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The Bible says that we all need to be saved from the consequences of a life-style that stands in direct opposition to God, which the Bible calls ‘sin’. All humans, even the “good” ones, are born with sin. Sin separates us from God, and that separation breaks God’s heart and leaves us feeling lost. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
Although sin separates us from God and the life we were created to have, it can be overcome. There is hope, but we can’t find it in ourselves: we are not saved by keeping rules or by being good. Rather, our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22 says, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Later in the same book of the Bible it says that, “God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners. Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Jesus came to earth, died on a cross, and was raised to life to save us from the consequences of a sin-filled lifestyle that stands in direct opposition to God. His sacrifice gives us new life and brings us into a relationship with God.When we accept God’s invitation to follow Jesus we’re acknowledging that our way isn’t working anymore: that we’re done flying solo and we’re giving Jesus control of our life. There is nothing that we can do to qualify to accept Jesus Christ; the invitation is open to everyone.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
What will your response be?
The Bible says that accepting God’s invitation to forgiveness and new life begins when you “openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead … For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved … Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” (Romans 10:9-11).
If you are not sure whether you are right with God, or if you know that you need Jesus in your life, you can choose to follow Him right now by speaking to him in your own words, or praying something like the following:“Jesus, I admit that I’ve sinned and need your forgiveness. I believe that You lived, died, and rose again so that I could be forgiven, find new life, and have a relationship with God. I now confess you as my Lord and commit my life to You. I give you my past, my present, and my future. Take my whole life and use it for your purposes: I give it to You. Thank you Jesus."
If you have questions and would like to speak to someone, you can contact us here.
If you just prayed to accept God’s invitation, we want to celebrate with you.
Here are a few next steps in your new relationship with Jesus!
If you’ve accepted God’s invitation to forgiveness and new life, the journey continues as we obediently take these next steps in our faith …
Baptism is the first step of obedience that Jesus commanded us to follow. It is a symbol of identification with His death and resurrection and a way of publicly saying that you have repented of sin and are trusting completely in Jesus (Acts 2:37-38). This does not mean to be “christened” as a baby or even baptized as an adult – but is about being baptized as a believer.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an empowering experience, equipping Spirit-filled believers for witness and ministry. Acts 2:39 says, “And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Following Jesus means living a lifestyle that brings attention to God. Be willing and able to share the story of what Jesus has been doing in you, and the good news of new life through Him, with the people you come into contact with on a daily basis (Ephesians 6:19). Invite your friends to church.
Sunday is when the church (the community of people who follow Jesus) come together. It’s a time of singing songs of worship, prayer, listening to the Bible, and sharing the gifts of the Spirit (Hebrews 10:25) by encouraging and practically serving one another.
Gathering for prayer as a church is a vital time for Christians. It is time spent talking with God together and hearing His heart for our local church, the needs of the nations, and for Christians around the world.
One of the first things that Jesus calls us into is living a generous, open-handed life. This is expressed in both the giving of our time and of our resources to the Lord.
Giving of our resources happens with tithes and offerings. Scripture tells us that tithing is giving one tenth of all that we earn back to God, who gave it to us in the first place (2 Cor. 9:7). Offerings are to be given over and above your tithe (2 Cor 9:6-10). Tithes and offerings are used to enable and continue ministry.
It’s important to continually develop a firm understanding of issues that are foundational to your Christian faith. These are described in Hebrews 6:1-2 as: repentance, faith in God, baptisms, prayer and laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Finding community as a new Christian can often be difficult, but Connect Groups make it easy to explore your relationship with God, all while making new friends. These groups meet weekly in homes across the region (Acts 2:46). You can find a group near you.
Learn about our church model.
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