12:13 Class Rules Need to use the bathroom? Ask a parent volunteer Need handouts from last week? Need to borrow a pen? Loan us a shoe and we will loan you a pen! Need to talk with a friend? Before/after class, but not during

What Makes Me A CHRISTIAN? Understanding Salvation And Sanctification

Quick Review External things (speech, actions, etc.) can point to a Christian but cannot produce a Christian A Christian is a new creation made alive by the mercy of God through Jesus Christ. Any questions?

“The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…” Two Ways To Live “The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…”

God -- The Loving Ruler and Creator God is the loving ruler of the world He made the world He made us rulers of the world under him “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things…” (Rev. 4:11)

“There is no one righteous, not even one...” (Rom. 3:10) Humanity in Rebellion We all reject the ruler -- God -- by trying to run life our own way without him But we fail to rule ourselves or society or the world “There is no one righteous, not even one...” (Rom. 3:10)

God Gives Rebels What They Ask For God won’t let us rebel forever God’s punishment for rebellion is death and judgment “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Heb. 9:27)

Jesus -- The Man Who Dies For Rebels Because of his love, God sent his Son into the world, Jesus Christ Jesus always lived under God’s rule Yet by dying in our place he took our punishment and brought forgiveness “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1Pet. 3:18)

Jesus -- The Risen Ruler God raised Jesus to live again as the ruler of the world Jesus has conquered death, now gives new life, and will return to judge “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1Pet. 1:3)

Two Ways To Live My way God’s way Submit to Jesus as my ruler Reject the ruler, God Try to run life my own way Result: Condemnation, death, judgment God’s way Submit to Jesus as my ruler Rely on Jesus’ death and resurrection Result: Forgiven by God, given eternal life

Which Way Do I Want To Live? My way? God’s way? “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:36)

Go God’s Way! Step 1: Talk to God Dear God, I know that I am not worthy to be accepted by you. I don’t deserve your gift of eternal life. I am guilty of rebelling against you and ignoring you. I need forgiveness. Thank you for sending your son to die for me that I may be forgiven. Thank you that he rose from the dead to give me new life. Please forgive me and change me, that I may live with Jesus as my ruler. Amen.

Go God’s Way! Step 2: Submit to Jesus Stop doing what God says is wrong Start doing what God says is right God will help you change through… The Bible Prayer The Holy Spirit Other Christians

Go God’s Way! Step 3: Keep trusting You will always be a sinner You will always need a Savior Each time you fall, remember the cross!

Starting Point 2011 (seniors) 14 chairs 16 chairs podium Table for water/OJ table Table for coffee/food Starting Point 2011 (seniors)