Fresh Start…Taking Next Steps Toward a Better 2021

Know God

“The wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

How to Become a Christian

1. _______________ that God has not been first place in our life, and ask Him to forgive your sins.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”     1 John 1:9

2. _______________ that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that He rose from the dead and is alive today.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”  Romans 10:9-10 NLT

3. _______________ God’s free gift of salvation. Don’t try to earn it.

“For it is by grace you are saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

4._______________ Jesus Christ to come into your life and be the Lord of your life.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHOICES:

1. I can _______________ or I can receive what  has _______________.
2. I can try to earn ______________ or I can receive ______________ .
3. I can obey out of ______________ or I can obey out of ______________.

Real Christianity is about _______________, not_______________.

BY BEING WATER BAPTIZED, YOU ARE:

1. Following the _______________ set by Christ
2. Demonstrating your _______________.
3. Declaring your commitment ________________.

Beyond Fear

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”   Isaiah 41:10

Three Fears that we all have to face:

• The fear of EXPOSURE.

“For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him?  In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”   1 Corinthians 2:11

Take This Step – Walk in the Truth

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.”   1 John 1:7

• The fear of REJECTION.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”   Proverbs 29:25

Take This Step – MAKE JESUS CHRIST THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN YOUR LIFE.

“…in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:11

• The fear of BEING HURT AGAIN.

“All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, afflictionand anger.”   Ecclesiastes 5:17

Take This Step – Ask God for a NEW HEART.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”   Ezekiel 36:26

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”   Matthew 11:28