Salvation v1.0nly page 7

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What just happened ?

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

If you were sincere about that then you will, in time, produce “good fruit” as Jesus described in Matthew 7:13-23 and time will tell which of the examples given in Mark 4:1-20(also in Matthew 13 & Luke 8) and Matthew 25:14-30 applies to you.

Please look those passages up in your Bible or click here

If we are truly grateful to God for saving us from his coming judgment then our lives will radically and permanently change and bearing “good fruit” will become, more and more so, as natural as breathing. Nothing is more important than your eternity, so please be sure that you don't deceive yourself.

Being “Born again” is a state of your being and not a label you get because of the church you attend.

What Now ?

Tell someone, Christian friends if you have some... yes you do... it's us !

Don't be surprised if your old friends or family don't understand and even if they are angry that you have taken this step for yourself. Everyone who comes to Christ must come individually and they might be confused and feel a sense of condemnation when they see that you have left the value system, beliefs, natural self and the world that had you previously enslaved. This is from their own consciousness. (Romans 2:12-16)

The world doesn't know or understand you ! Don't worry you are in good hand’s…the very best ! Our God knows our troubles and if you seek him with all your heart he will provide a way into a deep and amazing relationship with him and your other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Leave the world behind

1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Peter 4:2-4
As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ³For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. ⁴They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.
See also Romans 6:21-23, 8:12-16, 1 Corinthians 1:18-30

What about the Ten Commandments ? Do I have to live according to them ?

Galatians 2:16
know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

Galatians 3:23 to 25
Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. ²⁴So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast.
See also Acts 13:39, Romans 5:20 & 7:7 wow! seems simple. Colossians 2:13-17, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, Titus 3:3-7
And for the really deep see Hebrews 8:5 and 10:1-7 God is truly amazing ! He had it worked out all along

God’s perfect Law, the Ten Commandments, show us the vast gap between ourselves and him. They helped us realise our need for his Son's sacrifice for us. Now that we have God’s grace we cannot be justified, i.e. made righteous, by trying to observe a set of religious rules.

So live out your life reflecting the love and gratitude in your heart that you have for God because of what he did for you.

John 13:34 to 35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Galatians 5:16 to 18…
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

Romans 7:6
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we can serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

Romans 8:1 to 2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit, ²because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
See also Romans chapters 6, 7 & 8, Galatians 5:13-26 and books of James and 1st & 2nd John

Attend church and other fellowships when you can…

Find a church where the whole Bible, “Word of God”, is preached and accepted and be in fellowship with other Christians whenever you can. Fellowship – meeting and sharing your faith regularly with other Christians is great fun and so important. You are born again in Jesus Christ and so are a Christian baby. If you go it alone you will be very vulnerable to sliding backwards in your faith. Trust us you don’t want to go there so don’t be like a lamb wandering the wilderness.

Join us in worship of our King and in support of each other. We need you too !

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

John 4:23 & 24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ²⁴God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

There is some guidance on finding a good Church here

If you live outside of Hong Kong and are looking for a Church then feel free to contact us and we will try to find one for you.

You are not alone…so don't act like it

1 Peter 5:8-10
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ¹⁰And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 2:6
For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
You will also find these scriptures useful for preparing and sustaining you: Psalms 23, 27 & 91 and Hebrews 13:5-6

So do not fear !

Faith; you can pray for it if you need more, we all do! and “feed on” i.e. read God’s Word, daily if you can, and then you'll will find that your faith will grow. There is an old saying about the Bible that goes “this book will keep me from sin and sin will keep me from this book”.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Romans 10:17 – Would you like more faith ?
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
See also Philippians 3:12-14 and 2 Timothy 3:16

“I don’t have a Bible, which one can you recommend ?”

There are more than 20 Bible versions in the English language alone and these can be found in many versions in their own right. For your first I recommend the New International Version (often referred to as the NIV) If you want more guidance as you read the Bible for those times when you have to ask questions like “this a strange verse or passage – what are they talking about?” then may I recommend the “Life Application Study Bible” in NIV format (ISBN # 0310603641). It may cost a bit more than you expect but it is actually very good value. If you are comfortable with the English language I encourage you to also study from the King James Bible (also known as the KJV or King James Authorised Version) Although written in an older English than we use today this version is truly blessed. It has been used by Christians for more than 380 years and is still widely used. If you have any other questions on Bible versions please contact me and I may be able to help.

Please see the Resources page for local Hong Kong bookshops where you might purchase a bible. If you can't afford one let me know and I will get one for you. On the Links page you can find a great online Bible called “Bible Gateway” and a great Bible study software called “E-Sword” that's free.

I also recommend these Bibles:
NIV Thinline Reference Bible, it comes in 3 print sizes
Regular - A great all round Bible with good print size and not too large for travel ISBN # 0310935814
Compact - For people who can handle small print and need to conserve space ISBN # 0310937612
Large Print - For people who need it and can be handy for street witnessing ISBN # 0310935903

“How should I read the Bible ?”

