Spiritual Growth
At 2nd Chance we believe in worshiping God in Spirit and Truth. Worship is not an easy concept to define. For many it is attending a church service at which you sing hymns, read scripture, say a prayer, listen to a sermon and give an offering. All these activities or practices can lead to worship, but Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 58:6-10 that worship goes beyond these. He says that there were plenty of people who felt that they worshiped God. They were religious but not righteous. The Bible says that they afflicted their souls with fasting, and delighted to know God’s ways. They inquired about the ordinances of justice while enjoying the worship service. Little, if any, of their devoutness, piety or dutifulness translated into action, yet they expected God to answer prayers and bless them. Through Isaiah, God said that true worship is not just a weekly ritual, but a daily lifestyle. It may begin in the church, but it should end up in the streets. In other words, what starts off as worship in the church building ends up as service to others outside the confines of the building. We worship God when we feed the hungry, cloth the needy, and help the homeless. Worship and service should form a seamless robe.
How to Study the BibleBible study must be carried on in full dependence on the Holy Spirit. He is our teacher, and we should constantly seek His guidance. John 14:26; 16:13
1. Designate a time each day and begin reading the Bible. When you come to an unfamiliar word, look it up in the dictionary. If there is a passage that is difficult to understand, ask the Pastor for help in finding its meaning. 2. Compare scripture to scripture. Don’t try to build a doctrine on a single verse. Find out what the consistent teaching is in all the Bible on the subject. Write down an outline of each chapter and answer the following questions: What have I learned about Christ? What is the principle message of this chapter? What precious promise may I claim? Which is the outstanding verse? What sin am I taught to avoid? What example is for me to follow? What are the difficult verses? 3. Memorize two or three verses of scripture each week. Begin with familiar Gospel verses such as John 1:12; John 3:16; John 3:36; John 5:24; Romans 10:9. 4. Attend worship services, Bible Studies and Sunday School regularly. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 5. Serve others “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:44-45 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10 Demonstrate faithful stewardship with the things He has given you: your time, your tithes and talents. The goal is to put into practice, what you have learned! |
How to Know GodRealize that you are a sinner. No matter how good of a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. “As it is written, “There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10
Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you. The Bible tells us, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8. This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it. Repent of your sin. The Bible tells us to “repent and be converted” Acts 3:19. The word “repent” means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him. Receive Jesus Christ into your life. Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your life) and knock. If anyone hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him …” Revelation 3:20 |
The Plan of SalvationThe word salvation is defined as “deliverance from the power and effects of sin.” All have sinned (Romans 3:23), but we cannot save ourselves, because only a sinless person can save a sinful person. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ died for sinners. (I Timothy 1:15, Romans 5:6-8)
Salvation is available to you, right now. The path to salvation is one you must choose for yourself, no one can make that choice for you. In order to be saved, you must believe and act: All have sinned. Romans 3:23 and I John 1:8 There is a penalty for sin. Romans 6:23 and John 3:18 You cannot save yourself. Titus 3:5 and James 2:10 Salvation has been provided. Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, and John 14:6. The conditions are simple: Repent Luke 13:3 Confess I John 1:9 Romans 10:9 Believe Acts 16:31 Now is the time for decision. Joshua 24:15 2 Corinthians 6:2 Share your new faith! Confess Christ before men. Matthew 10:32-33 Join a church which follows the Holy Bible. Acts 2:47 Tell others the story. Matthew 28:19-20 Just pray a simple prayer from your heart to God telling Him you believe that He is the Son of God, born of a virgin, and that you believe He died for your sins on Calvary, was buried, but on the third day He arose and is now sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and me. Confess that you are an unworthy sinner. Ask Him to come into your heart and save you. He is faithful and just to forgive you. If you prayed the sinner’s prayer and the Lord saved you, please contact us so we can rejoice with you 951-662-2008. |