TRUE CONVERSION Romans 1:16

Can I know if I have been converted to christ? Confirmed by tests – 2 Corinthians 13:5 Many tests come our way – Romans 5:3-5 We need to be certain where we stand with the Lord! This is a challenge for each generation

What is conversion? Represents complete turning in one’s life – Matthew 18:3 στρ φω - (a) turn something toward someone (MT 5.39); (b) as making a change of substance turn, change something into something (RV 11.6); ... (c) turn or change inwardly, change one's ways, be converted (MT 18.3)

What is conversion? The word can be also translated repentance. It also can represent the entire process of being born again. Acts 3:19 “be converted, that your sins my be blotted out” Root involves turning from Satan to God- 1 Thessalonians 1:9,10 Acts 2:38 “repent…be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ”

Conversion demands our all Many look at the Lord’s church as a social club – compete to gain disciples by appealing to personal desires & tastes Jesus taught that true disciples must first be converted – Luke 9:23,24; Mark 10:29,30 Conversion likened to death, burial & resurrection – Romans 6:3,4 A new life – 2 Corinthians 5:17

God acts in conversion to remove our sins Acts 3:19 “repent and be converted” God removes our sins- Colossians 2:11- 13 Conversion involves a turning to God which involves a complete change of thinking and a change of relationship

Satan teaches various counterfeits he calls conversion Satan has messengers & a message – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 He will proclaim “Jesus” – 2 Corinthians 11:4 Followers popular as long as not put to the test – Acts 19:13-16 Core of Satan’s “conversion” is deep darkness and a loyalty to self

Satan teaches various counterfeits he calls conversion Self-examination becomes mere illusion- Ephesians 4:17-19; 5:8-11 Reversal of definitions & accept reality as long as I can do what I want – Isaiah 5:20,21 Wickedness becomes righteousness- Jude 4 Converts are up & down & often very unstable

Testing our own conversion Need to honestly see our own hearts! Some have worldly reasons to be “converted” What is our day to day decision making & our thoughts? Colossians 3:1-3 People who have been converted to Jesus will show it in their actions, words and way of life – Acts 4:12,13; 2 Timothy 1:12

What do we rejoice in? Joy of the Lord only experienced in converted hearts – John 16:20-22 When God is the center of our lives we can rejoice is spiritual things while losing physical things – Hebrews 10:32-34 When God is in view, our lives will perplex the world & point others to Him

How do we deal with our relationships? Converted people are serving people – Philippians 2:14-18 How do we view the local church? What is most important when one has offended me or sinned against me? Ephesians 4:30-32 One of the greatest marks of spiritual maturity is seen here

Have I ever made faith my own? Worldly motivations from attendance at the assemblies – Galatians 6:12 Danger of hypocrisy real – Jeremiah 3:10; Luke 12:1-3 Hypocrites can change – they must be converted Genuine conversion involves accepting strong rebuke that bring continual change! Luke 22:31,32

Let today be the day of your conversion!