| The Gospel Breakdown |
| We all have sinned. Romans 3:23 Sin Separates us from God. Romans 6:23 God doesn’t want to be separated from us. 2nd Peter 3:9 Jesus paid for our sins. Hebrews 9:28, 2nd Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:8 We can have a relationship with God through Jesus. John 14:6, Romans 6:23b We must do our part. Acts 2:38 |
| HEAR |
| Romans 10:14 asks how people can believe in Jesus if they have never heard about him. In the Bible, “hearing” often means more than just hearing the words, but also understanding them. Hearing the gospel of Jesus is the starting point for everyone. The gospel is the good news of Jesus. We want to make sure you know what the message of Jesus is, so we’re going to break it down. |
| BELIEVE |
| John 3:16 Romans 10:9 John 20:31 |
| Once you have heard, you must also have faith in God. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see. Thomas-how did Jesus respond? John 20:19-29 |
| REPENT |
| Acts 2:38 Acts 3:19 |
| Repentance happens when a changed heart changes your life. It’s a U-Turn! You were walking away from God and now you’re walking towards God. Zacchaeus Repented. Luke 19:1-10 |
| CONFESS |
| Romans 10:9 Matthew 10:32 Philippians 2:9-11 |
| At some point, as you give your life to Jesus, you need to confess what’s going on in your heart. You say what you believe. You admit it. Confess to God: your love your sin your need for him Confess to people that you believe and want to follow Jesus. |
| BE BAPTIZED |
| Romans 6:1-4 Acts 2:38 Matthew 28:19-20 |
| Being baptized is taking all that you have going on in your heart and doing something about it. It is an outward sign of what’s inside. When we are baptized, we are buried like Jesus. Our old self dies. We raise to a new life… forgiven of our sins… given the gift of the Holy Spirit. The early church used to give new clothes to people getting baptized as a symbol of the new life that they would now live. At WVCC we practice immersion, which is a fancy word for dunking. When the early church baptized, it was this way in imitation of Christ, and it points us to being buried with Him and then raised in Him to walk in a new way of life. |
| LIVE A GODLY LIFE |
| Luke 9:23 Ephesians 5:10 |
| Living your life for Jesus is the best thing you’re ever going to do. It will not, however, be the easiest. When you “pick up your cross” every day, that means that you choose to live for him every day—and not for yourself! God doesn’t expect you to do this on your own. He gives us the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT! Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 3:16 & 6:19. God’s Spirit that lives within you will help you do many things. Three of those things are easy to remember with the letter “C”. Comfort: He will help you when you have trouble. Counsel: He will help you make decisions in your life. Convict: He will tell you in your heart when you are doing the wrong thing. The fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. What is the evidence someone is living in the Spirit of God? |
| GROWING UP |
| You will continue to grow as a Christian. This decision you make now is based on what you know and feel now. But as you grow, this decision will mean more and more. You will continue to grow by praying, reading God’s word, going to church, serving others, and much more. Can you think of ways that will help you grow as a Christian? |
| NOW WHAT? |
| Hear—Have I heard and understand the gospel? Believe—Do I believe in God and in his son Jesus? Do I believe that he is the only way to God?Repent—Am I ready to live my life walking towards God and not to- wards sin? Confess—Can I confess that Jesus is the Lord and that I need him to save me from my sin? Be Baptized—Am I ready to bury my “old self” and raise to a new life? To be forgiven of my sin and have the gift of the Holy Spirit? Live a Godly Life—Am I ready to live every day for Jesus? Am I willing to develop good behaviors that will help me grow in my faith? |
| WRITE YOUR STORY |
| Take some time to write your story about how and when you decided to give your life to Jesus. Make sure to include any special details! |
Special thanks to Atlanta Christian Church for helping us communicate the content for this classic “5-finger” exercise.
West Village Christian Church 