Chosen Christ

8/3/2019 Chosen Christ

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IHaveChosenChrist

byForrestD.Moyer


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I Have Chosen ChristHow to use this booklet

I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST is designed to be of help to every Christian.We suggest that every member of the congregation be given a copy. Then when aperson is baptized, he should receive a copy. A baptismal certificate is included.

This booklet should be studied in classes (either home classes or classes atthe building) so that every person can be familiar with the basic lessons. Be sureto turn to every passage cited and study it carefully. Work with others on thememory work.

It should be studied privately. Daily study will help one learn more of theLord and His will for us.

In the back of the book is a check-list for the passages to be memorized.Check them off as you learn them, and then review them periodically.

Forrest D. Moyer

Note: this material is free for your use and distribution. However, it may not be sold. Formany years this booklet has been used by churches and individuals. We hope that it will con-tinue to be used in a profitable way. Any questions may be directed to Doy Moyer.


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I Have Chosen ChristI am now a Christian a child of God. By the message of the gospel of

Christ, I came to realize that I was a sinner needing God and His power more thaneven life itself. I say that I was a sinner (Romans 3:23). I realized that I was with-out hope (Ephesians 2:12). I became aware that I was traveling in the broad waythat leads to Hell (Matthew 7:13-14). I was miserable and cried out, O wretchedman that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans7:24). In my desire to be saved, I came to believe with all my heart that Jesus isthe Son of God (John 20:30-31). I learned that He commanded me to repent (Acts17:30). Therefore, because of the genuine regret in my life for sins, I solemnly re-solved that I would turn from them, never again to live in them, and would dowhatever my Lord requires of me. I confessed my faith in Jesus (Matthew 10:32;Acts 8:37). Then, because of His authority which commanded it, I was buriedwith Him in baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit for the remission of my sins (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4). Icame up out of the water rejoicing because my sins were blotted out for-given I bear them no more. I am now a child of God.

I Have Chosen Christ!

(Memorize: John 20:30-31)

(Please turn in your Bible and read every reference mentioned in this book-let as you study it. Keep your open Bible before you at all times.)


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I Have Chosen Christ

IN CHOOSING JESUS CHRIST AS MY LORD, I HAVE MADE THEGREATEST DECISION OF MY LIFE! (Hebrews 11:24-26)

I have not chosen a political party or a philosophical theory. I have chosen away of life that involves me totally body, mind, and spirit. I have chosen a wayof life that affects everything that I do every day that I live (Luke 9:23). I havechosen a life in which it is not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I nowlive in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gavehimself for me (Galatians 2:20). I have chosen the greatest life that there is. I re-solve that I will not let sin remove this wonderful from me.

I HAVE CHOSEN THE ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD who is the Creatorof Heaven and Earth (Acts 17:22-31). I have chosen the Father who loves me andwants my salvation so much that He sent His only Son to earth that He might live,suffer, and die so that I could be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16).There is no greater love than this (John 15:13; Romans 5:6-8).

I HAVE CHOSEN JESUS CHRIST as my Master (John 13:13), my example (1Peter 2:21), my Hight Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and my Friend (John 15:14-15). He

will be faithful to me in everyone of these functions (Hebrews 10:23).

I HAVE CHOSEN THE BIBLE as my only rule of life. It will determine my re-ligious faith; it shall be my moral guide (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It will be my lightthrough the world of darkness (Psalm 119:105). I will allow nothing to turn mefrom this sacred volume!

I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST!


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I Have Chosen ChristBLESSINGS

As a result of this choice, I have blessings beyond compare: the unsearch-able riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).

1. I HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN. Jesus taught, Except a man be born again, hecannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:4). He defines this birth in verse 5:Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the king-dom of God. (see figure 1, next page)

When my faith led me to be baptized, I was then and there born of waterand the Spirit. I was born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptable, bythe word of God, which liveth and abideth forever (1 Peter 1:23). I have begunagain through the spiritual power of a new birth!

(Memorize: John 3:5)

2. I HAVE ENTERED THE KINGDOM OF GOD. As we noticed above, whenwe are baptized, or born again, we enter the kingdom of God. We are deliveredfrom the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son

(Colossians 1:13). This is the grandest kingdom ever to exist. It was foretold bythe prophets (Daniel 2:44), and established by the Lord. It has the greatestKing Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 1:32-33). It will never be destroyed (Hebrews12:28). The kingdom of God is Gods people. Being in Gods kingdom is one ofthe most distinguished blessings I could ever enjoy. Thanks be to God for this un-speakable gift! (see figure 2, next page)

(Memorize: Colossians 1:13)


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I Have Chosen Christ3. I HAVE BEEN ADDED TO HIS CHURCH. Our Lord established His church

upon the solid rock of His divinity (Matthew 16:18). This church is His people,His body (Ephesians 1:22-23). When I was baptized, God added me to His church(see Acts 2:38, 41, 47). I am a member of the church of Christ; it is not a denomi-nation built by men. What a remarkable privilege to be in His church and have Je-sus Christ as my spiritual Head.

