let’s talk about how to grow in our faith. The points we cover will give us direction from the Bible and will help us to put our faith into focus.

 

First I want to make sure we understand our salvation.

 

1 John 5:13 tells us, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

 

God wants us to understand salvation. God wants us to have the confidence of knowing for sure that we are saved. Briefly, let’s go over the key points of salvation:

 

(a) We have all sinned. We have all done things that are displeasing to God (Romans 3:23).

 

(b) Because of our sin, we deserve to be punished with eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).

 

(c) Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died in our place, taking the punishment that we deserved. Jesus’ resurrection proved that His death was sufficient to pay for our sins.

 

(d) God grants forgiveness and salvation to all those who place their faith in Jesus—trusting His death as the payment for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).

 

(e) The Holy Spirit comes to reside permanently within us at the moment of faith. He assures us of everlasting life. He teaches us God’s Word and empowers us to live according to it.

 

That is the message of salvation! If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are saved! All of your sins are forgiven, and God promises to never leave you or forsake you (Romans 8:38–39; Matthew 28:20).

 

Remember, your salvation is secure in Jesus Christ (John 10:28–29 “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.).

 

If you are trusting in Jesus alone as your Savior, you can have confidence that you will spend eternity with God in heaven! If you never trusted in Jesus for salvation, I encourage you to do so now or contact me and we can talk more about it.

 

Now that we are sure of our salvation, find a good church that teaches the Bible.

 

A lot of people think of the church as a building, don’t think of the church that way. The church is the people. It is very important that believers in Jesus Christ fellowship with one another. That is one of the primary purposes of the church.

 

Now that you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, I strongly encourage you to find a Bible-believing church in your area and speak to the pastor. Let him know about your faith in Jesus Christ.

 

A second purpose of the church is to teach the Bible. You can learn how to apply God’s instructions to your life. Understanding the Bible is key to living a successful and powerful Christian life.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

 

A third purpose of the church is worship. Worship is thanking God for all He has done! God has saved us. God loves us. God provides for us. God guides and directs us. How could we not thank Him? God is holy, righteous, loving, merciful, and full of grace.

 

Revelation 4:11 declares, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

 

If you have never received the Lord Jesus into your life and never had your sins forgiven, will you trust Him today? Contact me if you want to talk more about this at pastorprbedford@gmail.com 

 

Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here? If so, please contact me so I can pray for you and help you in yur new lifes journey.

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