Becoming a Christian

What is a Christian?

In its simplest terms, a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, the son of the living God. So how do we demonstrate that we are His followers?
  • accept Christ as being one with the Father (John 10:30)
  • understand that salvation and eternal life are gifts from God and are ours through Christ, not through a way of our own choosing (Proverbs 16:25, Romans 6:23)
  • accept that we have sinned, but know that His sacrifice provides for the forgiveness of those sins (Ephesians 1:7)
  • know Him as our shepherd, and are known by Him as His sheep (John 10:14)
  • place dedication to the principles of Christ above our own desires (Matthew 16:24)
  • give Him more than just lip service (Matthew 7:21)
  • love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34)

Why become a Christian?

  • Christ died for us, even though we were sinners (Romans 5:8)
  • Christ alone is the way to God, the Father (John 14:6)
  • Christ is the one true mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)
  • God has sent Christ to be our savior (1 John 4:14)
  • There is eternal life in Christ (Romans 6:23)
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How do I become a Christian?

  • Believe the gospel - the "good news" - of Christ, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16)
  • Turn away - repent - from sin, so they may be forgiven (Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30)
  • Confess that Christ is Lord (Romans 10:9)
  • Share in his death and resurrection through baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4)
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Why baptism?

What is baptism?
  • A rite that was ordered for believers (Acts 10:48)
  • An act done in the name of Jesus (Acts 8:36-38; Acts 10:48)
  • Described in the scriptures as a burial (Romans 6:3,4)
  • Defined by Bible dictionaries as "plunging, dipping, immersing, submerging"
  • An action that always involved going to a place where there was enough water, not bringing a small amount of water to the candidate; archaelogy shows early baptistries as pools of water
Who is to be baptized?
  • Those who believe the word, (Mark 16:16; Acts 18:8)
  • who obey the word, (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:41)
  • and who repent of their sins. (Acts 2:38)
Why should I be baptized?
  • To become a disciple (Matthew 28:19-20)
  • To be saved (Mark 16:16)
  • To have your sins forgiven, washed away (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)
  • To receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
  • To get into Christ; to be in his body - the church (Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
  • To unite in Christ's death and life (Romans 6:3,4)
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What then? After I become a Christian, what do I do?

     Upon your baptism, you are added to Christ's church -- the total of all people who have obeyed Him . Christ and His church are inseparable. He gave Himself for the church and is the head and Savior of His church. Christ is Lord of everything, including daily work responsibilities and relationships.
     The church, the body of believers, shares the Lord's supper (communion) as a memorial to Christ's death on the first day of each week, sings hymns of praise, prays, receives God's word in teaching, and encourages each other.
     Christ's followers show the presence of Christ in their lives by both their words and their deeds.
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~ Our Mission ~
To go and make disciples of all people, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV paraphrased)
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