How Can I Receive Christ2022-09-19T14:24:39-05:00

How Can I Receive Christ

So, you are asking the question, “How do I receive the gift of Life offered by Christ?”

Well let me break it down quickly in a few simple components

#1 We have a Problem2022-09-20T03:44:05-05:00

Our problem is the word the Bible uses “Sin”.  Sin is an archery term which means to miss the mark.

Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;” (NIV)

So, if the mark is perfection.  We come up short.  We know that, we know that we do a lot of things that are wrong.  Those things we do are evidence of the problem with our nature.  Another way to see “sin” is that it is our Rebellion against the ways of God.  That sin, that rebellion, has alienated us from God and it has consequences.

Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death …” (NIV)

That’s a pretty big problem.  We aren’t just talking physical death, but eternal death and separation from God awaits us after this life if our state of rebellion isn’t dealt with.

Since the way I miss the mark is that I come up short, then I’ll never be good enough alone to reach God’s standard.

But there is Good News

#2 God’s Provision2022-09-20T04:06:12-05:00

God has made provision for our short fall

– It starts with God –

Romans 5:8 says, “God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (CSB)

Romans 2:4 says, “…the kindness of God leads you to repentance..” (NASB)

It starts with God

– It goes through the Cross –

There was only one way to redeem us from the penalty of our sin

Hebrews 9:22 says “ … without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (CSB)

1 Peter 3:18 says “Christ suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.  He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit” (NRS)

It starts with God, goes through the cross

– To the heart of man –

We have a choice to make to receive Christ’s sacrifice as payment for our sin

1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (ASV)

Romans 10:9,10 says “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raise Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.” (CSB)

Jesus is waiting for you to receive this offer of his Grace by Faith

Revelation 3:20 says “See!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with me.” (CSB)

So, Can I really believe this is for me, and is there more?  With God there is always what we need, and More

#3 God’s Promise2022-09-20T04:14:37-05:00

– A Relationship with God –

John 1:12 says “but to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,” (CSB)

We become part of the family when we believe in him and receive his offer.

– New Life –

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)

That’s great news, a fresh start and new life.  But what about today and tomorrow

– Strength for Life –

2 Peter 1:3 says “For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (CSV)

Because he loves me, because of his own reputation, he will give me everything I need to live and live the way he desires

And then for the day after tomorrow …

– Eternal Life –

Remember that Romans 6:23 states that “the wages of sin is death …” but it doesn’t stop there it continues “… but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (ESV)

Wow, a child of God, a fresh start, strength for every day, and hope for tomorrow.  That IS Good News and it is FOR all who believe so, will you receive it?

#4 A Simple Prayer2022-09-06T20:59:17-05:00

Will you say a simple pray with me?  There is no magic in the words, they must come from a heart and mind that believe, but this will help you do what Romans 10:9 says and confess with your mouth that you understand our sin and express a desire for Christ to be Lord.  You can express that desire in faith with a simple prayer like this … pray with me

“Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am separated from God by my sin.  Please forgive me of my sin and come into my life.  I believe that you died and rose again for me.  I want you to be in control as Lord of my life.  I give myself to you, help me to live for you.  IN Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”

If you just prayed, we celebrate with you the greatest decision in your life.  Please email me at pastorjim@fbcferguson.org and tell me about your decision so we can follow up now with your new life in Christ.  Tell somebody today what you have done.

Welcome to the Family of Faith, you are a child of God, forgiven and new.  We look forward to talking to you about the new life in Christ and hope you could find a worship family here at First Ferguson.  If you live somewhere else, find a Bible Believing Church and share your decision and get involved.

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