Becoming a Believer (Christian)

In your personal opinion, what does it take for a person to go to heaven? That question is answered in many ways because everyone has an opinion. The Bible answers it only one way and that is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

It is easily explained using one word: F-A-I-T-H.

F is for Forgiveness – One cannot have eternal life or heaven without God’s forgiveness. The Bible says, “In Him (meaning Jesus) we have redemption through His blood the forgiveness of sins.” Ephesians 1:7

A is for Available – Forgiveness is Available for ALL! The Bible says, “For God so loved the World that He gave His one and only Son so whoever believes in Him will never perish but will have eternal life.” John 3:16 Forgiveness is available but it is not automatic. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 7:21

I is for Impossible – It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. God is love. See John 3:16 above. He loved us enough to send His Son to die for us. God is also just. If we do not accept God’s forgiveness then James 2:13 says that “Judgment will be without mercy.” Man is SINFUL. The Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

That brings us to this question, How can man who is sinful get into heaven where God allows no sin? We must TURN!

T is for Turn – The Bible uses a word, repent; that means to turn or change direction. Turn from our sin and self. Jesus said, “Except you repent you will all perish.” Luke 13:3 Repenting also means we must: turn to Someone: trust Christ only. The Bible teaches that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 The Bible also says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

H is for Heaven – Heaven is eternal life. Heaven is here and now. Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 Heaven is also hereafter. Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3 How can a person know they are going to Heaven? By believing and doing what Romans 10:9 (see above) says.

Understanding what we have shared, would you like to receive this forgiveness by trusting Christ as your personal Savior? This is accomplished through prayer. If the following prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it to God.

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to be forgiven. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me and come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer and meant it, welcome to the family of God! You have made the most important decision of your life. You can be sure that you are saved and have eternal life. We would like to know about your decision or perhaps talk to you more about your relationship to Christ. You may contact us at Brownstown First Baptist Church: (812) 358-2020 or throuh our contact form online.

Baptism

Once you have prayed to accept the free gift of God of eternal life in Jesus Christ, the next step would be Believer’s Baptism. Each baptism represents a new life that has begun in Christ as an individual receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are already praying for each and every one of the people we would like to see baptized here this year. Will you join us in praying?

If you are interested in baptism, please request a copy of our Baptism Brochure. (Can we add a link to a copy of this here???) It this brochure, you will find information about why baptism is important, what we believe about baptism, and what is involved in being baptized

How to Join Brownstown FBC
Would you like to become a part of us?

We’d be honored it you want to become a part of our church family! Here’s how:

By becoming a Christian. Do you admit that you are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness? Do you believe that Jesus is God’s Son, who loves you and died for your sins? Are you willing to turn from your sins, receive God’s forgiveness, and live a new life with God’s help? All you must do is trust Jesus, claiming him as the forgiver of your sins and the Master of your life. Call upon him in private prayer, then confess your faith publicly. Should you wish to make a public commitment to Jesus in any worship gathering, simply walk forward during the song after any sermon and express your new faith to the pastor. Then you may ask for membership in our church through baptism.

By transfer of membership. If you desire to be a part of our church and are presently a member of another Baptist church, simply talk with a pastor and join up with the promise of a transfer of your letter of membership.

By statement of your faith. If you are a Christian and have been baptized according to New Testament principles (immersion of a believer as an act of obedience), you may join us upon the basis of your personal statement.

By New Testament baptism. If you are a Christian but have not been immersed as a believer, you may come re-affirming your salvation by new baptism.

By watch care. If you are a Christian but feel uncomfortable becoming a full member by transfer, statement, or baptism, you may come requesting to be a part of our church under watch care.