First Church of the Nazarene Sterling Illinois

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How to become a Christian
Becoming a Christian is not a complicated thing.
It's as simple as ABC:

Admit that you have sinned.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23

Believe that Jesus died for your sins.
Those who believe in his name ...become children of God. John 1:12

Confess Jesus as the Lord of your life.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved. Romans 10:9

The ABC's are summed up by praying and believing this simple prayer.

Dear Lord Jesus,
I admit that I am a sinner, but I believe that you died for my sins and rose from the grave. I now turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I receive you as my personal Savior and confess you as my Lord. Amen

What's Next?

Tell someone!
To begin growing as a Christian, the first thing you need to do is tell someone what Jesus has done for you. The Bible says it is with the mouth we confess and are saved.

Truly turn from your sins.
We must turn from our known sinful habits and practices in order to walk with God. When Jesus forgave the woman caught in sin, he told her, "Go and sin no more..."

You need a spiritual mentor.
Who brought you to the Lord or to the Church? How about a close friend here in the church? Would that person be willing and able to help you out? Contact that person and ask for help and encouragement. If you need help being paired with someone to guide you, please see your Sunday School teacher or a pastor.

Join a Small Group or Sunday School Class.
We have adult Bible study fellowship classes that meet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.

Be baptized.
Jesus has instructed us to publicly confess our faith through baptism. We offer Christian baptism on a regular basis. Attend the baptism class or schedule a time with the Pastor or your spiritual mentor to talk about baptism.

Read your Bible daily.
We suggest reading the New International Version or another up-to-date translation of the Bible.
Click here for a one-year, prioritized reading plan of the Bible.
Click here for a guide to reading the whole Bible in a year.

Pray daily.
Prayer is just talking to God.
Prayer can be divided into five basic areas.
1. Adoration - Praise:
    Letting God know how awesome he truly is.
2. Forgiveness - Confession:
    Telling God our sins, failures, weaknesses
3. Thankfulness:
    Thanking God for the blessings he has given us.
4. Personal Needs - Requests:
    Asking God to supply our daily needs.
5. Pray for Others - Intercession:
    Asking God to help other people.

Attend Church weekly.
The Bible instructs us to gather with God's people to worship. By attending church we receive strength, guidance, and encouragement. God speaks to us in a special way in times of corporate worship.
It is also in our public worship that the Lord's Supper (communion) is served. Receiving this "meal" gives us grace and spiritual strength.

Give to God's work.
Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Investing in the Kingdom of God is one way to ensure that your heart stays fixed on Kingdom values and priorities. We periodically offer classes on Christian stewardship and urge you to understand this Christian discipline. It will help you grow!

A Bible Reading Plan
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Read the Bible in a Year
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