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How to become a Christian
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How to become a Christian

Salvation
Have you come to a place in your life that you know for certain you have eternal life and will go to heaven when you die? Suppose you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would you say?

God’s Purpose
God loves us and has a purpose for our lives. The Bible states it this way: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God’s purpose is that we have eternal life. God gives eternal life as a gift (Romans 6:23). We can live a full and meaningful life right now (John 10:10). We will spend eternity with Jesus in heaven (John 14:3).

Our Need
As we search for meaning in life, we discover that our sinful nature keeps us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. We are all sinners by nature and by choice. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We cannot save ourselves. “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”(Ephesians 2:8-9). We deserve death and hell. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

God’s Provision
God is holy and just and must punish sin. Yet He loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said, “ ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ ” (John 14:6). Jesus is God and became man (John 1:1,14). Jesus died for us on the cross (1 Pet. 3:18). Jesus was resurrected (arose) from the dead and is alive today (Romans 4:25; 6:9-10). God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to Himself (John 6:44).

Our Response
The only way Jesus can affect our lives is for us to receive Him. The Bible says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). We must repent of our sin. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19). Repentance is not just feeling sorry for our sin (Acts 26:20). Repentance is turning away from our sin and turning to God through Jesus. We must place our faith in Jesus. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Faith is not just believing facts about Jesus (James 2:19). Faith is trusting in Jesus (Romans 10:11). We must surrender to Jesus as Lord. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10). Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is not just saying we give our lives to Jesus (Matthew 7:21). Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is giving Jesus control of our lives.

My Commitment
Giving Jesus control is something each person must do for himself or herself. No one else can make this decision for you. Jesus says, “ ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me’ ” (Revelation 3:20).

Does this make sense to you? Is there any reason you would not be willing to receive God’s gift of eternal life? Are you willing to turn from your sin, place your faith in Jesus, and give Him control of your life right now? If you are willing to receive Jesus into your life now, you can invite Him in by prayer. You may use the following prayer or a similar one using your own words:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God and died to forgive me of my sins. I know I have sinned. I ask You to forgive me. I turn from my sins, and I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. I want to live for You the rest of my life. Amen.”

Need to talk to someone?
If you have questions or need to talk to someone, please call 1-888-Jesus-2000. (1-888-537-8720).

MINISTRIES
MINISTRIES OF CENTRAL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

Associational Camps - We have two camps each summer at Spring Lake.
One week is for youth and the following week is for pre-teen's. Each year we see hundreds of youth and children come to a Christian environment where they are challenged to increase their faith in Christ and enjoy fellowship with other campers. One of the greatest joys is to see campers come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Baptist Colligate Ministry - We support three BCM's on college campuses; National Park Community College; Henderson State ; and Ouachita Tech. These BCM's actively minister to students on campus through weekday Bible studies, noon meals, and just being available to listen to them and meet needs. They are also involved in mission trips in the summer and on spring breaks. The BCM's give us an excellent opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ across our college campuses.

Cowboy Church - Cross Bar C Cowboy Church is a newly organized Western Heritage Church located in Benton Arkansas. They currently meet at the Saline County Fairgrounds each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Worship services reflect the Western Heritage Culture while at the same time exalting our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The worship atmosphere is relaxed, yet reverent. Dress is casual with boots, hats, and jeans, the norm. Cross Bar C Cowboy Church is affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and Central Baptist Association.

Christian Social Ministries - Is a ministry that takes place in the communities of Dixsonville and Jones Mill. A church has been built in Dixsonville. Worship services are conducted on Sundays and Wednesday nights. We provide weekday ministries to the women and tutoring for the children. In the summer we conduct VBS. A feeding program is conducted two separate weeks at Dixsonville and Jones Mill. The association is also involved in the Mississippi River Ministry.

Continuing Education -We offer Seminary Extension classes for our pastors and laypeople in our churches. Currently we have classes being held in Benton and Hot Springs. The association covers a portion of the cost of each course.

Disaster Relief Unit - We are a Recovery Unit for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Our unit stands ready to assist in areas where a disaster has hit. This ministry is organized through our associational Men's Ministry.

Family and Senior Adult - We have two Senior Adult rallies each year. We also have at times, special workshops dealing with the family.

Hispanic Ministries - We have three Hispanic congregations in our association. One group meets in Hot Springs, one in Malvern, and one in Benton. Every week brings new opportunities to meet new people who have arrived from other countries. There is always the challenge to minister to these people with the gospel and help them find jobs.

Jail Ministries - We help support chaplains in Benton, Malvern, and Hot Springs. The chaplains mainly minister to law enforcement officers and their families, but they also minister to prison inmates and their families. They are subject to be called upon at any hour to help in a variety of circumstances.

Mission Development - In this ministry, we put together mission trips, look at new Church starts and any other mission endeavors which God may lead us to do. We currently take two trips a Year to Mexico, doing construction work, Medical clinics, VBS and door-to-door evangelism. Also we are involved in partnership missions to the Dakotas and Kansas/Nebraska where we help with children's camp, VBS, surveying, sports clinics and some construction.

New Beginning's Pregnancy Resource Center in Benton AR Breath Of Life Pregnancy Resource Center in Malvern AR - This ministry helps women who are in a crisis pregnancy. The volunteers provide encouragement and help restore dignity, self-worth and purpose to each woman's life as they assist her throughout her pregnancy. It is a place where, because of Christ's love, there is concern for the mother as well as the unborn child.

Traveler's Chapel - This ministry takes place at JJ's Truck Stop on I-30 between Benton and Malvern. A Chapel has been built at the Truck Stop and services are conducted there every Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. and every Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m.. Volunteers walk the parking lot every Sunday inviting truckers and other travelers to attend the worship service. We continue to see truckers come to know Christ and others who have recommitted their lives to the Lord.