ASSIGNMENTS 1. Daily read over this material and read or sing the song. 2. Place the scripture where you will see it each day. 3. Think of how you can continue to be converted to become even more like Christ. 4. Write down ways you can benefit by becoming more Christ-like. 5. Plan to tell the class about your conversion. What caused you to obey the gospel? Who influenced you? What hindrances did you have to overcome? DAILY BIBLE VERSES AND PRAYER THOUGHTS MONDAY - VERSES: Psalm 19:7-14 PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, help me to continually become more like you want me to be. TUESDAY - VERSES: Psalm 51:9-15; Isaiah 60:3-5 PRAYER THOUGHT: Lord, help me remember why I was converted in the first place and help that memory keep me focused on pleasing you. WEDNESDAY - VERSES: Matthew 18:2-6; Acts 3:17-20 PRAYER THOUGHT: Master, help me to encourage others to be converted to your way whenever I can. THURSDAY - VERSES: Luke 22:31-32; James 5:19-20 PRAYER THOUGHT: God, help me to realize that conversion may be needed more than once, and even in a Christian's life. FRIDAY - VERSES: Isaiah 6:8-10; Matthew 13:13-16 PRAYER THOUGHT: Searcher of the Heart, help me see any area where I have not been fully converted. SATURDAY - VERSES: John 12:35-41; Acts 28:24-28 PRAYER THOUGHT: Great King, help me never to revert to the old sinful ways that controlled me before conversion. O L M N O L M N O L M N Leading up to Saul's conversion, he was sincere. He saw a light from Heaven, and heard the voice of the Lord. He received and followed instructions from the Lord. He even believed Jesus is Lord and called on Him as Lord. He was penitent and fasted for 3 days. He prayed. He saw a vision. He was healed of blindness. Finally, he was baptized after being told that doing so would wash away his sins. What is truly significant is that Ananias told Saul that by getting up and being baptized he would have his sins washed away and fulfill the command of calling on the name of the Lord. SPIRITUAL HEALTH REGIMEN - WEEK 104 CONVERSION - 8-10-14 to 8-16-14 SCRIPTURE - Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. COMMENT – We must decide whose side we are on and live accordingly. Too often it seems like there are Christians who are undermining the Lord and his church by supporting the ungodly. SONG - DID YOU REPENT, FULLY REPENT? 1) Christ the dear Lord, glorious Lord, speaks to us gently, By his great word that is our light each day; Tell us the way, glorious way, we may reach heaven, If we believe, if we repent, if we obey. 2) Yes, He has said, truly has said, how we should live now, What to partake, what to avoid while here; Do unto those that are about a kindly service, Tell them of Christ, teach them that He always is near. CHORUS) Did you repent, fully repent of your past sins, friend, When you confessed His name on high? Did you believe, fully believe on His great name then, Or was a doubt, treacherous doubt lingering nigh? Did you obey all of the way what He commanded, Things in His word we're told to do? Did you confess, fully confess Jesus the savior, Did you repent, did you believe all the way through? THOUGHTS Since our conversion to Christ, have you and I really changed that much? Is our conduct really different now from what it was before we were baptized into Christ? In the church at Corinth there were those who lived wickedly before they obeyed the gospel. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). If we committed fornication before our baptism, have we ceased doing that? If we were drunkards before we came to Christ, have we forsaken this sin, or do we still hide a bottle of liquor in our house? If we stole before we entered Christ, have we repented, or do we still take what does not really belong to us? "Let him that stole steal no more . . ." (Ephesians 4:28). Before we became Christians, most of us probably did not willingly forgive others. Do we now? "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ s sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). Again, we ask: has our conduct really changed since our conversion? If not, then what kind of example are you and I showing the world? - from Are You and I Good Examples to Others? By Roger Campbell O L M N O L M N O L M N 7 INGREDIENTS IN A RECIPE FOR SPIRITUAL CHANGE CHARLES BOX There are consequences, negative and positive, to the things we think, do, and say in our life. All behavior has built-in consequences. When you choose the behavior you choose the consequence. Our daily goal should be spiritual growth. - 2 Peter 3:18 Here are some things that will bring about those positive, spiritual changes. 