How do I become a Christian?
How to be Sure You are a Christian
How to Walk in Christian Obedience
How to Grow in the Christian Life
Bible Study: Food for Spiritual Nourishment
Prayer: Air for Spiritual Refreshment
Holy Spirit: Power for Spiritual Enablement
How to Overcome Temptation
How to Experience God’s Forgiveness
How to Effectively Share Your Faith
How to Find Needed Encouragement

How do I become a Christian?

You think you’re a good person. You’ve always tried to be the best you can be, and do what is right. The good outweighs the bad in your life. But, after all of this, do you still feel empty, unsatisfied, void, and alone?

You may have even tried things such as drinking, drugs, sex, materialism, partying, or hanging with a certain crowd to fill this unexplained need you have.

But, is there still something that is missing from your life?
There is One who can fill that void—God. If you’ve tried lots of solutions to make your life right, but none seem to work, then He is the answer.

God has given us an important manual for life—the Bible. He is the Author of this book and has given significant, truthful instructions for how we can have joy, hope, and peace in life. He has the answers to the problems and emptiness you may face.

You are here for a purpose, and not by accident. We were separated from God because of sin in the beginning of the world. But, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who lived on Earth, suffered punishment, and died on a cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all who would believe on him. Three days later, He rose from the dead.

Through the suffering and death of Jesus, he has made a way by which sinners can be forgiven, reconciled and know a personal relationship with Him. Whilst we remain in our unforgiven state, our sin separates us from Him.

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
–Romans 3:23

The most important decision in your life will be whether or not you trust and believe in Him as your personal Lord and Saviour. You must receive his forgiveness before you can experience a relationship with God. By God’s grace (his unmerited favour), this begins with repentance and a desire to turn away from your sins and old life to a new life in Christ.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
–Acts 3:19
Believe on (trust in) the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.
–Acts 16:31

You may think that you need to fix things or make things right in your life before you come to Christ. And many people feel that way, but it’s not true!

God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
–Romans 5:8

Salvation is entirely by the grace of God, not because you try to make things right in your life. God grants this salvation simply out of His love for sinners. It is not something that can be earned, it is a free gift.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
–Ephesians 2:8-9
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
–John 3:16

Sin causes death, but because God sent His Son to die for sinners, even for sinners like you, will you now turn to Him and believe in Him for your forgiveness and the free gift eternal life?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
–Romans 6:23

Put your trust Him now and confess Him as your personal Lord and Saviour.

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
–Romans 10:9-10

If, by God’s grace, you want forgiveness and peace with God. and you truly seek Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Saviour, then speak to God in prayer – Here are some suggested thoughts – but it is important to make them your own::

“God and Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose from the grave so that I might have eternal life in Heaven with You. I willingly repent of my sins and ask Him to be the Lord of my life and to take control of my words, thoughts, and actions. I place all of my trust in Him for my salvation from sin and death and hell.. I now acknowledge Him as my Lord and Saviour, and thank You for the free gift of eternal life. Amen.”

If you have just prayed a prayer like this and trusted in Christ, we would like to know so that we can celebrate with you! If you have questions or concerns, please call or write us. We want to encourage you in your walk with the Lord!

How to be Sure You Are a Christian

Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you know for certain that you are going to Heaven?

You have just read life’s most important question. To know that you have eternal life is absolutely essential to you well being, now and forever.

However God has given us a clear word and promised a certain hope. From the Bible, read the words of 1 John 5:13:

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

You can absolutely know that you are going to heaven! How? By believing on the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and trusting His word of promise.
(To believe on the NAME means to believe on the character and person.)

Here is the good news:

1. Salvation is a free gift!
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
–Romans 6:23

But, there is a problem…
2. Man is a sinner.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
–Romans 3:23
But no one is perfect! We have all sinned and therefore cannot save ourselves by simply living a good life. Why?
3. God is holy and therefore must punish sin.

