A. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20, NKJV
1. There are varying definitions:
a. Broad encyclopedia – name recognition.
b. Protestant.
c. Church member.
d. Believe in Jesus Christ for salvation.
e. Conservative.
f. Fundamentals of faith.
g. Repent and receive Christ as Savior.
2. Can church members be lost? “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21, NLT).
3. What is the acid test of Christianity? “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
4. Welsh Revival early 1900s - mules working in mines didn’t understand the new language of saved miners.
B. WHAT IS REGENERATION?
1. “Except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Why?
a. All are lost.
b. None qualify for heaven.
c. Their sins must be punished.
d. Jesus is the only way.
2. What is difference between first and second birth?
a. First, “born of flesh is flesh” (v. 6).
b. Second, “born of the Spirit is spirit” (v. 7).
3. What do you receive when you are born again?
a. A clean heart (Psalm 51:10).
b. A new heart (desires). “A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit I will put with in you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
c. Indwelt. “Ye in Me” (John 14:20).
d. Eternal life. “He that heareth My words and believeth … hath everlasting life” (John 5:24).
4. Your old nature is not created.
a. Struggles. “The evil which I would not, that I do” (Romans 7:19).
b. Strive. “The good that I would, I do not” (Romans 7:14).
5. When born again you experience new… “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT). The Corinthian church had people who previously were drunkards, idolaters, adulterers, etc. but, “Such were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
6. Zacchaeus new values. “Come down ... he made haste … ‘Lord, half my goods I give to the poor.’ This day has salvation come” (Luke 19:5-9).
7. Saul’s new purpose. “Is not this he that destroyed …” (Acts 9:21).
8. Matthew’s new service. “Follow Me … he left all … followed Him” (Luke 5:27-28).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
