Simeon’s blessing was in the form of a rebuke (Genesis 49:5-7). He, along with his brother Levi, murdered the men of an entire city. They were in need of forgiveness and a change of heart. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for all sin so that we could be forgiven. A disciple obtains a citine stone upon confessing Jesus as Lord, and believing in their heart that God raised him from the dead for the forgiveness of their sins.

The Teaching

Podcast

Memory Verses

• And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. (1 John 4:14)
• For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
• For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The Steps

• Believe and say that Jesus is God made human and can rule your life. Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins, that you may live as a new person.

Isaiah 59:2 says that our sins (anything we do that is not perfectly right by God’s standard) has made a separation between us and God, but Isaiah 53:5, speaking of when Jesus the Savior would come, says that he was pierced for our transgressions, the punishment that brought us peace was placed on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

If you would like to trust Jesus for forgiveness, to put you in a right relationship with God, and make you into a new person, you may pray a prayer something like the following example.

God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to you that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need, and ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus, your one and only Son, lived a perfect life, then died on the cross, shedding His precious blood as payment for my sins. Jesus then rose from the dead, proving he defeated sin and death. I am now willing to turn away from my sin.
In the Bible Romans 10:9 says “if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved,” so I now confess Jesus as the Lord of my life. I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and take Jesus Christ as my only Savior, who gives me life now and forever.

• Begin the study Growing in Christ with a mentor. A paperback copy can be obtained from the church or purchase and download a Kindle or ebook copy.

Videos

• Although not required for obtaining the citine stone, it would be a good idea to begin steps for the Evangelism Living Stone and the Sacraments Living Stone.