[greenbear]

Originally Posted by biblereader

Define IFB.

IFB= Independent Fundamental Baptist. They seem to be a loose affiliation of independent churches as opposed to a denomination. Anyone please feel to correct me or elaborate. Here is what IFB churches believe according to their website: http://www.ifbweb.com/index.php?opti...d=12&Itemid=26

WE BELIEVE

That the Bible is inspired (God-breathed), inerrant, and ALL of it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.

Further, that the King James AV1611 version, translated from the Majority Text (also known as the Textus Receptus and sometimes referred to as the Byzantine text), is God's Word preserved in English.

That the earth and the heavens were created in six literal 24 hour days; upon this, the foundation of the Bible rests, for if this is incorrect, then ALL scripture is suspect.

That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, died on the Cross, and rose again 3 days later; God in the flesh, who sacrificed Himself that we may know the Gift of Eternal Life.

That the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are the Trinity; three persons in one, each distinct from the others, while also the same.

That all we must do in order to receive this free gift is call upon His name, for Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; that whosever (meaning you and I) calleth upon His name shall not die, but have everlasting life.

This is how simple it is:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

There are those that believe you can say a prayer, and bingo, you're saved! That's not true; it gives a false impression that saying the prayer is what saves you. What saves you is Christ, and only Christ. Do you need to pray? OH, YEAH! That's part of Romans 10:9 - confessing with the mouth. But praying a special prayer or mantra will not help you receive Christ. Only your decision to accept Jesus as your savior (turn to God) will save you.

It was preached by John the Baptist and Jesus Himself that we must repent (turn away from our sinful lives). Because of that, some folks preach that we must repent and then accept; however, this order is wrong. Repentence will not save us; it is belief that saves us, and God works repentence in us the moment we truly believe and are saved. True repentence is a desire of the heart to turn away from our old lives, and to turn to God and work to please Him. Just as a child will say, "Daddy, look what I did" in order to please us and seek approval, we who have been saved earnestly desire to seek His approval. Ephesians 2:10

Trust Christ. Turn to God. Accept Jesus as your savior. Turn away from sin.

Confess to everyone that you've accepted Jesus, not in words or deeds, but truly accepted Him.

If you've trusted in Christ as your saviour, then I'm happy and excited for you. Please feel free to e-mail us and let us know of your decision!

BUT, it doesn't stop there. Now that you're a new creature in Christ, there are some ways to help you grow spiritually.

1. SHARE with others the commitment you've made. Acts 1:8

2. Be baptized. Baptism acts as a public profession of your decision, is an act of obedience, and identifies you with Christ, . Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:35-40, Romans 6:3-5

3. Study the Bible. The Bible will reveal God's plan for your life, and give you guidance, strength, and solace when you need it. It is the "guidebook" for every Christian. 2 Timothy 2:15

4. Attend church regularly. As a person who experimented with several different religions, I recommend you find a church that touts itself as "fundamental". These are the few churches that teach exactly what the Bible says, and not what someone wants it to say. Participate in worship services and Christian fellowship.
YOU HAVE AN EXCITING JOURNEY AHEAD OF YOU AS YOU CONTINUE TO GROW IN CHRIST. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WE'LL BE HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED. GOD BLESS!