BLESSINGS

RESPONSIBILITIES

CERTAINTIES

I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST

Forrest D. Moyer

How to use this booklet

            I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST is designed to be of help to every Christian. We suggest that every member of the congregation be given a copy. Then when a person is baptized, he should receive a copy. A baptismal certificate is included.

            This booklet should be studied in classes (either home classes or classes at the building) so that every person can be familiar with the basic lessons. Be sure to turn to every passage cited and study it carefully. Work with others on the memory work.

            It should be studied privately. Daily study will help one learn more of the Lord and His will for us.

            In the back of the book is a check-list for the passages to be memorized. Check them off as you learn them, and then review them periodically.

— Forrest D. Moyer

INTRODUCTION

I am now a Christian — a child of God. By the message of the gospel of Christ, I came to realize that I was a sinner needing God and His power more than even life itself. I say that I was a sinner (Romans 3:23). I realized that I was without hope (Ephesians 2:12). I became aware that I was traveling in the broad way that leads to Hell (Matthew 7:13-14). I was miserable and cried out, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). In my desire to be saved, I came to believe with all my heart that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30-31). I learned that He commanded me to repent (Acts 17:30). Therefore, because of the genuine regret in my life for sins, I solemnly resolved that I would turn from them, never again to live in them, and would do whatever my Lord requires of me. I confessed my faith in Jesus (Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37). Then, because of His authority which commanded it, I was buried with Him in baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit for the remission of my sins (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4). I came up out of the water rejoicing because my sins were blotted out — forgiven — I bear them no more. I am now a child of God.

I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST

(Memorize: John 20:30-31)

            (Please turn in your Bible and read every reference mentioned in this booklet as you study it. Keep your open Bible before you at all times.)

            IN CHOOSING JESUS CHRIST AS MY LORD, I HAVE MADE THE GREATEST DECISION OF MY LIFE! (Hebrews 11:24-26)

            I have not chosen a political party or a philosophical theory. I have chosen a way of life that involves me totally — body, mind, and spirit. I have chosen a way of life that affects everything that I do every day that I live (Luke 9:23). I have chosen a life in which it is “not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I have chosen the greatest life that there is. I resolve that I will not let sin remove this wonderful from me.

I HAVE CHOSEN THE ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD who is the Creator of Heaven and Earth (Acts 17:22-31). I have chosen the Father who loves me and wants my salvation so much that He sent His only Son to earth that He might live, suffer, and die so that I could be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16). There is no greater love than this (John 15:13; Romans 5:6-8).

I HAVE CHOSEN JESUS CHRIST as my Master (John 13:13), my example (1 Peter 2:21), my Hight Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and my Friend (John 15:14-15). He will be faithful to me in everyone of these functions (Hebrews 10:23).

I HAVE CHOSEN THE BIBLE as my only rule of life. It will determine my religious faith; it shall be my moral guide (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It will be my light through the world of darkness (Psalm 119:105). I will allow nothing to turn me from this sacred volume!

I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST!

BLESSINGS

            As a result of this choice, I have blessings beyond compare: “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).

1. I HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN. Jesus taught, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:4). He defines this birth in verse 5: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (see figure 1, next page)

            When my faith led me to be baptized, I was then and there born of water and the Spirit. I was “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptable, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Peter 1:23). I have begun again through the spiritual power of a new birth!

(Memorize: John 3:5)

2. I HAVE ENTERED THE KINGDOM OF GOD. As we noticed above, when we are baptized, or born again, we enter the kingdom of God. We are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13). This is the grandest kingdom ever to exist. It was foretold by the prophets (Daniel 2:44), and established by the Lord. It has the greatest King — Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 1:32-33). It will never be destroyed (Hebrews 12:28). The kingdom of God is God’s people. Being in God’s kingdom is one of the most distinguished blessings I could ever enjoy. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift! (see figure 2, next page)

(Memorize: Colossians 1:13)

3. I HAVE BEEN ADDED TO HIS CHURCH. Our Lord established His church upon the solid rock of His divinity (Matthew 16:18). This church is His people, His body (Ephesians 1:22-23). When I was baptized, God added me to His church (see Acts 2:38, 41, 47). I am a member of the church of Christ; it is not a denomination built by men. What a remarkable privilege to be in His church and have Jesus Christ as my spiritual Head.

