Jesus wants a relationship with YOU
You were created to know God relationally. This is more than head knowledge or things you are required to do. The birth of Christ and the cross show us the infinite lengths God is willing to go to have a close, intimate relationship with us. He doesn’t just love us. John 3:16 says, “God so loved” us. He is for us and longs for a real relationship with us. Many times we disqualify ourselves from God’s love because of our history, failures, and shortcomings. Sin has separated us from God and we can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. So how can we accept what we have not earned?
The Bible says that nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. To accept God’s love is to trust His patient, forgiving, and gracious stance towards us. Only Jesus has the power to free us from guilt, shame, and condemnation to give us a life of wholeness. All we have to do is turn to Him.
So what does it mean to follow Jesus?
Following Jesus means accepting the love and grace of God and loving Him in return. Following Jesus means embracing a life of surrender to Him. It’s more than a one-time prayer or church attendance. It’s a heart-level posture that affects every area of life. It looks like this…
Realize
Realize God has not been first place in your life, and ask Him to forgive your sins. (1 John 1:9)
Believe
Believe Jesus died to pay for your sins and that He rose from the dead and is alive. (Romans 10:9-10)
Accept
Accept God's free gift of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life. Don't try to earn it. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Invite
Invite Jesus Christ to come into your life and be the Lord of your life - wholeheartedly. (Revelation 3:20)
Ready to follow Jesus?
If you are ready to believe and receive God’s grace and love and begin a relationship with Him, simply talk to God and commit your life to Him. You can pray this prayer or talk to God in your own words.
Dear Jesus. Thank you for loving me just the way I am and for loving me enough not to leave me the way I am. I believe that you came into my brokenness, died for my sins and rose again so I could be made new. I want to follow you. Please come into my life and make me a new person from the inside out. I admit I am a sinner, in need of your saving grace. Today, I receive your forgiveness and salvation, through faith, and commit to follow you wholeheartedly. Amen.
We consider it a great privilege to help you know God and grow in your relationship with God! If you have more questions, want to know what’s next, or If you would like to talk to one of our pastors, please feel free to contact us.