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What is a Christian?
A Christian is a follower of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. (Acts 11:26). Just as a Muslim accepts and promotes the teachings of Mohammed or a Buddhist accepts and promotes the teachings of Buddha, a Christian consciously decides to accept and promote the teachings of Jesus (Acts 26:28).
If I've done something really wrong, will God forgive me?
Yes! The good news from God is that everyone can have a fresh start with God (2 Peter 3:9). The only requirement is a sincere desire and intention to turn away from what is wrong and to follow God (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 55:6-7; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 3:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). In the Bible, God forgave cheaters (see the story of Jacob in Genesis 27 and 32), murderers (David in 2 Samuel 12), adulterers (an unnamed woman in John 8:1-11), and even those who had turned away from God earlier (Samson in Judges 16 and 17). Today every person is offered forgiveness in Christ with the opportunity for a fresh start (Jeremiah 3:12-14; 2 Corinthians 7:8-11).
- His love includes you.
"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). -
He has new life for you.
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
2. Recognize that sin separates you from God and others.
- "Sin" is walking our own way in rebellion against God's will. When we walk away from God, we walk away from life.
- Everyone has sinned.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). - Sin brings death.
"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). - Our own efforts cannot save us.
As sinners we futilely try to find life's true meaning in the wrong ways and places. - "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).
- Jesus Christ died in our place.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). - He is the way to new life.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). - He gives inner peace.
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). - He gives freedom.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). - He gives eternal life.
"But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
4. You must repent and ask God for forgiveness.
- Admit and confess your sins to God.
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). - Repentance means:
- Forgiveness is promised.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
• To acknowledge your sins. |
5. Place your trust in Christ and receive Him as your Savior.
- Christ is ready.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in" (Revelation 3:20). - Receive him now.
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).
6. Pray this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to have life. I know that I have sinned. I need Your forgiveness and pardon. I believe that You died and rose again for my sins. I now accept You as my personal Savior. I will forsake my sinful life. I know that Your grace and power will enable me to live for You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and for giving me a new life.
For help in living a meaningful life in Christ:
• Be assured of Christ's forgiveness.
• Read your Bible and pray daily.
• Find a concerned pastor and other Christians.
• Become a vital part of that church.
• Share your faith with others.
A caring church family is waiting to accept you and help nurture you as a Christian at GoodNaz..
What is the purpose of my life?
There are two answers to this question. First, God invites us to experience a personal relationship with Him. That invitation is offered to every human on earth. Second, God wants each of us to use our abilities and opportunities to help others. These purposes are different for each of us.
As part of traditional Christianity, Nazarenes understand that God created all people with the same intention: Each one should have a loving relationship with God that will last for eternity (John 3:16; 1 John 1:3). When we have such a relationship, God intends for us to become more loving, patient, and self-disciplined; in short, we are on a journey toward a God-shaped life (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 3:2).
In addition, God gives each person special abilities designed to help others. For example, some are able to teach others about God, some are able to help with physical needs, and some are especially effective in counseling or leadership (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
What are we saved from?
Some scriptures promise salvation from other people and their evil intentions (Psalm 18:3). More often, God's Word promises salvation from the evil that is widespread throughout the world (Isaiah 45:22; Acts 4:12). Many times in the scriptures God offers to save us when this world is destroyed (Joel 2:31-32; 1 Peter 4:18). However, the most common use of the word may be "saved from the punishment we deserve" (Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 15:2; 1 Timothy 2:4).