SALVATION

(What is “the Gospel” and how should I respond?)

Christians use lots of words to talk about this thing we call “salvation” (seriously, a LOT.)  For instance, maybe you’ve heard about:

Getting saved  /  Being born again  /  Asking Jesus into your heart  /  Believing in Jesus  /  Trusting Christ for salvation  /  Receiving Christ  /  Giving your life to Christ  /  Saying “yes” to Jesus  /  Giving your heart to  Jesus  /  Making Jesus the Lord of your life  /  Marrying Jesus  /  Entering a covenant with Christ  /  Repentance and faith 

Whether any of those phrases sound familiar or it’s all crazy-talk to you, here’s the big idea of what Jesus taught about this thing we call salvation…

THIS IS THE GOOD NEWS
(The Gospel of G.R.A.C.E.)

 

  • GOD loves the world that He made.
  • We REBELLED against our Creator by rejecting His love and authority.
  • Now ALL of us are born as rebels and slaves to sin, separated from God’s love and destined for His wrath.
  • But, CHRIST died to set us free from sin’s bondage and reconcile us to God, and rose to offer
  • ETERNAL life and freedom, both now and forever, to all who put their faith in Him.
THIS IS OUR RESPONSE
(How to be saved)

 

  • ADMIT that you’re a sinner and need a Savior.
  • BELIEVE Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead for your new life.
  • CONFESS with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and commit your life to follow Him.
Most people take this step of faith by praying some sort of “sinner’s prayer.”  What’s most important isn’t the words you use, but the heart behind them.
 
If you’re ready to respond to what Jesus has done for you, here’s an example of what you might say…
A SIMPLE PRAYER FOR SALVATION
Dear Jesus, I know I haven’t lived the way I should.  I know I’m a sinner and I don’t deserve your love.
 
But I believe You are the Son of God, and I believe You loved me anyway.  I believe You died to pay for my sins, and You rose again to offer me a brand new life in You.
 
So Jesus, I’m asking you to forgive my sins.  I’m trusting you to be my Savior.  I’m surrendering to you as Lord of my life, and I’m giving you the keys.
 
Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit.  Please fill me with Your love.  Please help me to follow you faithfully, because now my life is Yours, and I am a brand new person because now Your life is mine.
 
In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!

BAPTISM

(What is it and why should I be baptized?)

Ever since Jesus was baptized, His followers have been doing it, too… but why?

 
Some groups of Christians baptize their babies.  Some only baptize people who’ve made a conscious commitment to Jesus.  Some churches sprinkle water on people, while others dunk folks all the way under.
 
Here’s a quick overview of what we believe about baptism, and how we practice it as the people of outpostChurch.
WHAT BAPTISM IS/DOES
  • Baptism IS a beautiful symbol that declares to the world that you’re a follower of Jesus.
  • Baptism IS something all Christians should do as part of their commitment to following Jesus.
  • Baptism DOES identify you with a specific family of believers (i.e. a local church).
WHAT BAPTISM ISN’T/DOESN’T DO
  • Baptism is NOT a magic ritual that cleanses you from your sins or affects your salvation.
  • Baptism is NOT something that has any power or purpose for non-Christians.
  • Baptism does NOT have to be done only at/by your home church.
HOW WE DO BAPTISM AS OUTPOSTCHURCH
FIRST, you can contact us to let us know you’re interested in being baptized.  We’ll be happy to hear from you and we’ll schedule a time for you to meet with one of our leaders to take the next step.
 

CLICK HERE TO E-MAIL US ABOUT BAPTISM.

SECOND, at that meeting you can ask any questions, and we’ll ask you about your story, specifically,
     1) How and when you got saved and made a conscious decision to follow Jesus,
     2) What difference Jesus has made in your life, and
     3) Why you want to get baptized and what it means to you.
 
THIRD, we’ll schedule a time for you to get baptized and will find out what t-shirt size you prefer.  We also highly encourage you to invite friends and family to share this special day!
 
FINALLY, on your baptism day, we’ll provide you with an outpostChurch T-Shirt, you’ll get to share with the church the same three things you shared with the leader with whom you met, and one of team will baptize you by immersion under the water.