by Ron Ritchie
Becoming a Christian is a conscientious determination to commit
your life to God. Most everyone believes that there is a God.
Most Americans believe they are “Christian.” For example, a
Newsweek poll from November 2004 states 84% believe they are
Christians. How about you? What do you believe? What are the
factors in making this choice?
First, Belief in God as a loving creator. God is! The
entire universe shouts that God is and created all things
(Psalms 19:1-2 & Romans 1:18-20). God is interested in our lives
and wants us to live life here as He designed. Most people think
a religious life means having no fun or being dull and not
enjoying life. This simply is not true. But to some extent that
depends upon your definition of fun and dull. If having the
solution to virtually every circumstance in life is dull, being
a Christian is just that. Having many friends and family that
are always around to help, sing, laugh, cry, and give a hug
every day is fun. Isn’t that what we all are working to build, a
support group for all situations? God has provided us with all
good things (James 1:17 & Hebrews 11:6). They are deliberately
designed to make life enjoyable, happy and fulfilling (2 Peter
1:3). God is creator of all and cares for each and every one of
us.
Another aspect of our belief is love. Love is seen in how a
person acts. Each of us knows how much our parents, spouse,
friends and children love us by what they do, especially when
life gets tough. Love means acting in the best interests of
another even when they are undeserving. Love moves us to do good
to others even when they refuse to return kindness for what we
have done. We can be sure God loves us because He sent His Son
to die for us (Romans 5:6-8 & 1 John 1:10). We know Jesus loves
us because He took the death sentence for our sin upon Himself
that we deserve (Romans 5:6-7 & 1 Peter 3:18). We therefore love
God in return (1 John 4:19). Because He has given us all good
things and taken our penalty in love, we love Him in return.
This is seen in how we act towards Him, doing as He asks (John
14:15). Do you believe this of God?
Second, Trust in God as truthful and keeping His
promises. Trust in another is based upon two things, believing
one is truthful and having confidence that they will do what
they say. God personally cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He cannot act
improperly or for the wrong reasons (James 1:13). These things
are contrary to His nature and character. Throughout time God
has always acted in the best interest of man and kept His word.
He has never broken His promises! I can have confidence that God
has prepared life in such a way that when I live according to
His guidelines few bad things will occur (Romans 8:28). When bad
things do happen, they can be corrected with His wisdom (James
1:5). God has proven His character many times over. Do you trust
God?
Third, evidence in the scriptures. The Bible is an
accumulation of Scripture, writings made by men who were
instructed directly by God (inspired). The scriptures provide us
with God’s wisdom (James 1:5) teaching us how to live the proper
way. In the same manner as an instruction manual tells us how to
assemble a bicycle, so Scripture instructs us in the correct way
to live (Hebrews 4:12). There are other ways to go about life,
but they are flawed or just plain wrong. Caring love is
absolutely necessary to being a Christian. This love does only
good to others (Romans 13:10 & 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). Any
philosophy that allows wrong or does not promote good to all, is
flawed and not from God. God's instructions are perfect, without
error, complete on how every part of life should be conducted (2
Peter 1:2). Examples throughout the Bible as well as persons who
have dedicated their lives to the constant correction from God's
Word give us this evidence. Bible truth is the only right way to
live today and be with God in eternity. The scriptures also give
evidence about the character of God, His trustworthiness, and
how reliance upon Him has proved the value of His wisdom. The
integrity of the Biblical scripture is unsurpassed in world
history. Confirmation of the truths contained within its pages
span archaeology, science, mathematics, medicine, physics,
astronomy, psychology, sociology and more. The Bible is complete
needing no addition or alteration (2 Timothy 3:16-17 & 2 Peter
1:2-4). Do you have confidence in God’s revelation?
Fourth, a desire to please God in the proper
relationship, in the way He wants. We all like to please people
who are important to us. Nothing gives greater pleasure than
seeing an ear-to-ear smile on the child when receiving a gift.
The loving smile of a spouse from whom you receive a tender kiss
when you have given them some small meaningful gift causes such
a heartwarming feeling that is worth doing again, just to repeat
the feeling. The parental pride we feel when our child scores
the winning goal or run in a sport, or stands up in band and
performs a flawless solo is almost indescribable. Pleasing those
we love and being pleased by them gives greater meaning to life.
So it is with God. God desires all men to be His children,
eternally in heaven with Him (John 3:16-17 & 1 Timothy 2:3-6).
God has deliberately planned to bless all men if only they would
seek Him the way He wants (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus gave His life to
open that avenue of blessing. Our desire is to follow that way
contained in scripture, doing what pleases God. When we give a
gift, we receive little in return. But unlike pleasing people,
there are direct rewards for us as we perform those things that
please God (Romans 12:1-2). God is the greatest benefactor we
could ever know. Do you want to please Him? He certainly wants
to bless you!
If you have all of these concepts in your heart and mind, faith
should be the result. A living active faith in Jehovah God moves
us to obedience, to become a Christian. The question is “what
does God want us to do?”
Believe -- not just knowing that God is but also acting
upon what we know in complete trusting faith. Hebrews 11:1,6;
James 2:14-17; Acts 8:36-37; Acts 10:43 & Acts 6:31-32.
Repentance -- the willingness to change our lives to that
which God requests. Because we have faith in God and love for
what He has done for us, we desire to please Him and receive the
blessings prepared. This requires a change of heart and life, a
turn towards God. Acts 8:2:37-38; Romans 10:7 & Luke 18:3.
Confession -- that we live our lives to please God and
submit to the rule of Jesus. As we live, every action should
speak of our commitment to God. We confess that God is our
Father and Jesus is our Saviour with our words and actions.
Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 2:9-10 &
Acts 8:27.
Baptism -- the meaningful act motivated by our faith from
our desire to change our lives. Baptism places us in contact
with the cleansing blood of Jesus making us God’s child. Mark
16:15-16; Acts 2:37-39; Romans 6:24; Colossians 2:12; Acts
8:12-13; Acts 9:18; 1 Peter 3:20-21 & Galatians 3:26-27.
Remaining active and faithful -- change once begun must
continue. Our love for God, trust in His promises, hope for the
future and desire to live the way He has prescribed will move us
to act faithfully. This is done by examining ourselves in the
light of scripture making changes in our life to comply with
God’s loving rule. Acts 2:42; 1 Peter 4:1-2; 2 Peter 1:3-11 &
Romans 6:2-4.
If this is what you desire, we want to be your friend in this
life pursuit. We are working to be God’s children and found
faithful by Him. We want to hear God say “Well done good and
faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things I
will set you over many things; enter into the joys of your Lord”
(Matthew 25:21-23). We would be joyously happy if you would be
with us. Being a Christian is your deliberate choice, make that
choice today. We invite you to investigate us. Please call or
visit today.
