In our society, there is great emphasis on man's ability and increasing knowledge. Unfortunately, this intellectualism has blurred our eternal vision. We have substituted information and involvement where contentment and peace belong. Our spirituality has melted down to emotional experiences, creating our own way to heaven, and everything is acceptable as long as we don't force it down anyone's throat.
To believe doesn't just mean believe He exists.
It means to start a relationship! It means to ask Him to make Himself known to you. It means then you will learn: how to completely trust Him, how to get to know Him, how to spend time with Him, and finally how to become like Him. "Confess your sins and He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1John 1:9).
Receiving Jesus Christ is not just an emotional experience, nor is it just agreeing with your mind that Jesus is the Son of God. It means total trust, an act of your will. "To all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust Him to save them" (John 1:12). Begin your most important relationship today!
You might think, "Hey, I'm not that bad a person, I don't really need to be forgiven" or "No way can I be forgiven for the things I have done!". The Bible says that all have sinned and come up short of the glory of God. ALL. Nobody is so good that they don't need forgiveness. Nobody is so bad that they can't get forgiveness.
God desires to know you. He sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross to forgive all the sins of those who would commit their life to Him. It's a free gift. He's waiting for you to chose, but He won't force you. The choice is yours, all you need to do is...take the first step...quit running and "face the music".
If you desire a personal relationship with Jesus Christ: By now you may have discovered that all roads do not lead to God, and life is not as simple as you once thought. For those who are at this crossroad, the Bible offers a new direction, one filled with purpose, fulfillment, and acceptance. The steps are simple:
1. Recognize that you're a sinner.
First, you must admit your spiritual need: "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). We can't make excuses or blame others and our circumstances for our actions. "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18). Jesus paid the price for your sin. The Apostle Paul said, "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
3. Repent of your sins.
The word "repent" means "to change your direction." The Bible tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). God commands us to repent. You must be willing to turn away from the things that displease God.
4. Accept Jesus as your Savior.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). It is essential that you come to Jesus as you are. Don't try to "clean up your life" before you come to God. Instead, receive Him and allow Him to do the "cleansing." Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).
God knows your heart and is more concerned with your heart than any specific prayer...however this is a suggested prayer to help you express your feelings to Him.
"Lord Jesus, I need you! Thank you for paying my sin penalty on the cross. I ask that you forgive me and give me a clean heart. I open the door of my life to receive you as my Savior and Lord.
Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen"
Congratulations! Our heavenly Father has given you a "new birth" into His family...so you now have new brothers and sisters!
We look forward to welcoming you to our church family and watching your relationship with Christ blossom!
Let us know about your decision by sending us an email, ok? God Bless!
Here's an excellent series of audio messages to get you started on the basics of Christianity!
Pastor Bob Coy's series: "Back to Basics"