(Memorize: Matthew 16:18)

4. MY PAST SINS ARE ALL FORGIVEN. Jesus died and shed His blood that we might be forgiven (Revelation 1:5; Matthew 26:28). When I was baptized, God kept His promise and gave me remission of sins (Acts 2:38). This means that my sins were sent away as if they had never been committed. They were “blotted out” (Acts 3:19). My sins were washed away by the blood of Jesus when I was baptized (Acts 22:16). They were all forgiven! I can never begin to praise God adequately for this wonderful blessing.

My sin — O the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin — not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul!

— P.P. Bliss

(Memorize: Acts 2:38)

5. I CAN BE FORGIVEN IF I STUMBLE AND FALL. The Lord does not want me to sin (1 John 2:1). Yet He knows that it is possible for me to sin and, thus, makes provision for me if I should fail. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” His blood will cleanse me if I walk in the light — i.e., will keep on following His word (1 John 1:7). If I sin, I must repent and confess that sin to Him and He will forgive (1 John 1:9). He is my High Priest and cares for me (Hebrews 4:14-16). How wonderful indeed is the love of my Lord!

(Memorize: 1 John 1:7)

6. I CAN HAVE THE PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING. Since I am forgiven and am now a child of the King, there is peace like a river that floods my soul. It is beyond my understanding. Paul teaches that if I will not be worried about the cares of this life, but by prayer and thanksgiving come before God, putting all my trust in Him, then “the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:9). Nowhere in all the world can such peace be found!

(Memorize: Philippians 4:7)

7. I CAN HAVE THE JOY OF THE LORD. When Philip baptized the man of Ethiopia, the new convert went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). When the jailer of Philippi was baptized, he rejoiced (Acts 16:34). I, too, rejoiced with great happiness when I was baptized. I knew that I was forgiven. I knew that I had nothing to fear (Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7). This joy is a constant joy. Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). The Christian can “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). Even in the midst of trials, I can have this joy (1 Peter 1:6). It is certainly a triumphant feeling to know that since I am His, I can always have the joy of the Lord in my heart. I praise God for this wonderful gift!

(Memorize: Philippians 4:4)

8. I CAN HAVE CONTENTMENT. With this peace and joy there comes contentment to my life. Paul is my great example in this contentment. He expressed it: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). I do not have to be overly anxious about anything. “Be anxious for nothing,” he says (Philippians 4:6). How can I learn this contentment in a world of turmoil and temptations? “I can do all things through Christ.” I do not have to fear because “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). I have chosen Christ; therefore, I am content in His love and care.

(Memorize: Philippians 4:13)

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a result of this choice, I have some responsibilities:

1. I MUST LOVE THE LORD SUPREMELY. When Jesus set forth the first and great commandment, He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). My love for God must be greater even than the love for my family — father or mother, son or daughter, husband or wife, brother or sister (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26). It is easy to serve God if I love Him (1 John 5:3). It is easy to love Him because of His love for me (1 John 4:19). I express my love to God by keeping His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2:4). It is a most pleasant responsibility, yea, a glorious privilege to love my Father and my Lord Jesus Christ!

(Memorize: Matthew 22:37)

2. I MUST LOVE MY FELLOW MAN. Jesus tells me that the second command is, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). This includes love for my fellow-Christians. If I do not love my brethren: I do not love God (1 John 4:20-21), I am not like God (4:11), and God does not dwell in me (4:12). My love for my brethren must be sincere (1 Peter 1:22). It must be sacrificial (1 John 3:16).

            In living with Jesus, I not only love my brethren, I also love those who are my enemies. Jesus teaches this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:43-47). I can express my love to my enemies by doing good unto them (Romans 12:19-21), praying for them and seeking to save them. I will mold my life to be like Jesus in loving all mankind.

