The Steps to Salvation and Becoming a Mature Christian
We are all infected with sin (Romans 3:23). We are born with sin (Psalm 51:5), and we all personally choose to sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8). Sin is what makes us unsaved, separates us from God and is what has us on the path to eternal destruction.
Jesus’ death on the cross was the perfect and complete payment for our sin (1 John 2:2). He took the consequences we deserved. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead demonstrated that His death was indeed the perfectly sufficient sacrifice for sin.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). God has already done all the work. All you must do is receive, in faith, the salvation God offers (Ephesians 2:8-9). Fully trust in Jesus alone as the payment for your sins. Believe in Him, and you will not perish (John 3:16). We are saved by grace, not by a mixture of God’s grace and our meritorious works. According to Scripture, we can do nothing to earn salvation. Even considering our best efforts, we have fallen short of God’s standard of righteousness (Romans 3:23). God is offering you salvation as a gift. All you have to do is accept it. Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6). In John 10:27-29, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” If you hear and obey the voice of Jesus, then you are one of His sheep, and He will never let you go. Once saved, your next step is growing mature as a Christian that is, becoming a “disciple” or Christ (D.O.C.), which is what our four stages of discipleship are designed to help facilitate.
Becoming a Disciple of Christ
A Disciple of Christ (D.O.C.) is a person who, through faith and repentance of sins, has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through devoted prayer and Bible Study, they seek to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) by sharing their faith in Jesus Christ; impacting the world and making disciples one person at a time.
There are Four "Life Phases" as one becomes a disciple:
Come & See
A person is uncertain and hesitant but willing to explore faith.
The church provides a welcoming and attractive experience for that person to understand the gospel message.
Searching / Exploring
Follow Me
A person accepts Jesus Christ, becomes saved, and learns to connect with God and others.
The church provides disciple-making relationships and loving accountability to grow spiritually.
Learning / Transforming
Be With Me
A person begins serving and apprentice training for ministry.
The church provides deeper truths, serving opportunities, and a leadership community.
ADULTHOOD
Remain in Me
A person makes disciples, continually learns, and may coordinate a ministry area.
The church provides mentoring/coaching relationships and releases leaders to lead.
PARENTHOOD
A Disciple for LIFE
A disciple of Christ is a Christian who has made a life time commitment to grow in his/her relationship with Jesus Christ through the disciplines of prayer, the study of God’s Word, fellowship, and sharing our faith with others. We do this by studying and following the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
here at ccc we offer a variety of courses geared toward each phase of the discipleship making process, to help people grow in christ.
Discovery Series
This is a series of 3 combined classes designed to welcome new members, facilitate their transition into CCC, and help them make the next step in their lifetime spiritual journey. This first phase also introduces the purpose, vision and ministries of CCC and helps new members gain a more complete understanding of the ministry they have joined.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts (second phase of the Discovery Series) is designed to assist individuals in a practical down-to-earth approach to understanding their own personal gift(s) and the importance of those gifts to the ministry and the body of Christ.
Spiritual Growth
In the Follow Me phase, a person learns the basic beliefs and habits of Christ, firms up their beliefs, and allows the Holy Spirit to begin transforming their heart. Basic beliefs and Christian disciplines are taught, as well as deeper explanations of biblical truths.
We offer an exciting course utilizing small group dynamics, designed to take a person from exploring Christ to becoming a new convert, then helping them strengthen their walk with God.
Lifetime Spiritual Growth
A.B.F. (Adult Bible Fellowship)
ABF is a creative approach to the traditional Sunday school format. Start your morning off with fellowship over breakfast followed by challenging bible topics, and finish up with opportunities to reach people for Christ.
Y.A.B.F. (Young Adult Bible Fellowship)
This is an interactive class utilizing creative teaching methods. It is designed to address the issues young adults have from a biblical standpoint, while increasing their knowledge of the bible and teaching them how to defend their faith through studying the Word of God. The outcome of this class is spiritual victories over their everyday life issues.
Disciple-Land Sunday School
This program provides bible instruction adapted to various ages for children and youth. Creative and interactive learning methods are utilized. Breakfast is served.