Sin is God’s enemy, and He hates it! His righteousness demands that something be done about our sin problem, for His words in Exodus 34:7, “by no means clearing the guilty,” points to no clemency for the sinner.
So we have a dilemma. How can God be just and righteous and, at the same time, forgive us our sin? The answer is the greatest news ever shared. Are you ready for this?
4. God solved the dilemma in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Bible declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” (John 1:1, 14).
Jesus was fully God and fully man during his ministry on Earth. The ultimate demonstration of His deity is the cross and resurrection. Jesus Christ made it possible for us to go to Heaven by dying on the cross. He took our place of judgment, and the wrath of God that burns against sin fell on Him.
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
–2 Corinthians 5:21
What does all this mean?
5. Man can receive God’s forgiveness of sin and gift of eternal life by grace through faith.
Believe of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.
–Acts 16:31
Only by faith can we know God’s love and forgiveness.
Have you come to believe on Jesus Christ? Do you trust in Him alone for your salvation?
Sinners like you may come to Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer. God is not so much concerned with the words of your mouth as He is with the attitude of your heart. If you desire to have this certainty of salvation, you should “flee to Christ” right now!

How to Walk in Christian Obedience

Baptism: Identifying with Christ and His Church

The Motive for Baptism: Why Should You be Baptized?
Baptism is necessary for Christian obedience, and is vital to growth in your Christian walk. We are encouraged to keep Christ’s commandments through baptism:

By the example of Christ.

By the encouragement of New Testament believers. (Acts 8:26-38; 10:47-48; and 16:25-34)

By the explanation of Scripture. (Romans 6:4-5)

The Method of Baptism: How Should You be Baptized?
Baptism can be confusing for some, but the Bible tells us the method of baptism clearly. It is a picture of our identification with Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection.

The word “baptize” in the New Testament translates to mean “immerse,” “submerge,” or “to place under.” Scripture says that Jesus “came up out of the water” when He was baptized.

The Meaning of Baptism: Who Should be Baptized?

Baptism is a public declaration of the believer’s personal faith in Christ.

Baptism is a perfect illustration of what Christ did for sinners on the cross through His death, burial, and resurrection.

Baptism is a personal identification between Christ and His church.

The Moment of Baptism: When Should You be Baptized?
You should be baptized immediately following your salvation experience as a new believer. This is according to the pattern found in Acts 2:41.

Baptism in Water does not save anyone – the blood of Jesus Christ is what saves us. But baptism is the way in which believers testify to their salvation.

Church Membership: Strengthening Your Faith with Other Believers
The church is not a building or organization but it is a body of believers with Christ as the head. The Bible illustrates the church as a body, bride, branch, and a building of God. Your membership within a local church is a significant part of your Christian growth and walk with the Lord.

Opportunities of Membership

Membership means identity.

Membership means involvement. (Romans 12:4-5)

Membership means influence.

Obligations of Membership

Accountability (1 Corinthians 12:20-27)

Testimony (Ephesians 4:1-32)

Generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

How to Grow in the Christian Life

Bible Study: Food for Spiritual Nourishment

As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby.
–1 Peter 2:2

Your spiritual nutrition is the Bible, God’s Word, and is a healthy, daily diet consisting of truth that will give you strength to walk in His will.

Motives for Bible Study

Source of Protection (Psalm 119:9-11)

Source of Direction (Psalm 119:133)

Source of Joy (Psalm 119:35, 47, 162)

Source of Cleansing (John 15:3)

Source of Power (Hebrews 4:12)

Source of Truth (John 17:17, 19)

Methods of Bible Study

Begin with three key questions:

What does the text say?

What does it mean?

What does it mean to me personally?

Follow these guidelines during your Bible study time:

Pray as you begin to study.

Ponder as you continue to study. Read the passage two or three times.

Ask these questions for discovery:

Is there a promise to claim?

Is there a lesson to learn?

Is there a command to obey?

Is there a blessing to enjoy?

Is there a sin to avoid?

Is there a thought for today?

Practice what you learn in study.
Examine James 1:19–21, Psalm 119:32, and John 14:21–23.

Maintenance of Bible Study

Make an appointment to meet God and to read His Word each day.

Choose to be faithful in your Bible study.

Utilize some good study helps that will expand your insight and study (concordance, Bible atlas, commentary, etc.).

Prayer: Air for Spiritual Refreshment

The Prominence of Prayer in the Life of Christ

Luke 3:21, 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, 9:28-29, 11:1, 23:32, 23:34, 23:46

The Priority of Prayer for the Christian

Luke 21:36

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Luke 18:1

1 Timothy 2:1-6

The Particulars of Prayer for the Christian

Adoration: Praise for God’s person (Revelation 4:11)

Thanksgiving: Appreciation for God’s work (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Intercession: Petition on behalf of others (James 5:16)

Petition: Prayer for specific needs (Matthew 6:32-33)

Confession: Agreeing with God and receiving His forgiveness for your sin (1 John 1:7-9)

The Principles of Prayer for the Christian

Make prayer your first response in all things, not your last.

