Short Message: An Invitation

(Detailed Outline with comments. Click the "Play" button to hear the message in full.)

1.  Welcome and Introduction

The Bible says: that God loves us, no matter who we are, what we have done wrong, or haven't done right. It says that Jesus Christ came and died for all our sins; and that the Holy Spirit has come to make us new, spiritual beings, so we can have personal fellowship with God "in Christ."

This Association proclaims this "Good News" of God's salvation grace that is available right now through faith in Jesus Christ;  but that is not all the Bible teaches about God’s salvation plan.

It also teaches that God has a specific application of that plan for each one of us; and not only that; it teaches that when we, by his grace, begin fulfilling that plan, we become more and more like him and that we can be used by him to introduce others to this wonderful new life; that in this newness of life and usefulness in Christ Jesus we can add glory to the Eternal God of Love!

2.  God Talking to You

The initial, essential elements of God’s plan of salvation:

Repent and believe the good news!

—Mark 1:15

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.

—Acts 16:31

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

—1 John 1:9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

—Ephesians 2:8

3.  You Talking to God

Your desire to enter into this new life indicates that God is already drawing you into fellowship with him and is ready to receive you when you are ready to accept him. So, talk to God in your own words after the following pattern:

“Father, I confess that I am a sinner;

“I am sorry enough for my sins that I am ready to

quit them and take your way in my life

as best I know how, and as you lead me.

“I believe that Jesus died for my sins, so I am

asking you, for his sake, to forgive my sins.

“I believe you raised Jesus from the dead,

so I am trusting you right now

to make me a new creation in Christ.”

4.  Assurance

As you are able to sincerely complete each item in this prayer, you may begin to realize that God has answered your prayer and has made you a new person “in Christ.” If you don’t realize this change in a way you expected, keep on believing that God has kept his word. The assurance of salvation is sometimes delayed; but your prayer is in accordance with the plan he has revealed in the Bible. He has answered such prayers for millions of others, and he will not fail you!

5.  What Now?

You can be “in Christ” without leaving your present group, joining any other group, or meeting any requirement except what the Holy Spirit will help you to meet as you read the Holy Bible and seek his guidance for your new life. Jesus said that the Spirit “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Start reading the Gospel of John, and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you do so. He will help you to know how to live a life pleasing to God, and how to witness to your new-found faith.

6.  Closing and Prayer

The following Bible passage will remain true in every situation you may face:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

—John 3:16-17

Let’s pray:

Father, we are so thankful for your plan of salvation for everyone who will believe in your Son our Savior, and now especially for this precious seeker. I remember that your Apostle Paul wrote that “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and we trust you right now to make this a reality in the life of this seeker. I am also reminded of what a songwriter wrote, when he penned:

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will,

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet

we will sit at His feet,

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.

What He says we will do;

Where He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, For there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!

Friend, I now pray for you in the words of the writer to the Hebrews, “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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Note: If you gave your life to Christ and received him as your Saviour, we would like to hear from you. Please email us at Support@InChristFellowship.org as a "Praise the Lord" testimony to your faith and new status as a child of God. If you were touched by this brief message, but did not give your life to Christ and received him as your Saviour, we would like to hear from you too—email us for prayer and encouragement.

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Writer’s Note: If you feel God is challenging you through the truth presented in this article, we invite you to visit the ICF HomePage (link below) for additional articles. We also invite you to personally contact us by email (link below) to share your reaction to this article, pray with you on these matters, help you incorporate its truth into your life, and/or to suggest ways for you to join or form a fellowship group among your peers or others.

Yours, "in Christ,"

Brother Jim

Founder, In Christ Fellowship

Email: Support@InChristFellowship.org

Website: www.InChristFellowship.org

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