1. What it means to be a
Christian

2. 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?
Growing as a Christian
What hinders me from growing?
The Christian and the body of Christ
The Christian and others
Am I done yet?
What it means to be a
Christian

3. Becoming a
Christian

4. 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

5. 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 1 Timothy 3:15, cf. Matthew 19:29
Becoming a
Christian

6. 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, 19:1-2
Becoming a
Christian

7. I have answers to the questions of life –
Why Become a Christian?
Privilege being a Christian
I have answers to the questions of life –
Everyone who asks these questions needs faith in the answers they receive! Will we investigate?
Becoming a
Christian

8. 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 – Matthew 5:14-16, 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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 - Acts 8:37, Romans 10:9-10
Becoming a
Christian

14. 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

15. Obeying the Gospel
Live faithfully–
Becoming a Christian is just the beginning!
Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:38, cf. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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
Becoming a
Christian

19. The Cost of Becoming a Christian
Becoming a Christian will NOT:
Nullify unscriptural relationships!
Guarantee salvation – Revelation 2:10, 2 Peter 2:20-22
Becoming a
Christian

20. The Cost of Becoming a Christian
What will becoming a Christian cost me?
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.
Everything!
Becoming a
Christian

21. 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!

22. Have you obeyed the Gospel?