What do you need to know to become a Christian?
2004020
Topic # 1289
Introduction:
A. Welcome to this service! Glad you’re here & know that you’ll profit by our study tonight.
B. Becoming a Christian
1. No greater joy in your life than when you make decision to come to Christ and begin relationship w/Him.
2. Maybe you’re contemplating becoming a Christian. Struggle w/questions:
a) Do I know enough? Am I old enough?
b) Fear of young men: they expect me immediately lead prayer or song.
c) Fear of young women: they’ll expect me immediately help in a class
3. Doubts may arise:
a) Can I live up to what is expected of me?
b) I’ll no longer be able to do “fun” things or hang out w/my friends.
c) I’ll wait a few more years…I want to enjoy life for a little while.
C. For a few moments we’ll seek to answer these questions.
D. What do you need to know to become a Christian?
I. Here’s what you need to know:
A. What are the facts?
1. 1 Tim 2:3-4 – God desires all men to come to knowledge of the truth.
a) Rom. 1:16 – gospel is God’s power to save.
b) Rom. 3:23 – all have sinned. 6:23 – wages of sin is death.
2. Rom. 6:23 – free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus!
B. You may find yourself desiring that gift. What must you do to obtain that gift?
1. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God & that He can/will forgive you of your sins. – Acts 16:30-31
2. Do you understand what it means to believe in Jesus?
a) Mt. 16:16-18 – Peter’s words here meant something.
b) Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Savior of the world. He has the power to build His church!
3. Acts 2:36 – to believe in Jesus is to understand that He is both Lord & Christ.
a) before everyone else
b) before parents; teachers; friends
c) He – Lord of your life.
C. Will you repent of your sins?
1. Lk. 13:3 – is repentance necessary?
a) Lk. 24:47 – disciples instructed to preach it.
b) Acts 2:38 – Peter preached it.
2. Knowing these passages doesn’t guarantee one understands repentance.
a) Lk. 18:10-14 – can you see any traits of repentance in v. 13?
b) Repentance involves:
1) humility – not even willing to lift up eyes
2) sorrow – indicated by his beating his breast
3) Turning away from sin – be merciful to God – a sinner!
c) Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action!
d) Apologies – useless if they are not backed up w/a commitment to change!
D. Will you confess that Jesus is the Son of God?
1. Acts 8:36-37 – example of confession
2. This is necessary for salvation – Rom. 10:9-10
3. This confession & commitment is made publicly.
a) We place ourselves on record before witnesses – which we intend to be true to Christ!
b) Confession a public promise of faithfulness
E. Will you be baptized for the remission of your sins?
1. It is expected & absolutely necessary if we wish to be saved.
a) Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16
2. Do you understand the symbolism surrounding baptism?
3. Rom. 6:1-11
a) 6:3-4 – like dying; being buried; then raised from the dead. Like what happened to Jesus
b) Be baptized knowing that a change is going to take place.
1) Most important changes you’ll ever make!
2) Can involve drastic & important changes!
c) 6:5-7 – every relationship in your life should change.
1) parents; siblings; friends; those in authority over you
2) must change for better
3) Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:14-15
d) 6:8-12 – old person of sin put to death new person who – dead to sin but alive to God.
F. God says that those who do these things become children of God.
1. Titus 2:13-14 – we’re no longer the possession of Satan – but God! We’re living hope!
II. More facts you need to understand!
A. Do you understand the tragedy of being lost?
1. Mk. 9:43-48
2. Lost: spend eternity in hell fire; fire never goes out.
3. Does this cause you to fear dying in sin?
B. Mt. 10:28 – what does this verse mean to you?
1. No one can destroy soul but God!
2. Do you understand the need to fear God in a way that you fear no one else?
3. God is someone you will have to stand before one day.
C. Lk. 15:15-19- has sin got you down? Is it weighing on you? Do you feel guilty? Is your life burdened by dread?
1. Does the prodigal son’s story parallel your life?
2. Are you willing to do what the prodigal son did?
3. God is our Father! He is anxiously awaiting your decision!
D. Do you see your relationship w/God as a matter between you & God?
1. In every case in NT baptism & obedience to gospel is between God and the individual!
2. Important because it is not a matter between you, your parents, and God.
a) nowhere in NT do you find preaching followed by this response:
b) I have to ask mom & dad before I’m baptized.
III. But what about those nagging doubts?
A. Some lack confidence that they can live up to high standard associated w/Christ like living.
1. Some are mistaken into thinking that after becoming Christian they will not be subject to temptation or sin again.
2. Not the case. In fact, devil will work at you harder than before.
3. Comfort found – 1 John 2:1-2. Also 1:7-10 – Remember John writing to Christians!
4. 1 Cor. 10:13 – God will provide a way of escape!
B. Yes, Christianity involves being totally & eternally committed to God!
1. Lk. 14:27 – following God – will involve sacrifice!
2. Maybe times that you will be made fun of & ridiculed!
3. Lk. 14:28-30 – two illustrations Jesus used to talk about commitment!
a) Like building a tower!
b) Consider – YOU have what it takes to complete the job!
4. 14:31-32 – like a king going to battle.
a) YOU have what it takes to be successful! When God is on your side you will succeed!
C. YOU can build your life for God!
D. YOU can experience the joy that comes from a committed life; totally devoted life to God!
E. What about putting this decision off?
1. Not an option – when considering the penalty of sin!
2. Do you realize you stand condemned before God as a sinner?
3. Ask: Does preaching from the pulpit convict you?
a) Do you feel uneasy during the invitation?
b) Are you in misery because of the lack of a decision?
4. Is putting it off really the best decision?
Conclusion:
A. Mt. 11:28; Rev. 3:20
1. Become a Christian – most important thing you will every do in this life.
2. Nothing more to evidence your maturity than by obeying the gospel!
B. Don’t put off something you are past ready to do!
C. Acts 2:37 – when it convinces/convicts you – obey it!
D. I N V I T A T I O N