(Memorize: Matthew 16:18)

4. MY PAST SINS ARE ALL FORGIVEN. Jesus died and shed His blood thatwe might be forgiven (Revelation 1:5; Matthew 26:28). When I was baptized,God kept His promise and gave me remission of sins (Acts 2:38). This means that

my sins were sent away as if they hadnever been committed. They wereblotted out (Acts 3:19). My sins werewashed away by the blood of Jesus whenI was baptized (Acts 22:16). They wereall forgiven! I can never begin to praiseGod adequately for this wonderful bless-ing.

My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought!My sin not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul!

P.P. Bliss

(Memorize: Acts 2:38)

My sins are blotted out by the blood of theLamb (1 Peter 1:18-19)


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I Have Chosen Christ5. I CAN BE FORGIVEN IF I STUMBLE AND FALL. The Lord does not

want me to sin (1 John 2:1). Yet He knows that it is possible for me to sin and,thus, makes provision for me if I should fail. If any man sin, we have an advo-cate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. His blood will cleanse me if I

walk in the light i.e., will keepon following His word (1 John1:7). If I sin, I must repent andconfess that sin to Him and He willforgive (1 John 1:9). He is myHigh Priest and cares for me(Hebrews 4:14-16). How wonder-ful indeed is the love of my Lord!

(Memorize: 1 John 1:7)

6. I CAN HAVE THE PEACETHAT PASSES UNDERSTAND-ING. Since I am forgiven and amnow a child of the King, there ispeace like a river that floods my

soul. It is beyond my understand-ing. Paul teaches that if I will notbe worried about the cares of thislife, but by prayer and thanksgiv-ing come before God, putting allmy trust in Him, then the peace ofGod which passeth all understand-ing, shall keep your hearts andminds through Christ Je-sus (Philippians 4:9). Nowhere in

all the world can such peace befound!

(Memorize: Philippians 4:7)


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I Have Chosen Christ7. I CAN HAVE THE JOY OF THE LORD. When Philip baptized the man of

Ethiopia, the new convert went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). When the jailerof Philippi was baptized, he rejoiced (Acts 16:34). I, too, rejoiced with great hap-piness when I was baptized. I knew that I was forgiven. I knew that I had nothingto fear (Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7). This joy is a constant joy. Paul said,Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4). TheChristian can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8). Evenin the midst of trials, I can have this joy (1 Peter 1:6). It is certainly a triumphantfeeling to know that since I am His, I can always have the joy of the Lord in myheart. I praise God for this wonderful gift!


8. I CAN HAVE CONTENTMENT. With this peace and joy there comes con-tentment to my life. Paul is my great example in this contentment. He expressedit: I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians4:11). I do not have to be overly anxious about anything. Be anxious for noth-ing, he says (Philippians 4:6). How can I learn this contentment in a world of tur-moil and temptations? I can do all things through Christ. I do not have to fearbecause if God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). I have chosen

Christ; therefore, I am content in His love and care.


Joy

&

Contentment

through

Christ


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I Have Chosen ChristRESPONSIBILITIES

As a result of this choice, I have some responsibilities:

1. I MUST LOVE THE LORD SUPREMELY. When Jesus set forth the firstand great commandment, He said, You shall love the Lord your God with allyour heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). My lovefor God must be greater even than the love for my family father or mother, sonor daughter, husband or wife, brother or sister (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26). It iseasy to serve God if I love Him (1 John 5:3). It is easy to love Him because of Hislove for me (1 John 4:19). I express my love to God by keeping His command-ments (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2:4). It is a most pleasant responsibility, yea, a glo-rious privilege to love my Father and my Lord Jesus Christ!


2. I MUST LOVE MY FELLOW MAN. Jesus tells me that the second com-mand is, You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). This in-cludes love for my fellow-Christians. If I do not love my brethren: I do not loveGod (1 John 4:20-21), I am not like God (4:11), and God does not dwell in me

(4:12). My love for my brethren must be sincere (1 Peter 1:22). It must be sacrifi-cial (1 John 3:16).In living with Jesus, I not only love my brethren, I also love those who are

my enemies. Jesus teaches this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:43-47). Ican express my love to my enemies by doing good unto them (Romans 12:19-21),praying for them and seeking to save them. I will mold my life to be like Jesus inloving all mankind.


