Question of the Day
Author: Brandi With An I
•3:13 PM

Does it really matter why one is baptized?

Bob Prichard
Topic(s): Baptism, Salvation

The second chapter of Acts describes the beginning of the Lord's church almost two thousand years ago on the day of Pentecost. 

Hearing Peter's words, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41). According to Acts 2:47, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be [or, those who were being] saved. Thus the Lord added three thousand people to His church as they obeyed the teachings of the apostles by being baptized.

While the administrator of baptism is unimportant, the purpose in baptism is of the utmost importance. Anyone properly baptized, as those three thousand were on the day of Pentecost, is added unto the Lord's church. A person baptized for the wrong purpose, however, has no assurance that the Lord will add him to His church. For example, if a man was baptized simply because his wife wanted him to be baptized, and he made no real commitment to the Lord, then the Lord certainly would not add that man to His church, because pleasing or obeying a wife is not the Lord's purpose in baptism. We see, then, that it is important to know and understand the Lord's purposes in baptism.

Jesus commissioned his disciples, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16). The purpose of baptism, then, as stated by Christ, is to save the believer. Scriptural baptism then, is preceded by belief in Christ. Peter told those gathered on Pentecost, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). So Peter said that the purpose of baptism of the penitent believer is for the remission (forgiveness) of sins.

Ananias commanded Saul of Tarsus, And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). Here again the purpose of baptism is stated, to wash away sins. Paul declared to the Galatians, as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Thus baptism puts the obedient believer into Christ, where there is salvation. Peter compared baptism to Noah's ark, saying, The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). Peter clearly said, baptism doth also now save us. The scriptures show that baptism is an immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins, upon which the Lord adds that penitent and obedient believer to His church. A baptism administered merely as a denominational ordinance to those who have already been saved, or to a child that is unaware of the significance of baptism, does not fit the New Testament pattern for baptism.

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Something to Think About
Author: Brandi With An I
•1:51 PM



Where was I?

What was I doing there?

How did I get there?

I guessed that I got there after the big noise. But the answers to the other questions I didn't know.

I timidly turned to my left and saw nothing but people, as far as my eye could see. I turned to my right and there too were oceans of people, all quiet, all with the most horrible look in their eyes. I turned quietly around. I seemed to be between two enormous clouds, one for the ceiling and one for the floor. In front of me there was a desk towering so high that I could not see who or what was behind it, but I did not have to see, I knew.

On one side of me there was my father. He looked so peaceful and his eyes were warm and happy. On the other side of me there was my mother whose bluish-gray eyes stared pleasantly at the black desk. I glanced over my shoulder and saw my sisters. I saw my grandmother and I wanted to shout, "Granny, Granny I thought you were dead!" but it would have broken the silence. I quickly saw that round me in a circle was my immediate family and then my other relatives in another circle, and then my closest friends, and then all the people I had ever known were circled around me and were watching me.

There was a sharp noise like that of a trumpet. A book was opened and the cover fell with a thud to the top of the desk. Then the other books were opened. At least I wasn't first.

I didn't want to be first.

Thousands of people went before me, but it still seemed like I was first. Even those who were weeping and screaming now became silent. A voice from the top of the desk came like thunder saying, "KENDALL ROSS."

It echoed again, and again, and again.

A thousand daggers tore at my stomach, I knew it was my turn. Again the voice from the top of the desk spoke but this time it was still and small.

It said, "Kendall Ross of the sixteenth generation of Rosses, step forward."

I fell to my knees and began to cry, "Forgive me! God! God! God, please forgive me!"

The voice said, "Silence."

On a gigantic movie screen all my thoughts were projected.

The people that knew me were horrified.

Some said, "She thought that?!" and others were shocked.

I was not really embarassed. This was much too serious for me to start blushing.

Everyone became silent. I began to shake violently and by then I was wet with a cold sweat.

The voice spoke, this time like thunder and with anger, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels!"

I fell upon my face and began to claw and bite myself and I screamed again and again, "Have mercy! I love you God! Have mercy on me, please!"

