do is say "yes" to what we were powerless to do but Jesus has done for us (Romans 10:9). We do not need a degree or to have it all together or know the Bible inside out. We just need to "accept our acceptance", as one person put it, and join God's kingdom movement which is restoring his Creation.
How can I become a Christian? |
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Admit:
Admit that you do things wrong and cannot fix your life or relationship with God on your own.
Repent:
Repent means "to turn around in one's mind". It is turning away from the wrongdoings and turning too Jesus and the life he offers.
Believe:
Believe that Jesus accepts you because of the cross and God gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you to empower you (Acts 1:7-8), comfort you (John 16:5-11), and seal your relationship with God (2 Corinthians 1:22 & Ephesians 1:13)
Go public:
Tell someone of the decision you have made. You may want to email the church website (it will go to one of our ministers). We would pray for you and be more than happy to meet up for a coffee, chat and a prayer.
Practice
Now just get going and enjoy life as a Christian. God is for us not against us (Romans 8:28-39).
How should I live as a Christian? |
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Pray the following prayer:
Father God, I thank you that when Jesus died on the cross my wrongdoings (sins) were forgiven. I believe you love me and that Jesus will lead me into the spacious environment of a relationship with you. So I invite you, by the Holy Spirit, to dwell in my life as I begin my journey with you. In Jesus name, amen.
Talk with God:
Pray regularly, in your normal everyday language, and listen to God to see if he "nudges" you by what you feel, see and hear.
Read the story of God:
Read the Bible (using study notes if they are helpful. Start with the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) which tell the story of Jesus.
Meet with other Christians:
Attend a local outward-looking church where God's Holy Spirit is active and the story of God, Creation and humanity is taught from the Bible.
