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Page 1 of 2 WHILE THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT TEACHINGS IN THE BIBLE AND THE CHURCH, SOME OF THE MORE PROMINENT ONES ARE: Repentance: Q: What exactly does one do to become a Christian? A: Everyone has made mistakes in life which have been hurtful to themselves or others. Repentance has two aspects: Admitting (confessing) to God and turning away from those mistakes. This is achieved by asking God for forgiveness in Christ’s name. Believe that God has accepted the prayer of a sincere heart and your sins are gone. (Romans 10:9,10) Born Again: Q: What does this term mean? A: It literally means born from ‘above’ you have become a child of God. You have the values of heaven and a new nature which is different to how you used to be. (2 Corinthians 5:16,17) (John 3;3) Baptism: Q; Should I be baptized? A: If you have been cleansed from your sins, you should seek to be baptized as a sign to all who may have known you that you are now walking in the light. Sanctification; Q: What is Sanctification? A: It is a further work of cleansing, old habits and ways are less of a feature in your life (you will never be absolutely perfect) and you are living a righteous lifestyle. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) (2 Tim. 2:21) (2 Corinthians 7:1) Baptism of the Holy Spirit Q: What does this involve? A: God can speak through you in many ways. As you leave yourself open to God you will find new things appearing and manifesting in your life such as gifts and abilities which are obviously from God. (Acts 2:1) Fruit of the Spirit Q; what are these? A Love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, goodness, faith, humility, gentleness etc. these qualities begin to appear in your life and are evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) BEYOND THESE BASIC SALVATIONAL TEACHINGS THERE ARE OTHER TEACHINGS OF PROMINENCE 1) Against joining cults and secret societies - Secrecy and anti-family are signs of cultism. Secret societies include organisations such as Masons, Rosicrucians, etc. (11 Corinthians 6:15-17) 2) Restitution where possible Try to re-pay or make right any damage you have done even though you have been forgiven of your sins by God (for instance writing or calling someone you haven’t spoken to or giving back stolen goods etc) (Luke 19:8) 3) Alcohol The Bible speaks consistently against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:17) Wine and alcohol are rightly named as spirits those who are ‘under the influence’ seem to be under the control of the alcohol and say and do things that they would never normally do. 4) Tithes. (Free- will offerings) giving offerings to minister to the poor or the Church and Charities is at the heart of the Gospel message. Tithes and Offerings are given out of love and gratitude rather than force but the work of the Church would be more difficult if no one contributed. (2 Corinthians 8 and 9) 5) Healing The Bible encourages believers to pray for their healing in the Church (James 5:12) as well as using doctors who are also there for us (Matt; 8:4) One of the signs of being a believer is praying for the sick (Mark 16) 6) Resurrection The message of the resurrection of Christ is essential to the faith. It was a physical rather than a spiritual resurrection (matt 26:1, john 20:1)
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