Two men clothed in white with eyes like fire came to me. They took my arms and lifted me up. I was still screaming. I turned and looked at my family. They didn't look sad, but repulsed! The men led me to the left side, I couldn't cry and I couldn't scream. I just stood there among the thousands; and as I stood there in the midst of the weeping, cursing, biting, screaming mob I began to think of all the opportunities I had had in life that could have put me on the right side, the blessed side, and I too began to cry.

After a while some of the men in white clothes opened two doors from the bottom of the cloud. All of us on the left side were herded, like cattle, through the two doors down a great ramp. There we stood in the black pit. We all pushed and squeezed to get as close as we could to the ramp so we could get a last look at the pure light. A sudden hush fell on the ocean of people. Every muscle in my body tensed and again I was shaking uncontrollably.

In the opening at the top of the ramp was God's face! It was brighter than the light of a million furnaces and it glowed with love. It was so pure that some could not behold it and fell on their face. We stood spell bound. And then the horror of horrors....God turned his face away.

Then the great doors were shut and all was darkness. The multitude wailed a wail that shook the very foundations of hell. Then after one great explosion the fires of hell were ignited. The fire, the brimstone, and the mental anguish were fused into this hellish nightmare, but it is no nightmare.

I call on God to relieve my pain, but there is no God, he has turned his face away.

And I remember.
If only I could not remember.
I remember my life, and all the opportunities I had to do good.
I remember the Christian school I attended and all the sermons I heard.
I remember my Christian home and the members of my family who are now around God's throne.
And I remember the Day of Judgment, that fateful day when I was sent to his torment.

That was yesterday, or was it today? or was it ten thousand years ago?
There is no time here, only misery.

If only God would say to me, "burn in hell one day and then come to heaven and join the blessed. If only there was an end to this torment. If only these everlasting worms would quit eating away at my body for one minute! I bite and claw myself but no blood comes forth. I curse and scream, but to no avail. I pray, but God does not hear me.

Why, did the world have to end while I was young? I was only sowing my wild oats.

***READING THIS GAVE ME CHILLS. AND I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I DON'T WANT TO SPEND ETERNITY IN HELL...WE DON'T KNOW WHEN JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN, SO WE SHOULD ALL TRY AND LIVE RIGHT SO WE CAN SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM. I HAVE A QUICK QUESTION FOR YOU...THE WAY YOU'RE LIVING YOUR LIFE, IF JESUS WERE TO COME BACK TODAY, THIS VERY MINUTE....WOULD YOU BE SAVED? JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...***

IF YOU DON'T WANT TO END UP LIKE KENDALL, HERE'S WHAT YOU MUST DO TO BE SAVED...

HEAR THE WORD-ACTS 15:7
BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD-HEBREWS 11:6
REPENT OF ALL YOUR PAST SINS-LUKE 13:3
CONFESS JESUS AS YOUR SAVIOR-ACTS 8:37
BE BAPTIZED FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS-ACTS 2:38
REMAIN FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH-REVELATIONS 2:10

AFTER YOU'VE DONE THESE THINGS YOU MUST BE A PART OF THE ONE TRUE CHURCH THAT IS FOUND IN THE BIBLE: THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (MATTHEW 16:18, ROMANS 16:16)

THIS ISN'T A CHAIN LETTER, IT'S REALITY. CHRIST IS COMING BACK AND WE NEED TO BE READY. PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW...ESPECIALLY YOUR LOVED ONES!!!
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Scripture of The Day
Author: Brandi With An I
•6:27 PM
Scripture of The Day

[ Don't follow the ways of the world, because doing so will only lead to destruction. Follow God and do His will and you'll be blessed beyond measure* ]

I John 2:15-17

v.15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

v.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

v.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.




What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Want to learn more?

http://church-of-christ.org/churches/

Visit that site,
click the area in which you reside,
find a church and pay a visit.

You'll be glad you did!
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Think Before You Weep
Author: Brandi With An I
•6:24 PM
Think Before You Weep

If your arteries have hardened
And arthritis slows your gait,
If your tired blood is stubborn,
Not inclined to circulate;


If your dancing days are over
And you cannot do the twist,
If your time is spent in brooding
O'er the many things you've missed.


If you're constantly complaining
On your rocker or your couch;
If you're ornery and cranky
And becoming quite a grouch;


Well, if this is your condition
And you get no sympathy,
Then it's time you started trying
A new kind of therapy.


