Pastor Tim Capon addresses Bible college students about the intense, condensed training they will experience at Faith Baptist Bible College. He emphasizes that this time is not just a pause in life but a significant transition where students will face many important decisions that will shape their future ministry and walk with God.
Scripture Text
Romans 12:1-2
Main Points or Ideas
1. Finding and Committing to a Local Church
- Talk with the right people (parents, pastor, godly mentors, and God)
- Start looking by attending several different churches to experience variety
- Spend time getting to know the people by introducing yourself and meeting with the pastor
- Ask important questions about your motivations and whether the church is a good fit for growth and service
- Make a decision, settle it, and plug in to work - devote yourself completely rather than being a consumer or spectator
2. Your Salvation - Understanding the Gospel
- Paul addresses both believers and those who may not yet be saved in the Roman churches
- Pastor Capon shares his personal testimony of being saved at age 28 during missions conference at Faith Bible College, realizing he had never truly trusted Christ despite attending church and even applying to Bible college
- The importance of examining yourself to see whether you are truly in the faith rather than assuming salvation
3. Your Life - Presenting Yourself as a Living Sacrifice
- Because of God's mercies, believers should present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God
- This is a once-for-all presentation that puts your life at God's disposal
- It means giving God a blank sheet of paper and saying "here's my life, use it as you will"
- This decision lays the foundation for every other decision you will make in life
Conclusion
Pastor Capon urges students to make these three crucial decisions: find a church and plug in completely, make sure of their salvation, and present their lives as living sacrifices to God. He emphasizes that today would not be a bad day to settle these matters and put one's life at God's disposal.