Love the Lord more than:

Family Friends

Life itself

Love thy Neighbor:

Brethren in Christ Those about us

Even our enemies


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I Have Chosen Christ3. I MUST LIVE FOR JESUS. When I was baptized, I was bought with a price

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I do not belong to myself I am His! I must glorifyGod in my body every day that I live. My body is to be dedicated to the Lord as aliving sacrifice (Romans 12:1). The world and its sinful pleasures I leave behind. Iwill walk as He walked (1 John 2:6). I will let Jesus live in me and seek to mag-nify Him in my body (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:20). The works of the fleshwill destroy me; therefore, I will not walk after the flesh but after the Spirit(Galatians 5:16). I will allow the fruit of the Spirit to have full sway in my life(verses 22-23). Each day I shall do my very best to walk in the glorious light ofHis word. With His help I shall not fail!

(Memorize: Romans 12:1)

4. I MUST STUDY THE BIBLE DAILY . God speaks to me only through theBible (2 Peter 1:3). I love God and I want to hear His voice and do His will.Therefore, I must study the Bible every day. We are commanded to give diligenceto know His will (2 Timothy 2:15). The people of Berea were classified asnoble because they searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). I can never learnas much about God as I want to, but by daily Bible study, I can grow in the graceand knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18). Therefore, I will take the time to listen

to my Father every day through His holy word.

(Memorize: 2 Timothy 2:15)


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I Have Chosen Christ5. I MUST PRAY EVERY DAY. Prayer is the way by which I talk to my Heav-

enly Father. In prayer I can thank Him and praise Him for His marvelous bless-ings (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1). Since His blessings come to me daily, Iwant to thank Him daily. In prayer I can confess my sins and shortcomings to Him(1 John 1:9; read Psalm 51). Since I find myself falling of His glory every day, Imust daily go to Him in prayer. In prayer, I can ask Him for my need (Philippians4:6). Jesus is a sympathetic High Priest and I can go before His throne of mercyand find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).

I will pray each day to my Lord!

(Memorize: 1 John 1:9)__________

SOME THOUGHTS ON PRAYER

I. Exhortations to Pray1. Jesus teaches us to pray. Luke 18:1; 11:1-42. He set the example. Luke 6:123. The early Christians were faithful in prayer. Acts 2:42; 4:24

4. The epistles exhort us to prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2;Romans 12:125. Examples of the past. James 5:16-17

II. How We Should Pray1. In the name of Jesus. John 16:13; Colossians 3:172. Striving to do Gods will. 1 John 3:22; 1 Peter 3:123. According to His will. 1 John 5:14; James 4:34. In faith. James 1:6-75. In the spirit of forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15


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I Have Chosen Christ6. I MUST HAVE THE FELLOWSHIP OF FAITHFUL BRETHREN IN A

LOCAL CHURCH. God knows that I cannot make it alone. I must have the fel-lowship of those who love the Lord and want to go to Heaven. I cannot walkalone in this world where the devil constantly seeks to destroy me.

The early church was noted for the close fellowship of the saints (Acts2:42). The Lord ordained the local congregation as the means of fellowship(Philippians 1:1). The early disciples were in local churches. I, too, must associatemyself with a local group of people who faithfully follow the Bible. With them Ican worship in the assembly (1 Corinthians 11:20-30). I can have a share in thework of the local church (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:14ff). I learn that thework of the congregation is a great spiritual work. It is not to provide recreation,secular education, or penal rehabilitation. The church is to preach the gospel (1Timothy 3:14-15), edify the members (Ephesians 4:15-16), and relieve the fellowdisciples in distress (1 Timothy 5:16). I must have my share in this work as wellas doing my own personal work in teaching and helping all mankind as opportu-nity affords (Galatians 6:10). I need no other organization than the local church inwhich to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21). I shall do my very best in rendering ser-vice to God in the local congregation.

(Memorize: Ephesians 3:21)


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I Have Chosen Christ7. I MUST SUBMIT TO THE LEADERSHIP OF ELDERS. God ordered that

qualified men be appointed to serve as elders in the local churches (1 Timothy3:1-7). They are given the solemn responsibility of overseeing the local churchand tending it (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-2). They watch for our souls and willgive account to God for the way that they do so (Hebrews 13:17). I must, there-fore, submit to their direction and leadership (Hebrews 13:17). Because of thework they do, I esteem elders very highly in love (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). It is awonderful privilege to work under the direction of qualified elders.