Though you have your share of trouble,
Think of others with more pain,
Like the fellow in his wheelchair,
Who will never walk again.

Take time to write a letter.
And while pen is in your palm,
Thank the good lord up above you,
For the use of that right arm.


Try relaxing in the sunshine,
Note each flower, bird and tree,
Then appreciate your eyesight;
There are many who can't see.


When you tune in television
And each sound is loud and clear,
Just think of those who'd give a lot,
If only they could hear.


Yes, I've practiced what I'm preaching,
And I've learned there's joy to reap;
If you stop and count your blessings
And just "think before you weep".

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Want to learn more?

http://church-of-christ.org/churches/

Visit that site,
click the area in which you reside,
find a church and pay a visit.

You'll be glad you did!
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Scripture of The Day
Author: Brandi With An I
•11:43 AM



Scripture of the Day


I CORINTHIANS 13

V1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

V2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

V3 And though I bestow alL my gOods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charITy, it profiteth me nothing.

V4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

V5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

V6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

V7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all thing.

V8 Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongUes, they shall cease; whether there be knowLedge, it shall vanish away.

V9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

V10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

V11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

V12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

V13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Want to learn more?

http://church-of-christ.org/churches/

Visit that site,
click the area in which you reside,
find a church and pay a visit.

You'll be glad you did!
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Fruit of the Spirit
Author: Brandi With An I
•3:03 PM
Fruit of the Spirit

How do we walk in the Spirit and thus be able to bear the "Fruit of the Spirit"? We walk according to the Spirit's directions and instructions, as found in His instruction manual, the Holy Scriptures. Briefly let us examine what the nine "Fruits of the Spirit" are.

1. Love is the foundation of the fruit of the Spirit that we are to bear in our lives. Love makes us complete and allows us to have the other characteristics in our lives. Without love we cannot have the others.

2. Joy is a feeling of complete satisfaction and gladness. It is a byproduct of our relationship with God. Christians are commanded to continually rejoice.

3. Peace Literally means calmness and tranquility of mind and heart. True peace comes through a relationship with God. Because we have peace with God through the forgiveness of our sins we can have peace in our souls!

4. Longsuffering is the ability to undergo trials, tribulations, and suffering without wavering from our faithfulness. It enables us to endure hardship. It is a characteristic of God.

5. Kindness is the actively seeking the best for all, even our enemies. Kindness leads us to never seek someone harm or hurt, to do good toward them. Even when we might need to rebuke sin, we must do so in a loving and kind manner. Anger should never rule over us!

6. Goodness is a general right living, good citizenship, good neighbor kind of attitude. Romans 15:14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

7. Faithfulness is something that all Christians should strive for it is the characteristic of being able to be relied on, trusted, fidelity.

8. Gentleness, another word we could use for this is meekness or humility.

9. Self-Control is the virtue that masters one's desires and passions, especially the sensual appetites.

Thus, the Fruit of the Spirit are those characteristics of a godly life that we display as a result of being under the influence of the Spirit.

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Want to learn more?

http://church-of-christ.org/churches/

Visit that site,
click the area in which you reside,
find a church and pay a visit.

You'll be glad you did!
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Meditation
Author: Brandi With An I
•2:55 PM
We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials

Verse One
Some of these days I'm going home
Where no sorrows ever come
(We'll soon be done)
We'll soon be done with troubles and trials
Safe from heartaches, pain and care
We shall all that glory share
(And I'm gonna)
Sit down beside my Jesus
(Lord I'm gonna)
Sit down and rest a little while

Chorus
(We'll soon be done)
We'll soon be done with troubles and trials
(Troubles and Trials in that home)
Yes in that home on the other side
(And I'm gonna)
Shake glad hands with the elders
(And I'm gonna)
Tell my kindred Good Morning
(Then I'm gonna)
Sit down beside my Jesus
(Lord I'm gonna)
Sit down and rest a little while

Verse Two
Kindred and friends now wait for me
Soon their faces I shall see
(We'll soon be done)
We'll soon be done with troubles and trials
Tis a home of life so fair
And we'll all be gathered there
(And I'm gonna)
Sit down beside my Jesus
(Lord I'm gonna)
Sit down and rest a little while

