Fenlands Church
Sharing Jesus with the Fenlands in Tydd Gote & Thorney
Sharing Jesus with the Fenlands in Tydd Gote & Thorney
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 27:8
Firstly, understand that God is righteous - that is, He is holy and does everything that is right. Secondly, God is concerned that justice must be done.
To become a Christian there is a need to accept that you have fallen short of God's standards. The Bible calls that, being a sinner.
The Apsostle Paul puts it like this: Romans 3:23 "..for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.."
It is because of this, punishment is due. Romans 6:23a "For the payment for sin is death..". What this means is that the sinner is separated from God for eternity. That is separated from the perfect forgiveness, love, joy and peace that God gives. The Romans 6:23 verse continues, "..but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".
This free gift is from a loving God of whom the Bible says: John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son Jesus into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him",
Jesus saved sinners by dying on the cross and in shedding His own blood, brought forgiveness to those who accepted His sacrifice.
Having accepted you are a sinner, you have to do what the Bible calls, repent. That simply means you turn around and away from living your way and live God's way. It is not just words that are required, but a genuine regret and sorrow for your sins.
Then you must believe that Jesus died for you, was buried and rose from the dead, showing that He had conquered death. This is called 'faith'.
The Bible assures us this is so, Romans 10:9 "..because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved".
On this confession of faith, you then submit to being baptised in water by full immersion. Jesus Himself said, "Mark 16:16 "Whoever believes and is baptised [immersed in water] will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned".
When sinners takes theses steps God then will seal them with His Holy Spirit. Peter said this at the very beginning of his own ministry in preaching the Gospel, Acts 2:38 "And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptised [immersed in water] every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit".
This is only the start of your journey as a Christian. You now are what the Bible calls a disciple of Jesus. This means that you now need to learn more about Him, His ways and how you are to live out your Christian life. You need to realise that your life has changed. You will have what the Bible calls the joy of your salvation but alongside this a Disciple must learn discipline and obedience. This is where the community of believers comes in. Joining a community of believers, often called 'a church', you will be among like-minded Disciples who will support you on your new journey of life.
Fenlands Church would love to assist you. Contact us or come and join us at one of our gatherings. These can be found on our calendar. Click here.
You can also find resources to help you by clicking here.
For more information, please email fenlandschurch@gmail.com.
