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PROOF OF LIFE (Part 1)
2Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
2Corinthians 8:24 Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them.
What is the evidence/PROOF that you are alive in Christ?
Proof of Life#1: SALVATION Experience & BAPTISM.
Matthew 28:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A salvation experience is not just a moment where you say, “I believe in Jesus as Lord.” The confession of faith is your “pledge of allegiance/devotion”, but the LIFESTYLE of “obeying his commands” is the proof that the conversion was authentic, that we have community with God.
True salvation/conversion/born again is evidenced by a changed WAY OF LIFE; no longer my way, or everybody else’s way, but God’s way.
BAPTISM is more than being dunked in water. It’s about identification and communion with the person and work of Jesus, and also identification/communion with his family.
Mark 12:30-31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
1John 5:1-3 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
Application: 1. Make a CONFESSION of faith. 2. Get BAPTIZED. 3. Work toward COMMUNITY with God and God’s people.
What is God Speaking to You?