Straightway Ministry: Jul 12, 2011

The Message of the Cross

The only solution for sin, the only answer to sin, is the Cross of Christ!

The Cross of Christ is the foundation principle of all Bibical Doctrine. It is the foundation because it is the first principle of Redemption, brought about in the Mind of God even before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:18-20). This means that every single doctrine must be built on the foundation of Christ and the Cross, or else, in some way, it will be spurious. And that's the problem with the modern Church; in many cases it is building doctrines on other foundation.

Requirement for Salvation: Romans 10:9-10 9)"That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you shall be saved. 10)For with the heart man believes unto Righteousiness and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation".

Say outloud this prayer: Lord Jesus I am a sinner, please forgive me and cleanse me from all my sin. I am sorry please come into my heart as Lord and Savior and save me. In Jesus Name I pray. Thank you Jesus right now I am saved.

Let us know if you prayed that prayer and accepted Christ.

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Question and Answer Segment:

Question of the Day: I try to share Christ with some of my unsaved friends, but they don’t seem to understand what I’m saying. I know we are to tell others about Jesus, but it is so frustrating sometimes. Could you give me any recommendations?

I understand your disappointment. The unsaved person is often in different to the Gospel and occasionally hostile. Let me share something that I think will help explain the reaction you receive and encourage you as you share Christ.

There are various evangelism tools available to the Christian such as tracts, books, like this blog, and training programs. They are useful, but I am convinced there is one essential part we frequently overlook – the critical role of the Holy Spirit in bringing men and women to faith in Christ.

Jesus described the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8; “And He (the Holy Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment.”

Although the unbeliever may seem like everyone else on the surface, the Scriptures tell us that his soul and mind are in a depraved state. (Romans 3:10-18) He is spiritually dead; that is, he is completely separated from the life of God by sin. (Ephesians 2:1-2) He has no desire for God. (Galatians 5:19-21) He is also blind to the truth. (1 Corinthians 3:18-20) He cannot see the kingdom of God.

The unbeliever sins because he is a sinner by nature. He knows nothing about righteousness, sin, or judgment.

It is in those areas that the Holy Spirit is able supernaturally to impress an unbeliever’s heart. Without His divine aid in sharing Christ, we are helpless; dependent only on our persuasion or reasoning which in themselves cannot bring a person to salvation.

Only the Holy Spirit can regenerate a person. Only the Holy Spirit can convict him of the truth about his sin. Only the Holy Spirit can convince the lost about God’s holy standard of truth and of His judgment that awaits all who reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. (John 16:8-11)

The Holy Spirit points the unbeliever to Jesus Christ. In so doing He brings him to an awareness of his separation from God and need for salvation.

The next time you share your faith, invest time asking the Holy Spirit to open the eyes and mind of the unsaved person. Then understand that his salvation is not dependent on your presentation alone (although we want to be courteous and scriptural) but on the Holy Spirit).

I hope this helps some of who are seeking to be a more effective witness for Christ! Address your thoughts or questions in comment section of this blog post. Let me know if this has helped.