FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

1. Admit your need (I am a sinner). 2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent). 3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. If they agree with the above, ask them if they are willing to pray to receive Christ. They can do so in their own words or use the following “sinner’s prayer” as a guide. Dear God, I know that Jesus is Your Son, and that He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. I know I have sinned and need forgiveness. I am willing to turn from my sins and receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Since they usually choose the latter, go through a few words of the prayer at a time and have them repeat after you. This may seem canned to some, but if they mean what they say, it’s acceptable. Countless couples have said vows to get married, so we can certainly repeat prayers to get saved. And once that has happened and you wrap up the prayer with a few words of your own, begin by welcoming this brand-new Christian into the family of God. Reassure them that God heard the prayer, the angels are rejoicing, and their names have been recorded in heaven. Warn that the enemy will try to get them to doubt this decision, confirming again this is a commitment based on faith, not feelings. As Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Conclude by stressing the importance of regular prayer and Bible reading/study. Help them get plugged into a small group and corporate worship at a church if they haven’t done so already. Mentoring them yourself through the discipleship process would be even better. And ask them to take what they just heard and share it with a lost person they know. New Christians, with fresh testimonies, make great “fishers of men.”

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