1. I will take a little time every day just to be silent and focus on God. - Psalms 63:6; Psalms 118:24 2. I will learn to give gifts daily. The gifts that I give may be a hug, a smile, a compliment, a prayer, or it could be some physical thing. - Acts 20:35 When I give I increase the joy of others. Remember, what you received is based on what you give. - Galatians 6:7 When you meet people and try to enrich their lives you will notice a great change for the better in your own life. 3. I will be conscious of my choices. I will be sure that my choices honor God and that to the best of my ability those choices produce happiness for me and for others. - Deuteronomy 30:19 If the choices you are making cause your heart to condemn you, stop! - 1 John 3:20-21 4. I will accept people as they are and do my best to help them go to heaven. God's universal law is the law of unconditional love for the people you meet. Our responsibility is to do our best concerning the people we meet by teaching them the gospel and helping them become Christ-like. - Hebrews 2:10 If you will be deeply involved in the spiritual growth of others this will enhance your spiritual growth and development. 5. I will ask for wisdom from God and I will set spiritual goals and physical goals that will make my life worthwhile. - James 1:5 Remember that thoughts are things and thoughts create. Pray often about your goals and keep pressing forward. Remember to leave room for God. He might even have something bigger and better in mind for you. 6. I will learn to be content and I will avoid complaining. When you complain, you add additional problems and issues to those that you complain about while placing a burden on the person that you are complaining to. - Philippians 2:12-16 Stop complaining, and stop accepting problems into your life. 7. I will take time to find and notice the special and unique qualities that God has given me to use to serve others. - Romans 12:6-8 God has given you abilities and gifts that distinguish you from others. When you utilize your unique qualities to assist others, it causes a chain reaction in your life of abundance, joy, peace, love, and serenity. The recipe for spiritual change is very simple. It is also very simple when it comes to the matter of salvation. A person must believe in Christ in order to be saved. (John 8:24) This believer must repent of past sins. (Luke 13:3) This penitent believer must then confess the name of Christ. (Romans 10:9-10) As a believing, penitent, confessing person one must then be baptized into Christ to put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27, 1 Peter 3:21) This is how God says to be saved, and it really is that simple. O L M N O L M N O L M N _______________ ON THE _________ OF THE _________ INTRODUCTION - ROMANS 10:8-18 L. S. - LET'S STUDY . . . I. WHAT _____________ ON THE LORD IS ________. - ROMANS 10:14; MATTHEW 7:21-23; ACTS 9:11 II. WHAT CALLING ON THE _________ INVOLVES . . . - LUKE 6:46-49; ACTS 2:21; 2:37-38; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:2; 2 TIMOTHY 2:21-22; ROMANS 10:16; ACTS 22:16 CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD INTRODUCTION A. ROMANS 10:8-18 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. B. Conversion is a complete surrender to Jesus. It's a willingness to do what he wants you to do. - Billy Sunday C. Conversion is a daily thing. - Jim Caviezel (actor played the role of Jesus in The Passion) L. S. - LET'S STUDY . . . I. WHAT CALLING ON THE LORD IS NOT. A. NOT HEARING THE GOSPEL - ROMANS 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? B. NOT BELIEVING THE GOSPEL - ROMANS 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? C. NOT JUST VERBALLY CALLING JESUS, LORD - MATTHEW 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. D. NOT PRAYING TO THE LORD - ACTS 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, E. NOT "ASKING THE LORD INTO YOUR HEART" - Never mentioned in scripture. F. NOT "ACCEPTING JESUS AS YOUR SAVIOR" - Never mentioned in scripture. II. CALLING ON THE LORD INVOLVES . . . A. DOING THE THINGS THE LORD SAYS - LUKE 6:46-49 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. B. REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM - ACTS 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. ACTS 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. C. BEING A SAINT - 1 CORINTHIANS 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: D. FOLLOWING RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, CHARITY, AND PEACE - 2 TIMOTHY 2:21-22 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. E. IS SYNONYMOUS WITH OBEYING THE GOSPEL - ROMANS 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? F. IS EQUIVALENT TO BEING BAPTIZED - ACTS 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. CONCLUSION A. SUMMARY B. INVITATION Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.