A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
We’re excited you want to know more about God! Did you know God made man so we can have a relationship with Him? Also, did you know because He loves you more than you can ever imagine He has already taken the first and hardest step in building a relationship with you?
THE PROBLEM
There is a problem establishing a relationship with God. It’s called sin! And sin forever separates us from God.
Sin is a word commonly used in our society and a lot of people don’t understand it. You may say, “I’m a good person. I’ve never killed anyone or stolen anything.” I hope that’s true. But that doesn’t mean you’re not a sinner.
You see, sin literally means, “to miss the mark” and “to not share in the prize.” When God made man He established a standard for man to live by. When man didn’t follow that standard, he sinned. He “missed the mark.”
Because of that, verse twenty-three of the third chapter of the book of Romans in the Bible tells us “… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ….” Verse twenty-three of the sixth chapter of that same book says, “For the wages of sin is death ....”
I know what you’re thinking. “Wait a minute. That’s not right. I’m in trouble because of what some other fellow did before any of us were even born.”
Don’t worry. The same God who set the standard none of us can live up to made a way.
THE SOLUTION
Look at just a few more passages of Bible scripture with me and it will make sense.
Versus twenty-two through twenty-four of the third chapter of Romans says, "This righteousness (which means "right living" or meeting the standard God set) from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
John chapter three, versus six through eighteen tell us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
Do you see it? God made a way for us to live right, to hit the mark, by faith in His son, Jesus! He’s done the hard work for us. All we have to do is confess to Him we are sinners, receive His forgiveness and live the life He wants us to live.
RECEIVE
If you are ready to establish a relationship with God pray this simple prayer:
“Father, I know that I am a sinner and my sins separate me from you. I am truly sorry, and want to turn away from my past and have a relationship with you. Please forgive me and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, lives and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey and do your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”
If you prayed and believe that prayer, welcome to God’s family! Welcome to a new life! This is the most important thing you will ever do.
GROW
By placing your trust in God, you are also trusting that God will help you in your new life.
There are 5 essentials to growth as a new believer in Christ.
- Continue to Pray – Talk to God. Talk to Him like you talk to a friend. Tell Him the good things and the bad. Ask Him for help.
- Repent – “Repent” is a word we Christians use a lot. It means to “turn away” from something. In this case, repent for the sins you committed in the past and ask God to help you stay away from sinful activity. It doesn’t mean you won’t be tempted to sin, Jesus was tempted. It means you need to pray and ask for God’s help and learn what He teaches us about sin and temptation.
- Read the Bible – Find a good, readable version of the Bible and get to know God and His plans for you. (The King James Version of the Bible is excellent but a little difficult for some people to read. The versus quoted above are from the New International Version. A couple of other easier to read versions are the New Living Translation and the New King James Version.) The Bible contains history, principles, and stories that are relevant and helpful for living life in today’s world. Start in the book of John and then move on to other books.
- Get into a church – Get involved in a Bible-teaching church that is outreach oriented and purposeful about living for God. Meet the pastor and tell him or her about your new decision. Ask about classes, cell-groups and church membership.
- Tell others – Tell your friends, family and co-workers about you new relationship with Jesus Christ.
We thank God for you. If you would, tell us about your decision. You can use the link below or come visit us in person. One way or another, we again welcome you to the family of God.
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