Do you know Jesus?
There’s a big difference between knowing about someone and knowing someone personally. The same is true for knowing about Jesus and having a relationship with Him. It’s possible to have heard about Jesus in church or read about Him, but not actually know Him as your personal Savior. Are you interested in knowing Jesus and growing in a relationship with Him?
Why do we need Jesus?
In Romans 3:23 we learn that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 goes on to tell us that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We deserve death because of our sin, but John 3:16 reminds us that “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.”
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Sin separates us from God and there’s nothing we can do to be good enough or earn our salvation. We need a Savior who is perfect- that’s Jesus! He became the perfect sacrifice, laying down His life on the cross and paying the price for our sin so that we can have a relationship with God. He rose again and defeated death so that we can spend eternity in heaven with Him!
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In Ephesians 2:8-9 we clearly see that no matter how good we are, we can’t earn our salvation. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
If you want to begin a relationship with Jesus:
1. Admit that you are a sinner. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Acts 3:19 reminds us to “repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.”
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2. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins on the cross and rose again and is alive. Accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin. In John 14:6, Jesus says “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
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3. Confess your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord of your life. Romans 10:9-10,13 proclaims that “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved…Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
You can say a simple prayer right now like the one below:
“Lord, I admit that I’m a sinner. I repent of my sins and I’m sorry for how my sin has hurt you and others. I ask you to forgive me of my sins. I believe that Jesus is who He says He is, the Son of God and that He died on the cross, paying the price for my sins, and that He rose again. I accept the gift of forgiveness and acknowledge that I can’t earn it. I confess my faith in Jesus and ask that Jesus would be my Savior and Lord of my life. Thank you for loving me so much to make a way for me to have a relationship with You. I trust You with my life and want a relationship with You. Amen”
Next Steps...
Tell someone! Is there someone you know that also believes in Jesus? Share with them your decision to have a relationship with Jesus.
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Get connected with a local group of believers. Find a local church, small group, or Bible study to help you grow in your faith. We are meant to live in community with other followers of Christ, not on our own. This is also a great way to find a mentor who can walk alongside you on your faith journey.
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Read your Bible and pray. This is essential in our growth as Christians to talk to God through prayer and learn about who He is through His Word. You can choose a book of the Bible to read (one of the Gospels such as Matthew, Mark, Luke or John is a great place to start). Begin to make a habit of reading the Bible every day and praying and it will make all the difference! Prayer is simply talking to God and it’s something you can do anytime. He hears you!
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Be baptized. Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
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We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email and let us know of your decision to accept Jesus as your Savior. We’d love to pray for you and encourage you as you take the next steps in living out your faith in Jesus.