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Life with a Non-Christian / How Are We Saved? / 13 Reasons for Being Baptized
Life with a Non-Christian
(by Anonymous)
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have a mate that is not a Christian? This article is written in love and in hopes that it will give some insight into this type of marriage. Several aspects of life will be discussed.
One of the first things that comes to mind is worship services. Will your mate see the “need” for you to be in worship service three times a week? Will he/she say that “once a week” is enough? Various reasons for not attending could be given: you need “family time” together; there is a company event you should attend; errands must be run; company is coming over; and the list could go on and on. You, on the other hand, should realize that your place is in the worship service, and you should look forward to being with your brethren. How will you react to these “reasons” for not attending? Will he/she want you to contribute, as you should?
When you are planning a move, will your spouse transfer to a city where there is no congregation, or to a city where the nearest congregation is far away? Will he/she try to get you away from your brethren during this job transfer period? Certainly, the believing spouse must let their husband/wife know that worship services are important – whether in town or on vacation. You must let it be known that you intend to live in a city where there is a group of Christians to meet with.
What about your home life? What type of recreation will your spouse want you to participate in? What about the types of music that he/she will want to listen to? What about the types of beverages that may be in your home? What about prayer and Bible study? Will you be able to discuss spiritual things?
Will your spouse encourage you to visit or communicate with those who are sick or weak? Will you be able to provide written encouragement to your brethren? What about having Christians in your home or being able to visit other Christians socially? Will you call other Christians during the week?
What about children? If your spouse makes it difficult for you to attend worship services without children, let me guarantee it will be much worse with children! If it is hard to get one person ready for worship, it will be harder with children – especially when they are younger. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the souls of your children. Will your spouse want the children to go to his/her church? If you are lucky enough to take them to church services, will he/she “tear down” everything that you are trying to teach them?
What about this division in the home? Won’t the children be confused? How would you feel if your children were not faithful Christians? Personally, I could not live with myself if I knew that I did not bring my children up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Probably the biggest overall difference in your marriage is that you and your spouse will “think differently.” You will have different goals. The Christian will have God in his/her mind, along with helping the brethren and teaching those who are lost. The non-Christian will be concerned about “worldly” things – money, recreation, and the like. The Christian must consider God in decision-making. You will think differently! And this is a major consideration in causing problems in your marriage. Think about it.
How Are We Saved?
(Selected)
The Bible says we are saved by God (2 Timothy 1:9). His mercy (Titus 3:5); His grace (Ephesians 2:5); His love (John 3:16).
The Bible says we are saved by Christ (Matthew 1:21). His life (Romans 5:10); His death (Romans 5:10); His blood (Romans 5:9); His resurrection (1 Peter 3:21).
The Bible says we are saved by the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:2; Romans 1:16). The word (James 1:21; Acts 11:14); The preaching (1 Corinthians 1:21).
The Bible says we are saved by our obedience (Acts 2:40). By hearing (John 6:45); In faith (Romans 5:1); Through repentance (Luke 13:3); With confession (Romans 10:9); By obedience (Hebrews 5:9); In water (1 Peter 3:21; John 3:5); Through baptism (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:27); By works (James 2:24); In hope (Romans 8:24).
13 reasons for being baptized:
1. To flee the wrath of God (Matthew 3:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:8)
2. To become a child of God (John 3:5)
3. To enter into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27)
4. To have your sins forgiven (Acts 2:38)
5. To receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
6. To wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)
7. To acknowledge God as just (Luke 7:29)
8. To accept the counsel of God (Luke 7:30)
9. To receive the benefits of Christ’s death (Romans 6:3-11)
10. To be resurrected to a new life (Romans 6:4)
11. To be saved (1 Peter 3:20-21)
12. To be added to Christ’s church (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Corin. 12:13)
13. To obey His commands (Acts 10:48)
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