(Memorize: Hebrews 13:17)

8. I MUST WORSHIP GOD PUBLICLY. Because of who God is and what Hehas done for me, I want to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). In thisworship, I will come together with the congregation each Sunday to observe theLords supper in remembrance of Jesus and His great sacrifice (Acts 20:7; 1 Co-rinthians 11:23ff). I will praise God in song and prayer (Hebrews 13:15; Ephe-sians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17). Also, I count it an honor to give to God and Hischurch as He has prospered me (1 Corinthians 16:2). The scriptures require thateach of us is to give to Him according to how He has permitted us to earn. This isnot to be done grudgingly, but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). This brings a

greater blessing to my life (Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35). I also want totake advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow; therefore, I will attendclasses and listen to preaching. The assembling is so important that the Lord com-mands me never to forsake it (Hebrews 10:23-25).



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I Have Chosen Christ9. I MUST TELL OTHERS OF JESUS. Someone told me about the Savior. I

learned in the gospel that was presented to me about my sin, my Savior, and theway of salvation. Thanks be to God that someone cared enough to tell me thetruth! I, in turn, must tell others (2 Timothy 2:2). Souls are dying without Christand without hope. I have the obligation and privilege of leading them to Jesus thatthey, too, may come to know the joy of the Lord and His saving power. I musthold forth the word of life (Philippians 2:16). I am debtor to teach the gospel toall who will hear (Romans 1:14-16). May I never let my light burn low, but con-stantly hold it forth that others may see (Matthew 5:16).

I HAVE CHOSEN CHRIST! May He help me to fulfill every responsibility.



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I Have Chosen ChristTHERE ARE SOME CERTAINTIES IN MY LIFE

1. I KNOW THAT JESUS WILL COME AGAIN. He promised that He wouldreturn (John 14:1-3). The angels who were present at His ascension promised thatHe would come again (Acts 1:9-11). The apostles preached His second coming (1Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Peter 3:10; 1 John 3:2; James 5:7; Revelation 1:7).Since I believe the promise of His return, I have a greater determination to live infaithful anticipation of His coming (Hebrews 9:28; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Titus 2:11-14). I intend to be ready for His return so that I may meet Him in the air and everbe with the Lord (2 Thessalonians 4:17).


2. I KNOW THAT I WILL STAND BEFORE HIM IN JUDGMENT. it isappointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).When the Lord comes again, all the dead who have ever lived will be raised (John5:28-29). The multitudes of mankind shall all assemble before His great throne ofjudgment (Matthew 25:31-32; Revelation 20:11-12). We shall be judged by thethings written in the books according to our works. I will be judged by the thingsthat I have done in my body (2 Corinthians 5:10). I know that I will be judged.

What a tremendous incentive to live for the Lord! The ungodly will be cast intothe lake of fire (Revelation 20:15; 21:8). I do not want to be in that number. I willlive for Jesus so that I will be ready for the great and terribly day of judgment.



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I Have Chosen Christ3. I KNOW THAT I CAN GO TO HEAVEN. All of the work that God has

done; all of the sufferings that Jesus endured; all of the work of the Holy Spiritand the apostles was to accomplish the grand purpose of the salvation of our soulsin Heaven (1 Peter 1:5, 9). God has made it possible (John 3:16). Jesus invites meto come (Matthew 11:28-30). Heaven is the dwelling place of perfect joy. It is aninheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away (2 Peter 1:4).There God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no moredeath, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain(Revelation 21:4). Every possible form of eternal delight is there. I shall alwaysbe happy in Heaven. I shall not be faced with death in Heaven. Nor is there anysin to mar the joy of Heaven. With the help of my Lord, I can go to Heaven. This Iintend to do, so help me, Lord!

(Memorize: Revelation 21:4)

MY PRAYER

O Lord, my Heavenly Father! Through the blessed name of Thy Son Jesus, Ipray for the help and the strength to live daily for Thee in Thy will. May I shuntemptation. May I always walk in the light of Thy word, I humbly pray. Amen!


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I HAVE MEMORIZED THESE SCRIPTURES:(Check them as you learn them)

_____ Romans 12:1

_____ 2 Timothy 2:15

_____ 1 John 1:9

_____ Ephesians 3:21

_____ Hebrews 13:17

_____ Hebrews 10:25

_____ Romans 1:16

_____ 2 Peter 3:10

_____ Hebrews 9:27

_____ Revelation 21:4

_____ John 20:30-31

_____ John 3:5

_____ Colossians 1:13

_____ Matthew 16:18

_____ Acts 2:38

_____ 1 John 1:7

_____ Philippians 4:7

_____ Philippians 4:4

_____ Matthew 22:37

_____ Matthew 22:39

Other Scriptures I have memorized:

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Chosen Christ