Here at Zion we Celebrate Next Steps! If you come to a weekend service you will here us talking about spiritual growth and where we can grow in Jesus. Here are a few of the Steps we encourage:
1. Salvation
What is Salvation?
The most important spiritual step a person can take is to turn from their sins and commit their life to Jesus Christ. It's sometimes called being "saved" or "born again", and it's often mistaken as just a prayer that a person prays.
From Scripture, we see that being saved is much more than a prayer. Though it begins with a prayer of commitment, salvation involves the entire direction of your life. It's a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus and to put His priorities above your own. Salvation happens when a person turns away from their sins and steps out in faith trusting that Jesus is the Son of God and that He alone can pay the penalty for his or her sins.
The life of Jesus is recorded in the Bible. It tells us that Jesus loves humanity so much that He chose to leave heaven to come to this world two thousand years ago to offer Himself as a sacrifice for all people. When He claimed to be God, people thought He was lying and evil, and they had Him beaten and killed by hanging Him on a wooden cross. But death could not contain Jesus. After three days, God raised Him from the dead to demonstrate that what Jesus said was true.
The Bible is clear that until a person commits his or her life to Jesus, they are cut off from God because of their sins. However, if a person gives their life to Jesus, they spiritually become a new creation and are no longer under the penalty of sin.
Being saved is different from being "good enough" or better than other people you know. Instead, salvation is about realizing that without God, we are enslaved by our sins. We each need Jesus to save us.
Jesus Himself taught that a person must make a thoughtful and deliberate decision about whether or not to follow Him. He told people to count the cost. If you give your life to God, it will cost you everything you are... and in return, He will give you joy, peace, and love.
When a person is saved, a spiritual transaction takes place. God takes your old and broken life and replaces it with the righteousness of Jesus. When that happens, a person becomes a child of God.
If you're ready to commit your life to Jesus, you can do that in a couple of ways:
- You can pray where you are. Tell God that you're sorry for the things you've done and for turning your back on Him. Tell Him that you believe that He died and rose again because of your sins, and ask Him to save you. Tell Him that you're turning away from your sins. Tell Him that you need His presence to guide you through life. Tell God that you're giving Him your whole life. Thank Him for loving you and offering you salvation.
- If you'd prefer to pray with someone about this, one of our staff would be glad to do that with you. While we may not be able to respond immediately, we will do our best to contact you within one business day of receiving your request. Please contact the church office, and he will have someone get in touch with you.
2. Baptism
The Bible teaches that once a person is saved, his or her next step is to make that commitment to Jesus public through baptism. When you're ready to take this important next step, please contact the church office.
3. New Membership Class
We are so excited about your new identity in Christ and what we see what to invest in your life and have you invest in us! We want to answer all your questions about what happens next and how to live in Jesus now that you are part of His family.
4. Giving
Through your financial contributions, you're partnering with Zion Baptist Church in to the work of changing lives locally and worldwide. Giving is one way that we show the heart of God to others.
5. Growing
We believe that faith comes alive when people connect with God and others. Sustained life change occurs as we are growing in a relationship with Christ and we prioritize intentional relationships with others. Our Wednesday Night Classes provide people with the opportunity to encounter God, embrace others, engage the world around us, and expand God's Kingdom through their group.
6. Serving
There is nothing more rewarding than using your time and skills to further the work of Jesus in the world.