Chorus
(We'll soon be done)
We'll soon be done with troubles and trials
(Troubles and Trials in that home)
Yes in that home on the other side
(And I'm gonna)
Shake glad hands with the elders
(And I'm gonna)
Tell my kindred Good Morning
(Then I'm gonna)
Sit down beside my Jesus
(Lord I'm gonna)
Sit down and rest a little while

Verse Three
I shall behold His blessed face
I shall feel His matchless grace
(We'll soon be done)
We'll soon be done with troubles and trials
O what peace and joy sublime
In that home of love divine
(And I'm gonna)
Sit down beside my Jesus
(Lord I'm gonna)
Sit down and rest a little while

Chorus
(We'll soon be done)
We'll soon be done with troubles and trials
(Troubles and Trials in that home)
Yes in that home on the other side
(And I'm gonna)
Shake glad hands with the elders
(And I'm gonna)
Tell my kindred Good Morning
(Then I'm gonna)
Sit down beside my Jesus
(Lord I'm gonna)
Sit down and rest a little while
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Heaven Only Knows
Author: Brandi With An I
•10:01 AM
Heaven Only Knows

I am dying. No, I don't have a fatal disease or terminal illness, but it's true. I AM dying. I'm one step closer to death than I was yesterday. And if we stopped and thought for a moment, we all are. Life is soooo short, man. Death has n.o respect for age. It used to be at one time, all the older people would die off, but lately it seems as if the young ones are filling up those vacancies in those graveyards. One minute you're here, and the next you're gone..just like that. Some people don't like to think about it, or talk about it, but hey, that's reality. You're not here to stay. When you die, that's just the beginning of it all. I know some of us are in that mode "I'm young and i'm gonna do what I wanna do while I can do it" but that's not the mindset we should have. The devil wants us to think that we have all the time in the world...but in reality we don't. Don't you know if you die in your sins, your soul goes to him to be tortured for all eternity? Since young people are dying as quickly as the older generation, don't you think we should be in good standing with God? When we die and judgment comes, we have to stand before Him and give an account of everything we did on earth. Some of us say "I'm a good person" or "I love God" but it takes more than just that. You can't live your life any old way and expect God to be pleased with you. You have to live according to His teachings. Sure, it might be hard and you'll have to give up a LOT. But look at the BIG PICTURE..if you live as He would have you to live and follow His word, you spend eternity with Him? Isn't that a wonderful thought? To know after all the hurt and pain and drama down here you had to deal with, you can rest in Heaven with him forever? Why would you wanna live a life full of hell here on earth and spend eternity in hell 'cause of how you were living? We need to take self examinations and change up the way we live. Tomorrow is not promised...neither is the next second. We should sto.p saying "I'll worship God when I get older", who's to say you have that long left? You should do it NOW while there's still breath in your body and blood is running warm in your veins. Sure you may lose some friends along the way, your family may even turn against you, but when you face God you have to answer for YOU and what you did or didn't do during your life. It's funny how we can talk about any and everything, but when God is brought up, there's cause for debate. Why can we talk hours and hours about the latest music, gossip about this and that person, but when something comes up about our soul and eternity we get defensive? God loves ALL OF US and doesn't want any of us to perish. But he destroyed the world once before and only eight survived, He has the right to do it again. Why take that chance? Don't you want to hear Him say "Well done" on that last and final day? Don't you want to see His face in peace instead of fear?

Some may think i'm crazy, or a "religious nut" but hey...
you think what you want. It used to bug me that people would
think I was weird for standing up and doing what was right
by telling others about God, but it doesn't bother me anymore.
I know i'm doing what God would have me to do;
and as long as He's pleased, that's all that matters to me.

Don't you want to be on someone's side who...
..will love you unconditionally?
..be there for you all the time when others turn their backs?
..will forgive you when you do wrong instead of hanging it over your head?

Do what's right:
Live for Him♥

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Want to learn more?

http://church-of-christ.org/churches/

Visit that site,
click the area in which you reside,
find a church and pay a visit.
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How does one become a member of the Church of Christ?
Author: Brandi With An I
•9:55 AM
How does one become a member of the church of Christ?

In the salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God's part in salvation.

Though God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:

Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Want to learn more?

http://church-of-christ.org/churches/

Visit that site,
click the area in which you reside,
find a church and pay a visit.
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