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From the Desk of the
Pastor...
12/6/2009 A Three-Step
Conversion
Acts Chapter 2 Someone has said
that a committed Christian undergoes three conversions: "First to Christ, then
to the church, and then back to the world." We see an example
in Acts 2 and 8. With their baptism, 3,000 people declared their conversion to
Christ (2:41). Then they demonstrated their conversion to the church by devoting
themselves to the teaching of the apostles and fellowshipping with other
believers. "Having favor with all the people" (2:47) suggests they were also
helping others. Later, when persecution scattered them, they "went everywhere
preaching the word" (8:4). This was their conversion back to the world.
Conversion is first of all a commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
This brings salvation. But once we know Jesus as our Savior, it is only natural
to want to join a fellowship of others who share the same faith. "Lone-ranger"
Christians - people who don't want to get involved, tend either to slip back
into their old ways, or become smug and self-righteous.
Although fellowshipping with other believers is vital, there is more to our
responsibility. We need to return to the world with compassion, loving deeds,
kind words, and warm smiles. It takes only one conversion to be saved, but all
three to be what God wants us to be.
(Pastors
Desk Archives) |
