1. Source
2. Sin & Separation
3. Sacrifice
4. Salvation
Receiving Christ
Christ-Directed Life
5. Sacraments
6. Safety
7. Send
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3. SACRIFICE
Jesus served the penalty for our sins when He sacrificed Himself on the
cross.
He was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed.
Isaiah 53:5
But God demonstrates his own love toward us,in that while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Jesus death restores our relationship with God. He alone bridges the gap
that separates us from God.
I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except
through me.
John 14:6
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men.
1 Timothy 2:5-6
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4. SALVATION
Jesus offers us eternal salvation - heaven - as a gift.
For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
As with any gift, salvation is not ours until we accept it. To do so we must
decide to receive Jesus into our lives by faith and take action by leading a
good life.
For by grace you have been saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:17
How do we receive Jesus into our lives?
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RECEIVING CHRIST
The above three circles represent three kinds of lives. The first circle
shows a self-directed life. Self is on the throne and Christ is outside the
life. Interests and activities are directed by self.
The second circle is also a self-directed life, but Christ is now an
interest. Note that self is still on the throne.
The third circle represents a Christ-directed life. Christ is on the throne
and self yields to Christ. Now interests and activities are directed by
Christ.
Each circle can be further understood by the following analogy. The person
in the first circle is single; there is no relationship with Christ and no
commitment. The second person is dating Christ; there is some relationship
but very low commitment. Finally, the person in the third circle is married
to Christ; there is a strong relationship and high commitment.
Which circle best represents your life?
Which circle would you like to have represent your life?
How do I get a Christ-directed life?
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CHRIST-DIRECTED LIFE
Getting a Christ-directed life is simple, much like exchanging marriage
vows. You simply say yes or I do to Jesus and commit yourself to Him by
asking Him to be a part of your life, in good times and in bad.
You can make that commitment to Jesus right now.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
Jesus knows your heart and is not concerned with your words, or if you have
been good or bad in the past. What counts for Him is the present attitude of
your heart, like the following prayer.
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. I admit that I have sinned and
done what is wrong. Thank you for dying for my sins so that I could have
eternal life. I open the door of my heart and receive you as my Saviour and
Lord. Direct my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen.
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart?
If it does, pray the prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life.
Now that Jesus is in your life, He will nurture your new-found relationship
with Him.
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