INTRODUCING OURSELVES (PART THREE)

THE INVITATION

At the close of the sermon an invitation is extended to encourage anyone whose relationship with

God and Christ is not what it should be, to come and give himself to the Lord in obedience to the

gospel of Christ. At that time the assembly stands and sings a hymn of encouragement. The invitation

is extended for two types of persons: the one who has never become a Christian and the Christian

who is unfaithful and wishes to return to Christ. No one is ever pressured or embarrassed at this time,

however.

We teach that to become a Christian one must do what men were taught in the days of the

apostles. We cannot assume that we can do anything less and become a Christian today. The New

Testament teaches that one must:

 Believe in Christ (Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:7; John 3:16). Believing in Christ involves be-

lieving Who He is (the Son of God) and believing what He says (in the Gospel).

 Repent of sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30-31).

 Confess faith in Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9)

 Be baptized for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts

22:16; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:21).

If one is an unfaithful Christian, having turned back to sinful things, he must return to God so he

will not be lost. The New Testament also teaches how that is done:

 Repent of sins (Acts 8:22; Revelation 2:5).

 Confess sins (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).

 Pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22; 2 Peter 3:9).

More next week.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The value of all things, even our lives, depends on the use we

make of them.

Have a great week!

Love ya,

Jesse