Beginning a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Of all the relationships we have as human beings, our relationship with God is the most important relationship we have.
There are three realities we all must deal with. Think about this...
1. God is holy. "For I, the Lord, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy." - Leviticus 11:45
2. We have all sinned. "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." - Romans 3:23
3. Sin separates us from God. "It's your sins that have cut you off from God..." - Isaiah 59:2a
You've heard the saying, "reality bites", but no matter the distaste we all must deal with those three realities. Now...
Most of us try to gain favor with God in two ways: We say "I'm a good person' or we say "I believe in God."
But the Bible clearly says... "We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6a
So despite our perceived inner goodness or how much good we try to do - our goodness and good works do not gain us favor (a right standing) with God.
We could never be good enough. In addition, it's not enough to believe in God.
The Bible says, You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror."- James 2:19
So simply believing there's a God is not enough. You must receive God into your life. And according to the clear teaching in the Bible the only correct way to gain favor with God is through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Listen to the words of Jesus in John 14:6... "Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'"
So how do I do this? How do I gain a right standing with God? Believe and Receive
Believe what Jesus Christ has done for you "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Understand the debt of sin is paid in full. "When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.'" - John 19:30a
Receive Christ into your life. "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12
The Bible says if you believe in Jesus and receive Him into your life as your personal Savior your past will be forgiven, your present has meaning and purpose, and your future is secure for all eternity with God in a place called heaven.
If you're ready to receive Christ into your life right now simply say this prayer...
"Dear God, right now I ask you to come into my life and forgive me of my sins. I accept you as my Savior and ask for grace in growing to understand and know you in a personal way. Teach me to live by faith and let my life bring honor to You. I pray this prayer in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, God's Son."
If you have decided to make this important decision of faith - Congratulations! You just made the single greatest decision a person can make in this life. We would love to meet you and answer any questions you have about your new found faith in God. Come and learn more at 316 Church this Sunday!
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