What do we believe?

God's Gift: the basics
(So, how do I become a Christian?)

First read what we believe…

As Christians, we believe God's gift really comes in two ways:
1. Help for this life.
2. Help beyond this life.

Help in this Life:

To put the gift of God in its simplest form: We are God's children, and God is our loving parent. And like a loving parent, God sets rules for us. A parent says, "Don't run into the street." Why?…so that we can show our love for our parent? No, a parent sets rules so that we don't hurt others or ourselves.

The Ten Commandments, generally, are help for this life. In them, God gives us the rules of the playground:

10 Commandments (Exodus 20: 1-17)
1. You shall have no other gods.
2. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord.
3. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
4. Honor your father and mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not give false witness.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's spouse or servants.

Jesus summarized the last 7 commandments in the words: "Love your neighbor." (Matthew 22:39). These last 7 commandments warn us not to play in the street. Our loving Father in heaven knows what anger/killing, coveting/stealing, lust/sexual promiscuity can do. By breaking these rules, we hurt others and ourselves .

Jesus summarized the first three commandments with the words: "Love God" (Matthew 22:37). These first 3 commandments simply are our Parent/God telling us we are forgetful children. We forget God and worship possessions. We forget the rules of the playground when a pretty ball rolls into the street…and we chase after it, forgetting our husband/wife and family. God knows that we need a weekly reminder (Sabbath) so we remember the rules of the playground, and remember we have a loving Parent watching over us.

The problem in this life:

broken rules…broken relationships

The dilemmas of life most often come when we break one of the commandments. Not "if", but "when" we break one of the commandments. For as Paul said:

"…There is no one righteous, not even one…" (Romans 3: 9-18)

The World's Solution: punishment

No need to talk about this. If you've broken a law, you know what happens to you. And if you've broken a relationship (which is what the commandments are about), you know that pain. Our world's solutions can be pretty brutal!

God's Solution: forgiveness

God's solution is that of the loving father when a prodigal son comes home: forgiveness. It is a forgiveness that can't be earned, only given/received. (You can't make anyone love you; they choose to love you.) And through forgiveness, God teaches us to forgive, helping us live at peace in our families and communities.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

This is the good news in our lives. When we get hurt on the playground because we broke the rules, we can go to our loving Father and not get a swat on the behind (though we might think we deserve that); instead, God picks us up, hugs us, brushes us off and sends us on our way. We all are worse for the wear of breaking God's commandments; but, we end up better off as we see value in God's law and need for God's love in our lives.

God's rules are a gift in these two ways:

1. They protect us from hurting one another.
2. They help us see our need for God's Law, Love and Forgiveness. (Romans 3:20)

Help beyond this life: Salvation

The Icing on the Cake:

So, what is this salvation all about? That's the icing on the cake. God not only takes care of us in this life, giving us direction in life, God sent his Son to take our punishment. Simply believing that story, believing in God's Son we will have life beyond this life.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
(John 3:16)

So, how do I become a Christian?

Bring it to Christ in a simple prayer. Talk with him like you would a most trusted friend; acknowledge your troubles and sinfulness; ask for forgiveness, ask for hope and salvation.

A prayer example: "Dear Lord…you know me better than I know myself. Forgive me, Lord, for what I've done. I hear your words of forgiveness, Lord. Now, help me know the forgiveness and hope of Christ in my life. Amen.

If you are a new believer, find a church to attend and hear God's weekly reminders, guidance and forgiveness. If you want to learn about your new life, if you want to learn more about your walk with the Lord, if you want to learn more about practicing the faith, if you have any questions about life with God, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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email us: salem@spacestar.net

Pastors Laurie & Tom Engesser