Dear Saints,
You all are familiar with prayers for salvation. I post the following only so that you may be able to have something convenient to pass on to others on the web or in general conversation. This is only an example. Earnest prayer from the heart that is one's own asking for forgiveness and inviting Christ Jesus into one's life is all one really needs. But, if you find folks need help in praying, you can use the following sinner's prayer. It is the one found in the back of my missionary Bible.
Saints----Please feel free to use this information in the upcoming days. I challenge you to speak to at least one new person each day about Christ Jesus.Lord Jesus,
I know I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I know you died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask you to forgive me. I now invite you into my heart and life. I now trust You as Savior and follow you as Lord. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
Saints, it is also recommended that when we lead people in this prayer and that we then ask them the following questions and then explain what Jesus wants them to do now.--Did you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins?
--Did you ask Him to save you?
--Did you give Jesus complete control of your life?
--If so, then Welcome to God's family!
[Why not pause for a moment and thank Him for saving you.]
Now, so that folks actually move from convert to disciple, my missionary Bible suggests that we communicate the following:"First, Jesus wants you to have assurance of your salvation. You can be certain that you have eternal life:
1. Because you have been born again and birth is a one-time experience--See 2 Corinthians 5:17.
2. Because of your commitment. You did what the Bible told you to do--See Romans 10:13.
3. Because of God's witness--See 1 John 5:11-13.
4. Because of God's promise--See John 5:24.
Second, as evidence of giving Jesus control of your life, He wants you to publicly confess Him and follow Him in baptism and church membership. The Bible says, "Those who had received His word were baptized; and...the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved"--See Acts 2:41-47. [MAKE SURE YOU FIND A BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH, ONE THAT PROFESSES THE INERRANCY of the HOLY BIBLE, AND RECOGNIZES THAT JESUS CHRIST IS GOD THE SON.]
Third, Jesus wants you to grow into a strong, faithful disciple. The Bible says, "Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation"--See 1 Peter 2:2-3.
There are four absolutes in growth:
1. Food. Spiritual food is God's Word (the Bible). You should read it, study it, memorize it, practice it, and hear it taught and preached.
2. Breathing. Spiritual breathing is prayer. Spend time every day talking to God about everthing you do; about your needs and problems; about family and firends; and tell Him how much you love Him and how grateful you are.
3. Exercise. Spiritual exercise means helping others, witnessing, giving time and energy to God's work, and being a living testimony to the world you live in.
4. Rest. Spiritual rest means worship both public and private worship. Rest means being still and waiting on God. It means physical and spiritual renewal.
Fourth. Jesus wants you to experience victory over sin in your daily life. The Bible says, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." See John 5:4.
1. The Christian life is difficult, but victory is assured because "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." See 1 John 4:4.
2. Even with victory assured, there will be acts of disobedience and failures because of your human nature. However, God has provided a means by which you can be cleansed of daily sins. His word says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." See 1John 1:9.
3. So, when you sin, don't try to deny it or excuse it. Rather, name your sin to God, and claim His promise to forgiveness."
(Source: Holy Bible/Santa Biblia, 1960,published by Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee)
Folks, I know that there is a common belief that one can do lifestyle evangelism. And, it is true that we want to live a life pleasing to God and do so before men. However, it is equally important that we actually speak about Christ Jesus. The very breath of life that we have in our bodies came from God.
Yes, our breath came from God, the One who used His breath and spoke all of the universe into existence. It is He who breathed life into the human race. That same breath, our breath, that He has infused into us can carry the message of Christ Jesus so that He can breathe eternal life into others, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Of course, the enemy of our souls would prefer us silent about Jesus. Satan wants us mute. -------Enough of that!
Let's tell everybody about CHRIST JESUS and do it in love. Let's also pray before we approach people so God can give us the words we are to speak. And, let's exercise much patience with everybody. We can have patience if we but remember that we were once unsaved too and God exercised much patience and love with us. But, no matter what, let us not be silent. Like Peter's denials, our silence betrays Christ Jesus.
Dearly Beloved of the Lord, what I am writing to you, I am also saying to myself.
We are all in this together.
Remember: I challenge you and I to speak to at least one new person each day about Christ Jesus and to do so from now until His return. PASS IT ON!
Love Always! Love is an Action Verb!
---Livvy McDonald
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