InstaStudy

Putting Your Faith in Christ: A Journey to New Life

This study explores the foundational truths of faith in Jesus Christ, guiding you through understanding God's nature, the path to salvation, and living a transformed life according to His word.

1. Understanding the One True God

1.1 The Singularity of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29
  • There is only one God, the Creator and Sustainer of all.
  • He alone is worthy of all worship and devotion.
  • God declares that there is no God before Him or after Him.

1.2 God Revealed in Christ

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • God manifested Himself in human flesh through Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus is the visible expression of the invisible God.
  • In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

1.3 Jesus as Lord and God

Verses: John 20:28; Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 2:36
  • Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good man, but God Himself.
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

2. The Path to New Life in Christ

2.1 Repentance and Turning to God

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance means a sincere change of mind and direction from sin.
  • It involves turning away from our old ways and towards God.
  • This is the essential first step for receiving salvation.

2.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins, washing them away.
  • It is an identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • It must be administered in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

2.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The Holy Spirit is God dwelling within believers, empowering them.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • This promise of the Spirit is for all who believe and obey God.

2.4 The New Birth Experience

Verses: John 3:5; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23
  • Being born of water and the Spirit is essential for entering God's kingdom.
  • This spiritual rebirth makes you a new creation in Christ.
  • It is a complete transformation by God's grace, making you His child.

3. Living a Transformed Life

3.1 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:13-14
  • Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
  • There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh.
  • Be led by the Spirit, for those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

3.2 Growing in Holiness

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • Be holy in all your conduct, just as God is holy.
  • Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
  • Cleanse yourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

3.3 Sharing Your Faith

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8
  • Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of Jesus.
  • Preach the gospel to every creature, sharing the good news of salvation.
  • Be witnesses of Christ to the ends of the earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit.