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So things that can be a blessing during the time of Covid -19?
1. Some families are spending more time together
2. People have to examine their priorities.
3. People have to think about life and death.
4. People have to choose to worship.
5. People are realizing that this world is not secure.
This all brings me back to the question we learned in evangelism training?
If you died today would you go to heaven?
Did you know there is a way to know for sure you are going to heaven?
1 John 5:13 I've written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Believe: What does it mean to believe in the name of the Son of God?
Jesus was given over 50 names in the bible besides the name Jesus which means "God is Salvation".
He is called: Almighty one, Alpha and Omega, Advocate, Author and Perfecter of our faith, Authority, Bread of life, Beloved Son of God, Bridegroom, Chief Cornerstone, Deliverer, Faithful and true, Good Shepard, Great High Priest, Head of the Church, Holy Servant, I Am, Emmanuel/Immanuel, Indescribable Gift, Judge, King of Kings, Lamb of God, Light of the World, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Lord of all, Mediator, Messiah, Mighty One, One who sets free, Our hope, Peace, Prophet, Redeemer, Risen Lord, Rock, Sacrifice for our Sins, Savior, Son of Man, Son of the Most High, Supreme Creator Over All, Resurrection and the Life, The Door, The Way, The Word, True Vine, Truth, Victorious One, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace, Christ.
Do you believe Jesus the Son of God is your Salvation? How can he be your Salvation?
Confess: First you have to acknowledge your sin and your need for salvation.
Romans 5:12: Everyone has sinned.
Even if you are a "pretty good person" you have probably lied, cured, been angry, took home a pencil that did not belong to you, ran a stop sign, or thought a nasty thought about someone else.
Jesus says these are sins as well.
Acts: 3;19: Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Luke 12:21 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
Luke 12: 27 You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Think of it this way. You are shooting an arrow towards a bulls eye. Every-time you miss you fall short of the bull-eye. It is true of sin as well. Anything that is not perfect is sin. Sins punishment is death.
Repent and accept God's Free Gift of Salvation.
Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What is this Gift of God? Jesus
Jesus who is the perfect son of God decided to take the punishment for all our sins so we can go to heaven. He was crucified on the cross, buried, and rose from the grave. Jesus wants to be a part of your life and wants you to have the gift of eternal life as well. (Easter mediation)
Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
John: 15:26 "When the Advocate comes (Holy Spirit), whom I will send to you from the Father--the Spirit of truth (Holy Spirit) who goes out from the Father--he will testify about me (Jesus).
Baptism? What is baptism?
The best picture of what baptism is the picture of Jesus and His baptism.
Luke 3:21: When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
1 Peter 3:21: And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How can I get baptisted if I do not have a church?
We as Christians are not meant to do life alone, we need other Christians to help us go through this life. The "Church" is not a building or a congregation the "Church" is other people who are trying to navigate this world using the Holy Spirits guidance.
1 Corth 3:16: Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?
A lot of us Christians tend to need a place to meet often called "church buildings". Different denominations have a different view of the scripture and what it means to put them in action.
Here are a few that I like and their statement of faith aligns well with the Bible. The goal is to find a family that you can grow with. You are as important to them as they are to you.
https://kacc.church/ (more outreach oriented)
http://www.northpennchurchofchrist.org/ (Very conservative)
https://www.hopwoodcc.org/ (mildly conservative)
https://buxmontchristian.com/worship.html (mildly conservative)
https://calvarylansdale.org/ (mixed)
Great church camp: https://www.manatawny.org/
What now is that it? Yes
Romans: 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
That is all that is required for you to receive the free gift from Jesus and your spot in heaven: Believe, Confess your sins and Repent, and be Baptisted.
As a bonus to your free Gift:
This step you will start at baptism and continue through out your life. It looks different for everyone and the Holy Spirit will lead you through this.
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
James: 2:14: What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
You will never be perfect this side of Heaven. The point is that you are still trying and listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Jesus has died for all your sins that means the sins you will commit while trying to follow the Holy Spirits lead.
Here is a few tools for you that will help the Holy Spirit work in you.
https://biblehub.com/ (Free bible online anytime)
https://www.proverbs31.org/ (Helps you navigate the bible and helps you grow daily)
http://www.klove.com/ (music you can listen to anywhere)