Thank God in all things, no matter how they may appear.

Focus on the Lord and not on your problems when you pray.

Be specific when you pray, not general.

Pray in faith and claim God’s promises.

Put your confidence in the faithfulness of God when you pray.

Holy Spirit: Power for Spiritual Enablement
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is a person. He is the third person of the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—with a distinct personality and ministry. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to enable us to continue His ministry in the world.

What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Jesus, convicts people of their sin, and transforms them with new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He enables believers to live victorious in their Christian walk.

How Can I Receive the Holy Spirit?
You receive the Holy Spirit at the moment you accept Christ as your Saviour. Christ lives in your heart through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Read Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 8:5-9; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, and 12:12-14.

How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to submit all control of your life to Him. You must surrender your life and let the Holy Spirit work in you, which is evident in your actions, speech, and attitude.

How to Overcome Temptation

Temptation is common in the life of man, and requires you to be absolutely dependent upon God. Temptation may be defined as the enticement to fulfill a God-given desire or drive in a God-forbidden way. There are three ways to deal with temptation:

Give in.

Fight in the flesh, only to be frustrated and often defeated. (Romans 7)

Prevail in the power of Jesus Christ.

Truths about Temptation

The Period: Jesus was Tempted Immediately After His Baptism
The Place: Jesus was Tempted in the Wilderness

Types of Temptation

Physical pleasure – This is a temptation that appeals to the body.

Earthly position – This is the temptation to put God to the test, or bypass the narrow road.

Spiritual power – Satan seeks to destroy your relationship with God through your appetites, ambitions, and affections. You must be alert and aware of his schemes.

Triumph over Temptation
Our victory over temptation requires:

Compliance with the Word of God (Philippians 4:19)

Commitment to the Will of God

Continuance in the Worship of God (James 4:7)

How to Experience God’s Forgiveness

But what happens when a Christian sins? How does sin affect your relationship and fellowship with God?

Your relationship was established forever when you were born again. A son remains the son of his father by nature, even when they are angry with each other and part company, but their fellowship in another matter. It is helpful to distinguish between the two.

In 1 John 1:32:2, we are told how to experience God’s forgiveness in order that we may enjoy the freshness, fullness, and fruitfulness that God has intended and provided for everyone who belongs to Him.

Your fellowship with God is maintained through Jesus Christ in confession of sin. Fellowship with God assures the strength and resource of the inner life to face and endure any outer circumstance.

When and how do I confess?

Confession should be done immediately.

Confession should be focused on specific things.

Confession should be made confidently.

What happens when I confess?

You affirm God’s acceptance of Jesus.

You accept God’s acceptance of yourself.

You agree with God’s acceptance of others.

Free grace and forgiveness is never to be equated with cheap salvation. Our salvation is costly to God. What marvellous love and grace!

How to Effectively Share Your Faith

One of the greatest evidences of your new life in Christ is a desire to tell others about Jesus. This is life’s greatest call and highest privilege, to be God’s ambassador, seeking to persuade others to be reconciled to God.

The Constraint of the Gospel
For the love of Christ compels us. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

The Gospel provides the only message of hope, deliverance, and transforming power for all mankind. Therefore, there is urgent need for every believer to share with others the grace of God that they have experienced through the Gospel. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that our Lord’s final commission to His disciples is to GO. Read Matthew 28:18-20.

The Content of the Gospel
The wonderful thing about the Gospel is that it is simple yet profound. These are the facts to which faith must be applied if a person is to receive new life in Christ.

To better equip you for sharing your faith, the following outline is given. You may use it to share the Gospel of Christ with others.

The Problem with Man – Romans 3:23, 6:23
The Provision for Man – Romans 5:8
The Promise to Man – Romans 10:9-10, 13

The Confidence in the Gospel
There are numerous Gospel promises that you can stand upon in your witness: Romans 1:16, Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Philippians 2:13, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 2 Timothy 1:7-8, 1 John 4:4, and Revelation 22:17.

How to Find Needed Encouragement