God’s Book
God created man in His own image. (Genesis 1:26,27) God gave man the ability to choose. (Joshua 24:15) Man chose to disobey God’s Laws – whenever man disobeys God’s Laws – man sins. (I John 3:4) Yet, God loved man so much that He sent his only begotten Son into the world to die for the world. (John 3:16) Jesus took our place on the cross!!! (Isaiah 53) Man can never repay God for the gift that he has given him. (Romans 6:23) Therefore, we must show our gratitude by obeying and serving Him. God wants us to serve Him because of “Appreciation” rather than “Obligation”!
~The Bible relates the Creation, Fall, and Redemption of Man~
The Old Testament recounts the creation of our first parents and how they sinned against God’s commandment and were therefore expelled out of paradise and fellowship with God. God’s plan to save man was therefore initiated, which was to save man from his sins by sending His Son into the world to die in the place of us and for us. God selected Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to bring forth a child who would be a Son, to bless all nations, that is, the whole world. Their seed line gave birth to a great nation (Israel), God’s chosen people. The Old Testament tells their history as they relate to God and the nations surrounding them.
The New Testament recounts the birth of the world’s Savior in the person of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Through the New Testament we gain a clear picture of the figures and types that were under the Old Testament. Jesus established His church on the day of Pentecost where all the saved were placed after they heard and obeyed the gospel message of how Jesus died, was buried and how He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. We too must obey that same message if we are to gain fellowship with God. During the early parts of church history – men of God, such as Paul, went about planting seeds of truth into the hearts of lost and dying men and women. Churches were established and epistles (letters) were written to address issues that had arisen within some of them, which instructed them on how to deal with them and how they should live now that they are Christians. Some letters encouraged persecuted Christians to continue to fight the good fight of faith because God would always lead, guide and protect them in perilous times – this of course did not mean that they did not lose their lives, but when they did – they could hear the words of Paul echoing in their ears – “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
God’s Plan to Save Man
(Enables man to have a relationship with his Creator)
Definition of Sin:
1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
The Gospel: Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Hear the Gospel:
John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Believe the Gospel:
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Repent of Your Sins:
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Confess that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God:
Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Your Sins:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts of Worship
Praying
Philippians 4:6 – 8
Singing
Ephesians 5:19
Colossians 3:16
Scriptures
2 Timothy 2:15
1 Peter 3:15
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
2 Peter 1:20, 21
Collection (Giving)
1 Corinthians 16:1, 2
2 Corinthians 9:7
Lord’s Supper
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 11:23 – 29
The Church of Christ
(The House That Jesus Built)
God’s Eternal Purpose
1 Corinthians 2:6 – 13
Ephesians 3:1 – 11
Prophesied by the Prophets
1 Peter 1:10 – 12
Isaiah 2:2, 3
Micah 4:1, 2
Daniel 2:44
The Builder/Founder
Matthew 16:13 – 19
The Oneness of the Church
Ephesians 4:4 – 6
The Organization of the Church
Elders/Bishops/Overseers/Pastors
1 Timothy 3:1 – 7
Titus 1:5 – 9
Ephesians 4:11
Deacons
1 Timothy 3:8 – 13
Preachers/Evangelists
2 Timothy 4:1 – 5
Members/Lively Stones (Bricks)
1 Corinthians 12:27
1 Peter 2:5