How Can I Grow?
The Good News is that God loves you and wants a relationship with you! However, the only way to have a relationship with Him is through His son, Jesus Christ...
John 14:6 - I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
You see Jesus came to earth as a human being and led a perfect life. He spent over three years teaching people about God and His kingdom. However, He was crucified and died on a cross to pay the cost of our sins, the things we do wrong that keep us from God. After three days He rose again from the dead. Now he offers you the opportunity to be forgiven for those sins, everything you've done wrong in your life, and then spend eternity in heaven if you just believe in Him and accept His free gift.
It's actually a lot easier than it seems, in fact, you could say that it is as easy as ABC...
A - Admit you are a sinner
"There is no one righteous, not even one...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:10, 23
Ask God's forgiveness
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:13
B - Believe in Jesus (put your trust in Him) as your only hope of salvation.
"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." - John 3:16
Become a child of God by receiving Christ.
"To all who receive him to those who believed his name, he gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12
C - Confess that Jesus is your Lord
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe it in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9
If you want a relationship with Christ, just tell Him. We call this prayer and it isn't a big fancy thing. It's simply talking to God like you would your best friend. If you are unsure what to say, try the following sample prayer:
Dear Jesus, I know I've messed up and done some things in my life that are wrong. I believe you died for all these things but that you didn't stay dead and that is why I can be forgiven. I am choosing to give you control of my life. Thank you for loving me so much that you gave up your life for mine.
If you just prayed this prayer and meant it, then Jesus Christ has now taken up residence in your life! Your decision to follow Him means that God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity with Him.
One more thing. If you prayed that prayer today, would you let someone know. We would love to help you out in any way that we can. Don't worry, we won't hound you with questions, we just want to help you out along the way as you begin your new life in Christ.