(Memorize: Matthew 22:39)

3. I MUST LIVE FOR JESUS. When I was baptized, I was bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I do not belong to myself — I am His! I must glorify God in my body every day that I live. My body is to be dedicated to the Lord as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). The world and its sinful pleasures I leave behind. I will walk as He walked (1 John 2:6). I will let Jesus live in me and seek to magnify Him in my body (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:20). The works of the flesh will destroy me; therefore, I will not walk after the flesh but after the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). I will allow the fruit of the Spirit to have full sway in my life (verses 22-23). Each day I shall do my very best to walk in the glorious light of His word. With His help I shall not fail!

(Memorize: Romans 12:1)

4. I MUST STUDY THE BIBLE DAILY. God speaks to me only through the Bible (2 Peter 1:3). I love God and I want to hear His voice and do His will. Therefore, I must study the Bible every day. We are commanded to give diligence to know His will (2 Timothy 2:15). The people of Berea were classified as “noble” because they searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). I can never learn as much about God as I want to, but by daily Bible study, I can “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord” (2 Peter 3:18). Therefore, I will take the time to listen to my Father every day through His holy word.

(Memorize: 2 Timothy 2:15)

5. I MUST PRAY EVERY DAY. Prayer is the way by which I talk to my Heavenly Father. In prayer I can thank Him and praise Him for His marvelous blessings (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1). Since His blessings come to me daily, I want to thank Him daily. In prayer I can confess my sins and shortcomings to Him (1 John 1:9; read Psalm 51). Since I find myself falling of His glory every day, I must daily go to Him in prayer. In prayer, I can ask Him for my need (Philippians 4:6). Jesus is a sympathetic High Priest and I can go before His throne of mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). I will pray each day to my Lord!

(Memorize: 1 John 1:9)

__________

SOME THOUGHTS ON PRAYER

I. Exhortations to Pray

            1. Jesus teaches us to pray. Luke 18:1; 11:1-4

            2. He set the example. Luke 6:12

            3. The early Christians were faithful in prayer. Acts 2:42; 4:24

            4. The epistles exhort us to prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2;   Romans 12:12

            5. Examples of the past. James 5:16-17

II. How We Should Pray

            1. In the name of Jesus. John 16:13; Colossians 3:17

            2. Striving to do God’s will. 1 John 3:22; 1 Peter 3:12

            3. According to His will. 1 John 5:14; James 4:3

            4. In faith. James 1:6-7

            5. In the spirit of forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15

6. I MUST HAVE THE FELLOWSHIP OF FAITHFUL BRETHREN IN A LOCAL CHURCH. God knows that I cannot make it alone. I must have the fellowship of those who love the Lord and want to go to Heaven. I cannot walk alone in this world where the devil constantly seeks to destroy me.

            The early church was noted for the close fellowship of the saints (Acts 2:42). The Lord ordained the local congregation as the means of fellowship (Philippians 1:1). The early disciples were in local churches. I, too, must associate myself with a local group of people who faithfully follow the Bible. With them I can worship in the assembly (1 Corinthians 11:20-30). I can have a share in the work of the local church (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:14ff). I learn that the work of the congregation is a great spiritual work. It is not to provide recreation, secular education, or penal rehabilitation. The church is to preach the gospel (1 Timothy 3:14-15), edify the members (Ephesians 4:15-16), and relieve the fellow disciples in distress (1 Timothy 5:16). I must have my share in this work as well as doing my own personal work in teaching and helping all mankind as opportunity affords (Galatians 6:10). I need no other organization than the local church in which to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21). I shall do my very best in rendering service to God in the local congregation.

(Memorize: Ephesians 3:21)

7. I MUST SUBMIT TO THE LEADERSHIP OF ELDERS. God ordered that qualified men be appointed to serve as elders in the local churches (1 Timothy 3:1-7). They are given the solemn responsibility of overseeing the local church and tending it (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-2). They “watch for our souls” and will give account to God for the way that they do so (Hebrews 13:17). I must, therefore, submit to their direction and leadership (Hebrews 13:17). Because of the work they do, I esteem elders very highly in love (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). It is a wonderful privilege to work under the direction of qualified elders. 

