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Following Jesus
We were created to be in relationship with God, but unfortunately with sin came separation and things haven’t been right since. That is until Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy and love, He sent His son Jesus to restore us back to right relationship with Him. Jesus lived a perfect life, and died a sacrificial death in order to erase the sin that stood between our Creator and us once and for all.
Though innocent, Jesus took the punishment for our sins on the cross and defeated death by rising from the grave so that we could spend eternity with God in heaven. In order to receive this everlasting life, we need to believe in Jesus’ message and trust in Him alone to save us.
Here is how you can do that:
1. Acknowledge your sin.
No matter how good of a life we try to live, we still fall short of perfect. That is because we are all sinners. To sin literally means to miss the mark. We all fall short of God’s perfection. The Bible says, “No one is perfect—not even one” (Romans 3:10 NLT). But there’s hope! And that is where Jesus comes in.
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died on the cross for you.
The Bible tells us, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the gospel or Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it. When we realise we can’t save ourselves we are in need of a Savior. Jesus Christ saves.
3. Repent of your sin.
The Bible tells us to “repent and be converted” (Acts 3:19 NKJV). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him. Be honest with God, stop, turn, and see how much God loves you.
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life.
Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Jesus Christ Himself take residence in your heart and life. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your life) and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in . . .” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV). We cannot become who we are created to be without Jesus Christ.
If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I accept you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer and meant it, you are a Christian. (Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.)
You might not feel any different, but the gospel is about facts not feelings, and if you have put your faith in Christ then you have been forgiven and He has come in to your life.
Here are four things that will help you grow in this new relationship:
R-ead the Bible: Start with the gospel of John
E-ncounter the Author: Talk to God everyday in prayer
A-ttend church: Get plugged-in to a local Bible teaching church (say, The Street?)
L-et others know: Tell people about what God has done in your life
Please fill out the form below so that a staff member can get in touch with you and encourage you in your new walk with God!
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