What it means to be a Christian

What it means to be a Christian In this study we will notice: What is a Christian? Becoming a Christian What hinders me from becoming a Christian? What hinders me from growing? Growing as a Christian The Christian and the body of Christ The Christian and others Am I done yet? What it means to be a Christian?

Becoming a Christian

Obeying the Gospel Doing what is necessary to become a Christian This is where being a Christian begins What must I do to be saved? Acts 16:30 Becoming a Christian?

Hebrews 11:6, John 8:24, Romans 10:9-10 Obeying the Gospel Hearing the word - Romans 10:17 Believing – Hebrews 11:6, John 8:24, Romans 10:9-10 More than believing in God, but believing God – John 3:36, cf. 1 Peter 3:21 Becoming a Christian?

Obeying the Gospel Acts 2:38, 3:19, Luke 13:3 & 5 Repenting – To change one’s mind Acts 2:38, 3:19, Luke 13:3 & 5 This MUST be understood BEFORE one obeys the gospel! How many fail to remain faithful because this is not emphasized? Confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord - Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37 Becoming a Christian?

Obeying the Gospel Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21 Be baptized – Immersed Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21 We must understand how and why we are doing this! Baptism, puts us into Christ – Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3-4, cf. Ephesians 1:7 Becoming a Christian?

Obeying the Gospel Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:38, 1 Corinthians 9:27 Live faithfully– Becoming a Christian is just the beginning! Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:38, 1 Corinthians 9:27 We use the expression “obeying the gospel” to describe becoming a Christian. But we must also CONTINUE to obey the gospel AS a Christian! Becoming a Christian?

Acts 4:12, cf. John 14:6 Why Become a Christian? It is the only way you will be saved Acts 4:12, cf. John 14:6 Becoming a Christian?

I have access to God – Proverbs 15:29, 1 Peter 3:12, 1 John 3:21-22 Why Become a Christian? There are privileges and blessing with being a Christian I have access to God – Proverbs 15:29, 1 Peter 3:12, 1 John 3:21-22 I have a spiritual family – who cares about my spiritual well being cf. Matthew 19:29 Becoming a Christian?

Why Become a Christian? Privilege being a Christian I have answers to the questions of life – Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Hebrews 11:3 Yes, it requires faith, but it is not a blind faith – Romans 1:20, Psalm 8:1-4, 19:1 Everyone who asks these questions needs faith in the answers they receive! Will we investigate? Becoming a Christian?

Why Become a Christian? Privilege being a Christian My life has real purpose – We are not just living for now, but for everlasting life. Ephesians 4:17-20, 2:11-12 I am here to please God – Philippians 2:15 I am here to live a holy life – 1 Peter 1:15-16 I am here to serve others – Philippians 2:3-4 Becoming a Christian?

Peace within ourselves Why Become a Christian? Privilege being a Christian I have peace of mind – we have answers to the problem of sin. Peace with God – Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7 Philippians 4:7 Peace within ourselves Becoming a Christian?

Why Become a Christian? Privilege being a Christian I have hope for heaven – this is our goal! Matthew 16:26, 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Becoming a Christian?

The Cost of Becoming a Christian Many obey the gospel with false expectations Are we culpable in this? Are we quick to pressure one to be baptized before they understand the cost? Matthew 13:20-21, the stony ground Becoming a Christian?

The Cost of Becoming a Christian Becoming a Christian will NOT: Instantly change you heart and desires – Acts 15:9, 8:21 Remove temptations – James 1:12. Cf. 1 Cor. 10:13 Prevent you from committing sin – Acts 8:18-19, 1 John 1:8-10 Remove your struggles and difficulties Becoming a Christian?

The Cost of Becoming a Christian Becoming a Christian will NOT: Remove physical consequences of sins – You can’t keep what you have stolen - Health problems - Adultery has consequences - Damage from anger and lust Nullify unscriptural relationships! Guarantee salvation Becoming a Christian?

The Cost of Becoming a Christian What will becoming a Christian cost me?: Everything! Luke 9:57-62 Luke 14:26-33 While the life of a Christian is not easy, if you work at it you will be a better person because of it. Becoming a Christian?

We all need to obey the gospel! Consider: Romans 10:16 2 Thessalonians 1:8 1 Peter 4:17 But we MUST take this decision seriously!

Have you obeyed the Gospel?