(Memorize: Hebrews 13:17)

8. I MUST WORSHIP GOD PUBLICLY. Because of who God is and what He has done for me, I want to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). In this worship, I will come together with the congregation each Sunday to observe the Lord’s supper in remembrance of Jesus and His great sacrifice (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23ff). I will praise God in song and prayer (Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17). Also, I count it an honor to give to God and His church as He has prospered me (1 Corinthians 16:2). The scriptures require that each of us is to give to Him according to how He has permitted us to earn. This is not to be done grudgingly, but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). This brings a greater blessing to my life (Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35). I also want to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow; therefore, I will attend classes and listen to preaching. The assembling is so important that the Lord commands me never to forsake it (Hebrews 10:23-25).

(Memorize: Hebrews 10:25)

9. I MUST TELL OTHERS OF JESUS. Someone told me about the Savior. I learned in the gospel that was presented to me about my sin, my Savior, and the way of salvation. Thanks be to God that someone cared enough to tell me the truth! I, in turn, must tell others (2 Timothy 2:2). Souls are dying without Christ and without hope. I have the obligation and privilege of leading them to Jesus that they, too, may come to know the joy of the Lord and His saving power. I must hold forth the word of life (Philippians 2:16). “I am debtor” to teach the gospel to all who will hear (Romans 1:14-16). May I never let my light burn low, but constantly hold it forth that others may see (Matthew 5:16).

I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST! May He help me to fulfill every responsibility.

(Memorize: Romans 1:16)

THERE ARE SOME CERTAINTIES IN MY LIFE

1. I KNOW THAT JESUS WILL COME AGAIN. He promised that He would return (John 14:1-3). The angels who were present at His ascension promised that He would come again (Acts 1:9-11). The apostles preached His second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Peter 3:10; 1 John 3:2; James 5:7; Revelation 1:7). Since I believe the promise of His return, I have a greater determination to live in faithful anticipation of His coming (Hebrews 9:28; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Titus 2:11-14). I intend to be ready for His return so that I may meet Him in the air and ever be with the Lord (2 Thessalonians 4:17).

(Memorize: Romans 1:16)

2. I KNOW THAT I WILL STAND BEFORE HIM IN JUDGMENT. “… it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). When the Lord comes again, all the dead who have ever lived will be raised (John 5:28-29). The multitudes of mankind shall all assemble before His great throne of judgment (Matthew 25:31-32; Revelation 20:11-12). We shall be judged by the things written in the books according to our works. I will be judged by the things that I have done in my body (2 Corinthians 5:10). I know that I will be judged. What a tremendous incentive to live for the Lord! The ungodly will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15; 21:8). I do not want to be in that number. I will live for Jesus so that I will be ready for the great and terribly day of judgment.

(Memorize: Hebrews 9:27)

3. I KNOW THAT I CAN GO TO HEAVEN. All of the work that God has done; all of the sufferings that Jesus endured; all of the work of the Holy Spirit and the apostles was to accomplish the grand purpose of the salvation of our souls in Heaven (1 Peter 1:5, 9). God has made it possible (John 3:16). Jesus invites me to come (Matthew 11:28-30). Heaven is the dwelling place of perfect joy. It is “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (2 Peter 1:4). There “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain”

(Revelation 21:4).  Every possible form of eternal delight is there. I shall always be happy in Heaven. I shall not be faced with death in Heaven. Nor is there any sin to mar the joy of Heaven. With the help of my Lord, I can go to Heaven. This I intend to do, so help me, Lord!

(Memorize: Revelation 21:4)

MY PRAYER

            O Lord, my Heavenly Father! Through the blessed name of Thy Son Jesus, I pray for the help and the strength to live daily for Thee in Thy will. May I shun temptation. May I always walk in the light of Thy word, I humbly pray. Amen!