STATE MISSIONS: Why Do I Need to Be Saved?
Note: The following is a compilation of information taken from two articles published at compellingtruth.org/need-to-be-saved and cui.edu/aboutcui/heritage/grace-alone-faith-alone.
Ever since Adam and Eve first sinned, our default status when we are born is that of a sinner. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23 NIV). None of us is righteous on our own (Rom. 3:10-12). There are consequences for sin and there is also provision made for our salvation.
What does being born sinful mean for us? It means we are spiritually dead, ruled by sin rather than ruled by God. Jesus said that everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34). Those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom. 8:7-8).
But God made provision for our salvation by sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth (John 3:16). Jesus lived a perfect life with no sin. He was crucified, bearing the weight of the entire world’s sins upon Himself. He was raised from the dead three days later (Mark 15-16). When Jesus was crucified, He took the punishment for our sins so we wouldn’t have to (II Cor. 17:21). Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for us to be forgiven and to be children of God: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 ESV). In His grace and mercy, God has made a way for us to be saved; all we must do is turn to Him (called repentance for having sinned against Him) and receive that grace by faith (Eph. 2:8–9).
Jesus is the only way to God: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” (John 14:6 NIV). Before salvation, we are spiritually dead, and through Jesus, we become spiritually alive. This is called being born again (John 3:3-15). Instead of being condemned, we are forgiven: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:17-18 ESV). “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1 NAB???). This is the miracle of salvation!
So, one more time. God’s Word says we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts or works (Eph. 2:8-9). Grace alone through faith alone.Grace alone means that God loves, forgives and saves us, not because of who we are or what we do, but because of the work of Christ. Our best efforts can never be good enough to earn salvation, but God declares us righteous for Christ’s sake. We receive that grace through faith alone. We are not saved by obeying a list of dos and don’ts, but by grace through faith in Christ. Our salvation is in God’s hands. That’s good news and is what we call the gospel.
Free from sin (not free to sin!), we are invited to live out our faith with thankful hearts, eager to share the gospel with others. God wants you involved — and there is plenty to involve you in your Christian walk. From worship, Bible studies, nursery workers, greeters, security, maintenance and teachers to missions and witnessing, (and on and on the list could go) all give expression and authenticity to your faith.
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “As part of the celebration of the month of missions, Sunday School teachers invited Jose Carlos so the children could interview him about his experience of being part of a missionary family.
They asked him what had cost him the most, what was strangest from his past, if he is ashamed to be in front playing in the church band and if he felt pressured to always do things well since the eyes of the congregation were more attentive to him because he was the son of the pastor. Jose Carlos, among other answers, told them they were asking good questions and it was an excellent exercise since they could be part of a missionary family. When God calls, we should all obey. It is interesting how Sunday School can prepare the minds and hearts of future missionaries. Congratulations to the teachers for their emphasis on missions!
“After the meeting, we enjoyed a time of communion and shared different dishes of food, desserts and traditional drinks from our countries. We thank God for the cultural richness produced by a congregation made up of people from different Central American countries.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “We had a good worship service at Ebenezer. We had a good opportunity on Sunday to celebrate a special service. The message of the Word was focused on the true love and friendship we find in Jesus. The sisters decorated the tables in a special way, and we were able to share the food with everyone.
It has been one of our best attended services this year. It was a very good opportunity to meet people who normally do not come to church.
“In the afternoon, we went to the Rodriguez family’s home to watch the Super Bowl and fellowship with unchurched people. Both in the morning and in the afternoon, I was able to share with people I would not normally meet, either in the Berean Groups (cell groups) or in our regular worship services. I ask you to pray for each of these contacts as only God can draw them to His Word. We are building bridges of friendship with each of them. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “What a beautiful day we had Sunday, and what a wonderful time of worship! After an abundance of snow, then ice, then rain and sickness, for several weeks, most of us were able to return and it was great. All our families with children were back, and it sure is a different place with children.
“We observed the Lord’s Supper Sunday night, with many tears of remembrance, joy and thankfulness.
“I was surprised to see the full-page article on Faith Chapel in the Trumpet this week. It has been a little while since I wrote it, so let me give you an update. We have now baptized 16 on their profession of faith, and we now have 46 members. Praise God!
“The concrete contractor came on Monday, and they were able to dig, prepare and pour the footings in one day. We have a foundation! Oh my, you can’t even imagine how exciting it is to us to know we will soon have our own building. The community has noticed, too. We thank all of you for your support and prayers. We could not be doing this if not for your willingness and faithfulness to support God’s work through this association of churches to plant new churches according to His Great Commission. We are looking forward to the day we can do the same. Thank you again, especially for your prayers, they mean so much to us!”
The Table, Springdale: Clinton Morris writes, “Valentine vacations and Super Bowl parties caused us to be down this week. It was crazy to see what we consider a down service, which used to be a big service over a year ago. Just amazing to see how God has caused us to grow.
“We are so thankful to be doing the work we are involved in, but as always, there are growing pains. Continue to pray for the unity of the church. There is nothing Satan wants more than to cause bitterness or set in some rivalry among the leaders we are growing.
“I am scouting out new territory for the next church plant. Be in prayer for DeAnna and me as we consider the next steps of ministry.
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes “This week at Faith Journey we are starting to see the bigger mission ahead for us. We are in the beginning process of seeking out a property to plant Faith Journey mission. We think it is amazing to know that God already knows where and what it will look like, and we just have to be patient while He unveils His plans.
“I was able to come alongside our sending church, Celebration at Haskell, one day this week helping sheetrock their new building. Men of all stages of life came together, put in hard work and had great fellowship. It was so inspiring to see these men of God coming together in this type of setting to further God’s kingdom.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “We were finally able to start our small group in Rogers again on Friday. Our small group in Springdale continues to pray about a place to meet. Last year, it was at the home of the Fernandez family, but Sister Maria’s husband is hospitalized. We continue to pray for him.
“Our Sunday service followed the series fundamentals of a biblical church, and we were in Matt. 7:13-23 — the narrow door, the narrow way. As a new church we are talking about salvation, and the goal is to be sure if the profession of faith you made was real. We ended up in a call to reflection based on verse 23 — Does Jesus know you? Does your life show the fruit of your entering through the narrow gate and the narrow way? At the end of the service, we asked if there were people who wanted to be baptized, since next Sunday we would begin classes for candidates for baptism and for the glory of God. Seven said they wanted to be baptized.”
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Paul White
Arkansas State Missions Director Paul White pens a weekly column to inform the BMA of Arkansas concerning Arkansas Missions’ activity and includes individual reports from each church planter.
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