Are you visiting Tribulation Harvest because you've been given, or have found, one of these tract cards?
First, let me explain that if you're a young Christian or if you don't yet understand what it is to be a born-again believer in Christ, then most of what is shared on this site may be difficult for you to grasp. That's why this page was created especially for you.
You may have questions, some of which I hope to answer in this section. Please read on! If you are already a born again believer, then you're welcome to read through this page or scroll down to the links at the bottom of the page.
Q: Won't I go to heaven as long as my good deeds outweigh my bad deeds?
A: My question would be, who determines what is good and what is bad? There is no written list of human morals because the line that separates good and bad shifts so frequently, and no two people agree on every aspect of what is right and what is wrong. So again, against what list of morals do you judge your actions by? It's also fact that we don't keep track of the bad that we do in favor of remembering just the good. Do you remember every sinful thought or action you committed in your life? Of course you don't, but God knows and remembers. Everything that has transpired in your life is known to God. The only true guide to morality is the word of God...the scriptures. That is the one standard that never changes.
Scripture References
"The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaish 40:8)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
A: God also tells us that it is impossible to save ourselves through good works.
Scripture Reference
"For by grace you have been saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Q: You mentioned sin. What is sin?
A: Sin is that thought or action that is contrary to the will of God. What do I mean my that? Well, have you ever taken something home from work for your own personal use? Have you ever lied? Cheated? Lusted after someone? Disrespected your parents? Put your own desires ahead of God? Said anything about someone that wasn't true? Desired or craved to possess something someone else had? Used the name of God as a curse word or in a way that didn't glorify Him? These are just a few examples.
Q: What's so bad about sin? Everyone does it.
A: Sin separates us from God. Sin is a stain that needs to be removed if we are ever to enter into God's presence. God is holy, and sin cannot remain in His presence. Sin leads to spiritual death, and eternal separation from God.
Scripture References
"for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
"If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8)
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23)
Q: How do I get rid of this sin?
A: First, you must understand what Jesus actually did to save you from the punishment of your sin. You see, when Jesus was born, He came as the Lamb of God. He came not only to show us that it was possible to live a holy and obedient life that was pleasing to God, but also to sacrifice Himself; to voluntarily lay down His life; to have our sins placed upon Him so that through His sacrifice, through the shedding of His blood, our sins would be covered and removed far from us to be remembered no more. The wrath that God would have directed against us was instead poured out on Jesus. His sacrifice paid the price for our sins.
Scripture References
"The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29)
"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit." (1 Peter 3:18)
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Q: So how do I become a born again believer in Christ?
A: There are three basic steps. First, you must admit that you are a sinner and have fallen short of God's perfection. If you cannot admit that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness, then nothing I say from this point on will make any difference to you. The scriptures I shared above (Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8) show that everyone has a history of sinning, including you, and is in need of being saved from the consequences of that sin.
A: Secondly, you must believe that Jesus Christ is the only One who can save you from your sin. You read above how He was sent by God to be the perfect sacrifice for all mankind.
Scripture References
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth and the life; No one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
"Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." (Acts 10:43)
A: Lastly, you must repent. You must be sorrowful of your past sins and make a conscious decision to turn from your life of sin in favor of living a life of obedience and submission to God. Understand that you've been living a life separated from God, going in your own direction and fulfilling your own fleshly desires, and this has lead you down the broad path that leads to destruction. God promises to lead you down the narrow way that leads to life, but that comes only from submitting your life to God's will.
Scripture References
"Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away..." (Acts 3:19a)
"...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" (Romans 10:9)
"For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation..." (2 Corinthians 7:10a)
When you think about what God has done, and is doing, to bring you back into a relationship with Him, it will boggle your mind as you attempt to understand how deep and how high and how wide God's love for you really is.
Q: Is there a special prayer I need to pray?
A: No. The wonderful thing is that when you accepted the truth and exercised that small amount of faith needed to believe, God changed your heart. Spend the some time with Him now in prayer (a personal conversation with God) and express your sorrow for your sin, your thankfulness of His mercy and love, and your determination to live your life to please Him. Just share your thoughts and feelings with Him. This is a special time between you and God.
God has provided all of us with His word, and it's important to read the bible every day and to pray daily as well. Reading the bible gives you the opportunity to hear what God has to say to you through the scriptures. Taking the time to pray helps you to develop a closer relationship with Him. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8a)
If you do not know of a Christian who can mentor you (a mature Christian who can guide you as you seek to grow in the Lord), then search for a full-gospel church. That's a church that believes in the entire word of God. Fellowship with other believers and begin sharing your faith with those who have not yet received the promise of salvation.
Getting baptized is our way of declaring to the world and to God our commitment to serving Him and in identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is part of our personal testimony in our passage from our old life to our new life in Christ. It is always a good idea to be baptized as soon as possible.
I will be adding links to this page that will bring you to other sites for new born-again believers. I pray that your journey with God will produce a mature and well seasoned brother or sister in Christ!
LINKS
If you're in the Greater New Bedford, MA area, please consider visiting Conquerors for Christ Church.
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