What do you need to know to become a Christian?

Introduction:

There is no greater joy in your life than when you make decision to come to Christ and begin relationship w/Him. Maybe you’re contemplating becoming a Christian. Maybe you’re struggling w/questions: Do I know enough? Am I old enough? Are there doubts in your mind? Can I live up to what is expected of me? I’ll no longer be able to do “fun” things or hang out w/my friends. What do you need to know to become a Christian?

I.  Here’s what you need to know:

A.      1 Tim 2:3-4 – God desires all men to come to knowledge of the truth.

1.    Rom. 3:23 – all have sinned. 6:23 – wages of sin is death.

B.      Rom. 6:23 – free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus!

C.     What must you do to obtain that gift? Believe that Jesus is the Son of God – Acts 16:30-31

1.    Do you understand what it means to believe in Jesus? Mt. 16:16-18

D.     Will you repent of your sins?

1.    Lk. 13:3 – is repentance necessary? Lk. 24:47; Acts 2:38

2.    Lk. 18:10-14 – can you see any traits of repentance in v. 13?

3.    Repentance involves: Humility; sorrow; Turning away from sin.

4.    Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action!

E.      Confess that Jesus is the Son of God? Acts 8:36-37; Rom. 10:9-10

F.      Will you be baptized for the remission of your sins? Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16

1.    Rom. 6:1-11

G.     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!

II. More facts you need to understand!

A.    Do you understand the tragedy of being lost? Mk. 9:43-48

B.    Mt. 10:28 –No one can destroy soul but God!

C.   Lk. 15:15-19- Does the prodigal son’s story parallel your life?

1.    Are you willing to do what the prodigal son did?

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!

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.    Comfort found – 1 John 2:1-2. Also 1:7-10 1 Cor. 10:13

B.    Lk. 14:27 – following God – will involve sacrifice!

1.    Maybe times that you will be made fun of & ridiculed!

a)    Lk. 14:28-30; 31-32

C.    What about putting this decision off? That’s not an option!

Conclusion:

A.    Mt. 11:28; Rev. 3:20 This is the most important thing you will do in this life.

B.    Acts 2:37 – when it convinces/convicts you – obey it!