The inquirers have diverse spiritual (or non-spiritual) and cultural backgrounds. Some people have basic moral questions about sin. Others are curious about Jesus. Their questions range from "Is there a God?" to "How can I have a personal relationship with God?"
For many people who have given sincere thought and consideration, they choose to place their personal faith in Jesus. In years past, I've assisted new believers with this while standing on a mega-football stadium field - while Billy Graham gently led them in prayer from the stage podium. Then Franklin Graham began the internet outreach ministry in 2012, and now these digital inquiries are the "virtual" stadium field, 24x7.
One recurring inquiry has been..."where is this prayer in the Bible?" Or, how can the "right" words make any supernatural change in a person's life? The answers are easy - it's not written in the Bible and words don't change a person's spiritual condition.
Here is how I explain in more depth to these inquirers - the background of what leads to a simple prayer, offered to God with a sincere faith....
There are Bible verses you can find online or in your personal Bible,
Here is how I explain in more depth to these inquirers - the background of what leads to a simple prayer, offered to God with a sincere faith....
There are Bible verses you can find online or in your personal Bible,
In the Gospel of Mark 1:15 Jesus said, "Repent, and believe the Good News” And James 5:16, to confess our sins as well. 1John1:9 explains God's mercy and response.
A personal prayer based on these Bible concepts would include repentance, saying "I'm sorry for my sins." And John 3:16 - 3:17 explains what Jesus did for us on the cross and why; "God sent his Son so that all who believe on Him might not perish but have everlasting life."
A personal prayer could acknowledge that as true, as understanding that Jesus’ death on the cross is redemptive - He died for our sins.
And Ephesians 2:8-9 explains that we are saved by Grace through faith (not "earned" by works as some believe), and John 1:12 that in receiving Christ we become children of God;
We are then new creations in Christ as stated in 2Corinthians 5:17
With that, a personal prayer could affirm biblical faith in Jesus, and acknowledge receiving God into their life.
And Romans 10:9-13 says that we should do this publicly at some point, "with the heart man believes and with the mouth confesses." Public declaration.
All this can be said in a person's own words...the specific prayer is not "written" down, but the words offered in the printed example to new believers helps them understand. And then discipleship will continue at their local church, including baptism - Christian growth doesn't stop with a prayer. Otherwise it's not a relationship with God, it's a one-time event.
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Please guide my life and help me to do your will. I ask this in Jesus name, amen." Or use your own words as you express your faith in Jesus.
Hopefully, you can see how these Biblical threads connect in this sample starter prayer we provide, or variations of it. I've stood on the stadium field with new believers, and exchanged digital messages immediately after they profess this in their own words....a change here, a stumble there.
But as they respond with the peace of God and the Light of the Holy Spirit afterwards, it's made clear that there's more going on besides the wording of a prayer. Eternal life in Jesus. Ephesians 1:13 is comforting in this regard. And I close my message to an inquirer with,
Please do write again if you have questions about the ministry or spiritual matters. God loves you!
What do you believe?
No comments:
Post a Comment