You Want To Be A CLone?

Being a CLone is a continuing process.  It means trying to become more "Christ Like" every day of your life.  So how do you find out who Christ is and what He is like?  You have to look to God's Word - the Bible.  

Christ is not a name, but a title.  Jesus once asked his Apostles, "Who do you say I am?"  The Apostle Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Christ is just another word for Messiah which simply means "the anointed one" or "the chosen one."  God CHOSE His only son, Jesus, to save us from our sins and eternal punishment by dying for us. (Matthew 16:16 and John 3:16)

The Bible tells us that we have "all sinned" and that we will be punished for those sins.  Sin is simply going against what God has told us to do or not to do.  This can be as simple as having a hateful thought towards someone you don't like, to stealing a DVD from the video store.  (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23)

Once you realize you've sinned, you need to look to Jesus Christ to save you from those sins.  Christ died for you by taking your punishment Himself, and taking away, or forgiving your sins.  He arose from the dead so you can live with Him forever in heaven.  This is a wonderful gift and God has given us instructions, His plan, for receiving it.  Here then is that plan - the treasure map to God's buried treasure!

1. Believe that Jesus is God's Son, and that He is the Christ - the one God chose to die for your sins; and that he rose from the dead. (John 3:16)

2. Be truly sorry for the sins you've committed, and be willing to try your best to not committ any more.  This is called repentance. (Acts 17:30)

3. Confess to others and God that you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and your Saviour.  (Matthew 10:32)

4.  Once you've followed the map to the treasure, you must "dig it up"!  Baptism (immersion) is that point where you actually receive God's gift of forgiveness of your sins and eternal life - a true treasure!  When the Apostle Peter preached his sermon on the first day of the church, the people asked him what they should do.  Peter's answer was, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  (Acts 2:38)

5.  Now you're a Christian and ready to really start becoming a Christ Like one!  This involves coming to know Christ better each day by praying and studying your Bible, and then trying to be just like Him.  The Holy Spirit will be there with you all the way to help and guide you as you grow up as a Christian - just like a baby grows every day into an adult.