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ASSURANCE
This leads us to a very important question. How do you know if you have been regenerated and born again? Do you have the assurance of your decision? Please know that the Holy Spirit offers assurance (Romans 8:16) “the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”. The Bible has the answer and encourages us to examine ourselves to see if we are truly “in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Check the following. Do you enjoy having fellowship with Christ and His redeemed people—fellowship with other Christians (1 John 1:3). Would people say you walk in the light, or walk in darkness (1 John 1:6-7). Do you admit and confess your sin—do you have a contrite heart (1 John 1:8). Are you obedient to God’s Word—involved in prayer and the Word of God (1 John 2:3-5). Does your life indicate you love God rather than the world (1 John 2:15). Is your life characterized by “doing what is right” (1 John 2:29). Do you seek to maintain a pure life (1 John 3:3). Do you bear fruit and put your faith into action—the outworking of one’s faith reveals one’s salvation status (James 2:17). Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life—you attempt and overcome sin but know that we are born sinners (1 John 5:4, 1 John 3:5-6). Do you demonstrate love for other Christians (1 John 2:10, 1 John3:14). Do you “walk the walk” versus just “talking the talk” (1 John 3:18-19). Do you maintain a clear conscience (1 John 3:21). Do you experience victory in your Christian walk (1 John 5:4). Do you have a hopeful anticipation of being with Christ (Phil 1:21). Do you make decisions in life according to God’s will—either from scripture or simply following His direct commands (1 John 2:3). Are you developing Christ-like characteristics in your walk with God—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, knowledge, and Godliness (Gal 5:22-23).
How did you do with this series of questions as you search your own heart? Remember that no one will perfectly fulfill all of them all the time, but they should reveal a consistent trend that characterized our lives as we grow in grace.
ASSURANCE
This leads us to a very important question. How do you know if you have been regenerated and born again? Do you have the assurance of your decision? Please know that the Holy Spirit offers assurance (Romans 8:16) “the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”. The Bible has the answer and encourages us to examine ourselves to see if we are truly “in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Check the following. Do you enjoy having fellowship with Christ and His redeemed people—fellowship with other Christians (1 John 1:3). Would people say you walk in the light, or walk in darkness (1 John 1:6-7). Do you admit and confess your sin—do you have a contrite heart (1 John 1:8). Are you obedient to God’s Word—involved in prayer and the Word of God (1 John 2:3-5). Does your life indicate you love God rather than the world (1 John 2:15). Is your life characterized by “doing what is right” (1 John 2:29). Do you seek to maintain a pure life (1 John 3:3). Do you bear fruit and put your faith into action—the outworking of one’s faith reveals one’s salvation status (James 2:17). Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life—you attempt and overcome sin but know that we are born sinners (1 John 5:4, 1 John 3:5-6). Do you demonstrate love for other Christians (1 John 2:10, 1 John3:14). Do you “walk the walk” versus just “talking the talk” (1 John 3:18-19). Do you maintain a clear conscience (1 John 3:21). Do you experience victory in your Christian walk (1 John 5:4). Do you have a hopeful anticipation of being with Christ (Phil 1:21). Do you make decisions in life according to God’s will—either from scripture or simply following His direct commands (1 John 2:3). Are you developing Christ-like characteristics in your walk with God—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, knowledge, and Godliness (Gal 5:22-23).
How did you do with this series of questions as you search your own heart? Remember that no one will perfectly fulfill all of them all the time, but they should reveal a consistent trend that characterized our lives as we grow in grace.
Biggest misconceptions about attending a Bible believing Church for new believers.
I am not welcome – False!
It’s a private club and only members are allowed – False!
People at the door want to stop me from coming in – False!
Here are a few websites to view and listen to live worship services for those traveling and for shut-ins:
All 6 Books by James McClain ↓
How to find a Bible believing, Bible teaching Church
First, do a search for yourself in your area. One option is to go to google.com and enter your zip code plus “Bible church” or “Community church”. A list of churches in that area will be provided. Click on a church name to find out more information. If the church has a website (most do) then check out the “what we believe” or “about us” pages. There are so many churches out there and so many denominations with different doctrines bring taught that
here are some helpful guidelines to look for so that you are looking at a true Bible believing and Bible teaching church.
Four signs that indicate you are on the right track in your search:
- The Bible is preached faithfully week after week.
- Jesus is at the center of worship.
- Priorities in the church include fellowship, community and discipleship.
- There is an active effort to share the Gospel with missions and evangelism.
Next, I want to share this “Checklist for a Bible believing Church”
What does a Bible believing Church believe?
__ God exists as three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
__ That Jesus Christ is true God and true man.
__ That Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary by the action of the Holy Spirit.
__ Man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and requires a savior.
__ The shed blood of Jesus Christ provides the only means of Salvation.
__ The Bible is the literal, divinely inspired and complete Word of God.
Does the church provide?
__ For the water baptism and the observing the Lord’s supper.
__ Discipleship programs
__ Evangelism programs.
And don’t forget! Ask for a doctrinal statement or a statement of faith.
Another resource for you are these two short videos made by John MacArthur, the pastor of Grace Community Church located in Sun Valley, California.
KNOW GOD?
God’s plan is for all to be saved—to know God personally through His Son, Jesus.
Do you know Him personally? Only you can make that decision—I cannot help you!
The problem is that mankind is born into sin—therefore you do not seek after God or search for Him. But God seeks out those He has chosen—and that is through the working of the Holy Spirit.
God has provided you with a free will—you must decide—a “yes” or “no” to Jesus.
If you feel God is nudging you in some way—through a friend or family member, something you heard or saw on the internet or television, after an accident or you were told you have cancer, or you remember that you were given a Bible when you were a child—open the door to God.
Put your faith in Jesus and gain eternal life. The Holy Spirit will indwell you. Romans 10:9-10 states “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved”.
Pray to God “God I admit I am a sinner and ask for forgiveness of my sins. I want to ask your son, Jesus, to come into my life and be my Lord and Savior”. Begin your life of becoming more Christ-like.
When you make that decision the angels in Heaven rejoice with you. You now have eternal life while on this earth and then will live with God for eternity in Heaven.
Let us know if you make a decision for Christ.