As an individual, you must...
1. Believe in Jesus Christ-
Believe that you are sinful and separated from God without Jesus; believe that Jesus died in your place to make things right for you with God; believe He rose from the dead to give us hope of doing the same; believe that Jesus has the right to ownership of every aspect of your life; believe He is coming back for us and that He will judge us.(Rom 3:23, Rom 1:16, Rom 10:17, Acts 15:7, 16:31, Rom 6:23, I John 1:8-9)
2. Confess to God that you are a sinner and then repent of your sins-
Decide to let Christ's power turn your life around; tell Him that you've decided to follow him and promise Him that you will try not to sin any more; promise to obey Him in every aspect of your life. Then tell someone who is already a Christian so they can help you start to live a new life. (Acts 2:38, 17:30)
3. Submit to be baptized-
By immersion in water in the name of the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit, we identify with Christ's death, burial & resurrection. Your sins are washed aaway & forgiven; you receive the Holy Spirit, enabling you to live a new life. Jesus Himself was baptized in water and He commanded that everyone who follows Him be baptized in water. (Acts 16:31-33, Rom 6:3-5, Col 2:12)
4. Receive the Holy Spirit as a gift from God-
God in the form of the Spirit will be with you at all times and is a guarantee of all His other promises; His power will work through you. You will start to live "in Christ."(Acts 2:38)
Working with & being helped by your brothers and sisters in Christ, you must...
(Eph 4:1, Acts 26:19-20, Rom 12:1-2)
5. Become an active part of Christ's family on earth, the church-
The people who form the church function as Christ's servants on earth to do His will; we are part of His Kingdom. We worship together, help each other, and stand with each other in the trials, challenges, and stages of life. We are also God's ambassadors to those who don't know Christ.
6. Grow daily in love, prayer, knowledge, giving, and service-
By talking and listening to God, by reading and studying God's word, the Bible, and by sharing with God's people, you will start to live like Jesus wants you to live in your daily life. Find out all you can about your new Friend and boss and King.
7. Use your gifts and talents for the good of His kingdom-
Jesus wants everyone to do something in the body of Christ, the church; He will provide the means, talent, and opportunity. All kinds of blessings come from all kinds of service and giving.
8. Daily take up your cross and follow Jesus-
Every day brings new challenges to face; opposition to what Christ wants us to do will be experienced by every Christian. Jesus said we would have troubles in this life. But Jesus will be with us if we will decide to follow HIm every day. In every situation we should ask,"What would Jesus do if He were here?"
9. Be ready to tell others about Jesus-
Use opportunities that come to give an explanation for what you believe and why you believe it. Tell others about Someone who loved you enough to die for you and Who helps you every day.
