Becoming a Christian
God designed each of us with relational DNA, a desire for community and encouragement from others. At THCCI, we encourage all adults to connect to a fellowship group as soon as possible. Connecting with others provides an opportunity to build key relationships that can last a lifetime.
Though we’ve been conditioned to seek quick fixes or easy steps, real life is harder than that. Spiritual development has been defined as “a long obedience in the same direction.” When you connect with others, you'll find the support you need to assist you in your walk with life-impacting Bible Study, practical teaching and helpful tools to ensure that your journey with Christ is all that it can be.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
HOW DO I BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
By nature, all human beings are born into sin and shaped by iniquity. Each human being comes into the world possessing a sinful nature that constitutes him a sinner by birth. This sinful nature, in time, is evidenced by sinful thoughts, words, deeds and an attitude of enmity to God. The Bible makes this abundantly clear. As Christ willingly hung upon the cross, He assumed the full liability of our guilt and sin, bore our sins in His own body, and died as a substitutionary sacrifice on behalf of all sinners. All God's judgment against sin fell on Him, and all God's righteous claims against the sinner were fully satisfied by Christ's death on our behalf. God indicated His complete acceptance of this sacrifice of Christ by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His own right hand. Since Christ has accomplished (by the sacrifice of Himself) all the work needed for the sinner's salvation, what must the sinner do in order to experience this salvation? REPENT. Repentance is a change of mind to turn one’s life over to God in Jesus Christ (to be saved) due to a deep sorrow for sinfulness coupled with a resolve to forsake sin. BELIEVE ON JESUS CHRIST, through the testimony of God concerning the Person and work of Christ (and that God has raised Him from the dead). As a lost and guilty sinner, you must believe that Christ died for you, individually; that Christ bore your sins, took your place and, by His death, accomplished all the work needed for your salvation. Subsequently, Jesus Christ is received as your personal Savior.
PRAY THIS PRAYER
Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned. Please forgive me of my sin as I now repent. I take you at your Word that you forgive those who ask. I accept you as my Savior. Thank you for cleansing me from sin. In Your name, Amen. Remember, it's not the words of the prayer that save you; it's the repentance and faith in your heart that lay hold of salvation.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
Your coming to faith is not the product of human decision alone. It is the gracious work of God who, by His Spirit, has drawn you to Himself through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The same Lord who called the first disciples is calling you now to follow Him, to be transformed by His Word, and to walk in the power of His Spirit. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.” — John 6:44 (NASB) We rejoice with you, for heaven rejoices when one sinner repents. You are now part of the household of faith — a global community of believers committed to knowing Jesus Christ, following Him in discipleship, and living in holiness through the transforming power of God’s Word and Spirit. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
YOUR FIRST STEP:
CATECHESIS – FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH
Catechesis is the ancient practice of grounding new believers in the truth of Scripture. This is the first step in your journey. It’s where you’ll learn the essentials of the Christian faith, understand what it means to belong to the Body of Christ, and grow in obedience to the Word. Our Foundations Course (8–10 weeks) is designed for new believers and seekers. You’ll explore: •The story and mission of The Holy Christian Church International •The meaning of salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit •The importance of baptism, holiness, and Christian community •The life of prayer, worship, and obedience to God’s Word Classes meet weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM or Sundays at 9:00 AM as part of our 5-G rhythm: Gather, Grow, Guild, Give, Go Completion of catechesis marks your firm grounding in Christ and readiness to move into deeper discipleship through our ongoing Equipping the Saints and Cohort Groups.
I WANT TO BE BAPTIZED
Baptism is your public confession that you now belong to Jesus Christ. It is not a mere symbol, but a sacred act of obedience and initiation into the life of the Church. Through baptism, we testify that we have died with Christ to sin and are raised to walk in newness of life. “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 (NASB) To be baptized in the name of Jesus is to come under His authority, rule, and reign, living henceforth under His Lordship, in obedience to Matthew 28:19–20, which commands us to baptize “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” Our pastoral team will prepare you through instruction, prayer, and fellowship leading up to this holy moment.