What Makes Me A Christian? 12:13 Series -- Fall 2007

Quick Review External things (speech, actions, etc.) can point to a Christian but cannot produce a Christian Salvation begins with God’s choice of us before the foundation of the world The gospel is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16)

The One-Minute Gospel God is the loving ruler of the world All people have rebelled against God’s rule God’s punishment for man’s rebellion is death God sent his son Jesus to die in our place Jesus rose from the dead and defeated sin If we submit to King Jesus, we will be forgiven!

The Miracle Of REGENERATION “Regeneration is a secret act of God in which he imparts new spiritual life to us.” (Wayne Grudem) Who? How? When? What? Why?

Who Does It? We do nothing God does everything! “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13)

How Does It Happen? God’s call The gospel’s power

When Does It Happen? In an instant Only once We may never know exactly when it took place

What Are The Results? We respond to God with repentance and faith We produce good spiritual fruit

Why Is It Necessary? Only God can raise the dead!

Next Week’s Contest CHRISTMAS FAVORITES! E-mail csomerville@covlife.org by noon on Friday with your favorite Christmas tradition (just one). Everybody who sends in an e-mail gets a prize!