Becoming A Christian

   A PERSONAL STUDY ON BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HANDOUT

How Do I Become A Christian? (February 4, 2018) – Greg Robbins

Part 1: Understanding the Gospel

Who is Jesus?  Consider:

• Matthew 7:24-29
• Matthew 9:1-8
• Matthew 14:22-33
• Matthew 16:13-16
• Mark 4:35-41
• Mark 9:2-7
• Luke 24:1-53
• John 4:13-14
• John 6:35
• John 6:66-69
• John 8:12
• John 10:11
• John 11:24-36
• John 14:5-9
• John 20:1-31
• Acts 2:36
• Romans 1:4
• 1 Corinthians 8:6
• Philippines 2:5-11
• Colossians 1:15-18
• 1 Timothy 2:5
• Hebrews 4:14-16
• Revelation 22:13

What is the result of our sins against God?  Consider:

• Romans 3:10, 23
• Romans 6:23
• Ephesians 2:1-2

What is the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Consider:

• Isaiah 53:4-5
• Matthew 16:21
• Mark 10:45
• John 1:29
• John 3:16-17
• Romans 3:24-25
• Romans 4:25
• Romans 5:6-8
• Romans 14:9
• 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
• 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
• Galatians 3:13-14
• Ephesians 1:7-8
• Ephesians 2:4-10, 14-18
• Colossians 1:19-23
• Titus 3:3-7
• Hebrews 9:15
• 1 Peter 1:18-19
• 1 Peter 2:24
• 1 Peter 3:18
• 1 John 3:4, 16
• 1 John 4:10
• Revelation 5:9-10

Part 2: Responding to the Gospel

Read Acts 2:36-41

In Acts 2, the Apostle Peter preaches the first gospel sermon. Acts records that the audience was convicted of Jesus’ identity and the significance of his death and resurrection. In light of this context, consider these questions:

• What was the crowd’s initial response to Peter’s sermon? (verse 37)
• What do these related passages teach us about the importance of faith in Christ?
  • Matthew 10:32
  • John 1:12; 3:16
  • Acts 16:30
  • Romans 10:9
  • Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Hebrews 11:6
• When the people were ready to accept Christ, what did Peter tell them to do? (verse 38)
• What do these related passages teach us about the meaning of sincere repentance before God?
  • Mark 1:15
  • Luke 15:7
  • Acts 20:21
  • 2 Corinthians 7:10
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
  • 2 Peter 3:9
  • Revelation 2:4-5
• What were the crowds in Acts 2 assured of if they sincerely took these steps? (verse 38-39)
• When were they Baptized? (verse 41)
• What is the significance of the phrase” added to their number” in verse 41?
• Consider these examples of people becoming Christians from the record of the beginning of the Church (The Book of Acts):
  • The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-38)
  • The Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-19, 22:12-16)
  • Lydia (Acts 16:13-15)
  • The Jailer (Acts 16:25-33)
  • Crispus and his family (Acts 18:8)
• What do these scriptures teach us about the motive and timing of Christian baptism?

Going Deeper: The Significance of Christian Baptism

Read:

• John 3:3-5
• Romans 6:3-4
• Galatians 3:26-27
• Colossians 2:12
• Titus 3:5
• 1 Peter 3:21

What pictures do these verses paint about baptism?

Specifically, how is baptism both a tomb and a womb?

Part 3: The Results of the Gospel

What changes when we become Christians? Consider:

• Romans 8:1
• 1 Corinthians 6:11
• 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Galatians 3:26-29
• Ephesians 2:4-5
• Ephesians 4:22-24
• Colossians 1:22
• 1 Peter 1:3-4

What is God’s plan for your life after baptism (Jeremiah 29:11)? Consider:

• Matthew 5:1-6:34
• Matthew 28:18-20
• Mark 8:34-35
• Mark 12:28-34
• John 10:10
• John 13:34-35
• John 15:5
• Acts 2:42-47
• Romans 12:1-21
• Galatians 2:20
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Ephesians 2:10
• Ephesians 4:13
• Ephesians 5:8
• Philippians 2:5
• Colossians 3:1-17
• 1 Thessalonians 4:1-13
• Hebrews 10:25
• Hebrews 12:1-3
• James 2:14-26
• 1 Peter 2:9-12, 21
• Revelation 4:1-11

What is the meaning of church membership?  Consider:

• Acts 2:41
• Romans 12:4-8
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27
• Ephesians 2:19

Reflect over this definition of church membership:

Membership is an active and visible commitment to a particular church.  It is a positive affirmation that we commit ourselves to and identity with the ministry of a specific local congregation.  Moreover, membership involves a two-way commitment between member and congregation.  It is a promise by the congregation to help every member grow and mature in the faith.  It is a pledge by the member to participate in the life and ministry of the church.

Conclusion

Do you have any lingering questions?

In light of this study, are you ready to become a Christian?

If you have questions about becoming a Christian, please contact the RCC office at 765-569-3563 to talk with a staff member