Our goal is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our soccer programs.
The beautiful message of salvation, forgiveness, freedom, love, grace, and mercy given through Jesus Christ our Lord. What is that message?
1.) First, it starts with the sad fact that we are all sinners who have done wrong.
Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
We have all committed sin (stealing, deceiving, lying about those around us, coveting - wanting what others have for ourselves, idolatry - putting anything above God, not honoring our mother and our father, etc.).
2.) Because of our sins we are separated from God now and condemned to a place called hell after our death. Romans 6:23 starts off by saying "For the wages of sin is death..."
Hebrews 9:27 says "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
Our sin condemns us to a physical death, as well as a spiritual death in hell (an eternity of torment separated from God). There is nothing we can do on our own. No amount of good works we do can save us from this punishment. As for our good works God says in Isaiah 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing,and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..."
BUT THERE IS GREAT NEWS!
3.) God did not want nor intend us to have no way out though! So He created the way to pay for our sins by sending His one and only Son Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 continues and finishes with "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins through His death on the cross so that we may have eternal life through faith in Him and His blood.
Romans 3:21-26 says “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
The question then is, do you believe from your heart? Do you admit that you are a sinner in need of saving?
If so Paul says in Romans 10:8-10 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Do you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is God's only Son, that He died, shed His blood for your sins, and rose from the dead?
If so, confession is simply agreeing with God that Jesus is Lord, and declaring it verbally, openly and unashamedly.
4.) Then live it. What does that mean?
The new believer should first follow God's command to be baptized.
Jesus Christ tells His disciples before He ascends to Heaven in Matthew 28:19-20 "'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ by a new believer. It is usually performed by a pastor by immersing the new believer in water in front of a congregation. We greatly encourage you to speak with your local Bible believing pastor about baptism, or contact us by clicking here if you would like help or more information!
For more on your new walk with the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ, Blue Letter Bible sums up the next steps as follows:
"If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ by faith, you may be wondering 'What next?' Our greatest recommendation for believers, new and old, is fourfold:"
Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God and join in fellowship with other Christians.
Read and study the Bible every day.
Pray to God (which is simply talking to Him). Ask Him to strengthen your faith and increase your love toward Him.
Take part in the two New Testament ordinances: baptism (as described above) and the Lord's Supper.
"All of these are meant to encourage and build up your faith as well as the faith of those around you." (Blue Letter Bible)
If you have any questions, or have made a commitment to follow Christ and would like help with what to do next please contact your local Bible believing pastor, or if you would like you can also contact us by clicking here. We would love to help in your pursuit of baptism, growth in God through prayer and His Word, and finding a local Bible believing church!
Be encouraged, God shows us through Paul that God will finish what He has started in you:
"being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
Philippians 1:6