Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,
I just read the posts on the thread, “Where Have you Gone?” I was stirred to give another little report of the Lord’s wonderful grace here in Durham.
On Tuesday evening, we have a small home gathering for the new believers and refugees on some basic matters. Last night 12 gathered in a small apartment and sat on the carpet with their Napalie Bibles eager to know more about our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
During the two previous weeks we fellowshiped that to believe in Jesus is to receive Jesus and the unique test for being in the faith is to know that Christ Jesus is in you. (John 1:12 and 2 Cor. 13:5) Among the Hindus there is the natural thought that they must understand all there is to Christianity before they can believe. Some have been so happy to learn that all they need to do is receive Him.
Last night we continued with this under the topic that A Christian is one who has been forgiven of His or Her sins. Below is the brief outline and verses we used.
Basis Facts of Being a Christian
A Christian is One who has been Forgiven of His or Her Sins
I.
God’s great love toward mankind led Him to send Jesus that we could be forgiven of our sins.
1
Tim 1:15, It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners .
Rom 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners , Christ died for us.
II. When we believe in Jesus our sins are forgiven.
Acts 10:43, "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."
Col 2:13, And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions.
Mark 2:4, And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven.”
Acts 13:38, "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
III. We care for all the other Christians because they like us have been forgiven by God.
Eph 4:32, And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
1 John 2:12, I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.
IV. We advance in our Christian Life because we can be forgiven everyday. We must practice confessing our sins.1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 11/9/2010
When we reached the third point it seemed the presence of the Lord became very strong. After I had finished, the brother Amar who translates and has been here for 20 years, committed to me that this was a very timely word. He knew of some friction and internal problems among those in the room. He shared that they must forgive one another and ask the Lord for His forgiveness. Several prayed. I could not understand a word of the prayers but the repentance and requests for the Lord’s forgiveness was so clear as they prayed. Thank the Lord for such a wonderful and gracious visitation and response from those present.
A believer in Christ Jesus,
Hope