The Bible is made up of many books which are a collection of writings that were written by men of God as they were moved along by God's Holy Spirit. These include accounts in history, prophecies and letters to people or groups. You can read from front to back if you like but you will need guidance for the Old Testament and much of this is found in the New Testament where the Gospel is “The Good News”. This “New Testament” represents God’s current covenant with man. When we read from the Bible it is important to read scripture in context with the verses that is before and after and also in context with the paragraphs and even chapters that occur before and after it so that the correct understanding is received. It's not difficult, but if this simple rule is overlooked it will often be the cause of error. There is a saying that goes “context is king”.

I recommend you begin your reading with the Gospel of John and then read forward to the end of your Bible. This “Gospel” is the last of the four gospels. “Gospel” means “good news”. There are four such gospels which are Matthew, Mark, Luke & John; these are the account of our Saviour's life and ministry while he was on earth. Take your time to absorb and think about the verses you read and how they apply to your life and note any questions you have to ask someone. You may find many answers to your questions at www.carm.org. Perhaps 10 to 20 minutes of reading per day at first. You will find that you will naturally refer to the Old Testament and other Gospels as you grow in knowledge of God’s Word and while you attend Church sermons and Bible Studies. If you really have been born again you will find that your hunger for God's Word cannot be satisfied. You may like to print this and the other Salvation Version 1.0nly pages to have for easy reference and to review some of The Bible's key scripture.

Best Investment Before Leaving Earth

We have an interactive God ! He made us - not the other way around. So pray regularly to him. You can speak to him in your own words. Be humble and grateful as you approach him in prayer.

“Should I be baptised in water ?”…Oh yes, we can highly recommend it !

Although not an absolute requirement of salvation you should, if you are able, be baptised in both water and The Holy Spirit.

Water Baptism is an outward symbol of your repentance and your declaration that your are identifying yourself with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that you have died to your sinful nature and this world and have been reborn in Jesus Christ. If you have no great desire to be baptised then something is seriously wrong.

Check out these Bible passages and talk to your pastor about it:
Matthew 3:11 & 28:19, Mark 16:16, Luke 24:29, John 14:16-17, Acts 1:5, 2:38, 8:14-17, 10:44-48 & 19:1-7

The book of Acts is a great read and it shows us what the first Church was like.

“Oh but that non-Christian boy or girl seems so nice !”

Trust in God. He has someone or something much better for you than what you can see at this moment. You’re looking though a mist on this issue believe us ! see 1st Corinthians 7:39 & 2nd Corinthians 6:14 to 18.

If you are struggling with a particular sin that has you in its grip, and you want to give it up with all your heart, but can’t then this website might be helpful. You may want to spend some time reading over the book of Romans Chapters 6, 7 & 8 until you understand them. Note Romans 8:13 and Galatians 5:13-26 note specifically verses 16 & 17

You cannot overcome sin by trying to overcome sin in your own strength, it just doesn't work. If you pursue The Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, as He becomes the absolute delight of your heart then sin will not rule your in life.

How about sharing my faith with others… for starters;

See the links on the Evangelists page and you will be well equiped. Don't be judgmental. A saying goes “love the sinner but hate the sin”. Be “salty” and transparent but do not get into arguments or be defensive (watch out so you can see this coming) rather be gentle and respectful as though you are already talking to a future brother or sister in Christ. It is right to endeavour to correct wrong doctrine but check yourself first and be gentle and respectful. See Colossians 4:5–6, 2nd Timothy 2:23–26 and 1st Peter 3:15–16. If you have become familiar and understand the scripture covered on these pages then you have a reasonable start. If you can't explain something then say so and ask them if you can get back to them when you find the answer. Be sincere and pray to God for help even as you share your faith.

Some other Bible verses

Matthew 5:13-16, 10:32-33, 18:21-35 and chapters 24 & 25, Luke 21:5-34, 1st Corinthians 12:27 to 13:13, Galatians 1:6-8, Ephesians 4:17-5:21, Hebrews 6:4-6 & 10:19-31, 2nd Peter 2:1-22, 1st John 1:5-10, Revelation 3:15-16, Colossians, the whole book - it's a short one but take it all in. (notice 1:12-14 & 2:6-14) This book is especially good when you have truly decided to move forward in your walk with God and the book of James is an excellent example of “applied Christianity”.

Some encouragement

Dive deeply into what The Lord has in store for you. (Jeremiah 29:11) Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. (James 4:8) You will then encounter the most amazing love there is to know. The Word of God, i.e. the Bible, is the means by which God has provided for us to grow in knowledge of him. Pray always (Ephesians 6:18 & 1st Thessalonians 5:17) and read your Bible everyday if you can, as our relationship with God is real. Be thankful always, (Psalm 118) for he has plans to bring glory to himself through you. Now you do know the meaning of life! And you are, if you believe it, a powerful force through Jesus Christ. Your enemy, i.e. the devil/Satan, does not like this. Be courageous and remember always that you are never alone.(1st Peter 5:8-10) So dear brother or sister in Christ do not fear and do not lose faith. Seek The Lord's presence and know he is God Almighty.

Colosians 1:13 & 14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 Peter 1:23
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Please ensure that you remain in Christ Jesus - you see it's all about Him.

God Bless you !

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV®. COPYRIGHT © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.