CONVERSION: Radical Renovation

Disciples of Jesus were admonished to be converted (Matthew 18:1-3). The apostles needed converting. Convert their thoughts, understanding and desires about greatness 1 Peter 5:3

I believe Jesus is Christ the Lord, the Son of God, but unless I am converted… “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him:.” (Hebrews 11:6) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

I believe Jesus is Christ the Lord, the Son of God, but unless I am converted… Believers must make a definite life-altering turn in the right direction. John 12:42-43 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Matthew 7:21, 24; John 14:15 Our understanding of the Lordship and Kingship of Jesus must be converted.

I was baptized for the remission of my sins into Christ, but unless I am converted… “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) “Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” (Acts 2:38) “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you – not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21)

I was baptized for the remission of my sins into Christ, but unless I am converted… Baptism into Christ is a climactic, pivotal moment that calls for a complete overhaul of a disciple. Immersion into Christ involves a death (Romans 6:3-7). Allegiance to Christ demands a conversion of deeds. Consider yourself dead to sin (Romans 6:11). Do not obey sinful lusts (Romans 6:12). Do not use your body unrighteously (Romans 6:13).

I proclaim my Lord’s death in His Supper every Sunday, but unless I am converted… “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” (Luke 22:19-20) “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.” (Acts 20:7)

I proclaim my Lord’s death in His Supper every Sunday, but unless I am converted… Members of the Lord’s church were not upholding the Lord’s Supper when they assembled to partake of the bread and cup (1 Corinthians 11:17-22). Christians in Corinth needed converting so as to discern rightly the body of Christ. Communion with the Lord while communing with idolatry at other times is unacceptable (1 Corinthians 10:14-16, 21-22). God does not want vain sacrifices of worship, but true worshippers who reverently please Him.