The sermon I am giving is about a very important issue. In fact most Christians believe it is the single most important thing about being Christian. I am going to teach about Salvation. Before we get started lets have a word of prayer.
Opening Prayer:
(Normally done by a trusted member of the church or pastor) The prayer should include current events that need attention, and is specific to that time and place so It basically is made up right then and there as the spirit leads.
Message:
The dictionary defines salvation as "saving someone or something from harm or from an unpleasant situation". In this case hell. But I'm not talking about hell today I'm sure that needs no explanation. There are a few things that need to be done in order to avoid hell, and go to heaven. We are all guilty of sin every single one of us, even if its something small. Think to yourself have you ever told a lie or stolen something small even if it has little value for example a paper clip? if you answered yes then you are guilty of breaking one of Gods 10 commandments and on the judgment you will be found guilty and sentenced to eternal death which would mean hell. Some say "Oh God will not do that to me because He loves me too much". Yes He loves you alot, but I am reminded of a verse where "God is a just God" does that ring a bell? The bible does not lie so if it says He is a just God you better listen. For many will knock on the door of heaven but the knocks will lay on deaf ears, meaning He will block you out while your on your way to hell and He will not know you. Do I have your attention yet? Now there is some very great news! I am going to tell you how to get to heaven. There are several verses that tell you how to gain salvation, but we do not have enough time for all of them but I am going to throw a few out there. Ready to catch them?
Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" You already learned that unless you were sleeping. I'm reminded John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.So you can clearly see if you simply read the bible the answer is in there, but I am going to be more specific. I am sure everyone knows John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. lets take a closer look at that verse, believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. So your first step is to believe in Jesus and that He rose from the dead. Matt. 10:22 says And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. This verse says there are many non believers and those that will make fun of you or worse, but if you just sit there and take it to the end you will be saved. Were making progress. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. This says we all will die because of our sin, but God gave us a gift of salvation through Jesus. Romans 10:9-10 Now here is the big one. 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. You have to ask God through Jesus to forgive you for your sins, and I suggest doing it often. Now once you have done all that you should become baptized, but there is a rule on that. It has to be fully emerged under the water.John 3:3-5 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. These verses are too good to leave out but I will not spend too much time on them as they are self explainable. Getting back to baptism. Acts 2:38 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. You receive the holy spirit when your baptized, now I know that the holy spirit is active even when you don't get baptized, but it is very important to do it if you can. This concludes my sermon.
Offering
We do not force anyone or make this public, but the church cost money to keep going, we feel the lord will provide for us. We do not encourage offering plates because it is really no ones business how much they see you put in, This is church and not the time or place for that type of thing, so we have offering boxes in the back hall so no one can see how much you donate. I also would like it known I do not accept any money for my services or sermons because a gift from God should not be bought, and it gives the church more money to use in missions ect...
Closing prayer:
Now here is a closing prayer if you want to be saved repeat after me, Jesus, i confess all of my sins to you and ask for your forgiveness, and pray that you fill me with your spirit and love, you are powerful and I ask you fight all evil that comes my way, In Jesus name I pray amen
Benediction:
May God bless all of you, and put his hand on you for your safe return home.
(It does not seem too long but stressing certain points and repeating when it is given in church will make it longer.)
Thanks
