The way we come to know God is through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. The way we come to know God is through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ—by responding in faith to his invitation to a new life. If you want to accept that invitation, all you have to do is ask Him. In fact, you can pray right now wherever you are using this simple prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life and make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen."
WHAT WILL HEAVEN BE LIKE?
There is a common stereotype about heaven that we'll all just sit around on a cloud, strumming a harp, seemingly bored out of our mind. Is that what heaven will be like? No way! Heaven is better than the best that you've experienced on earth. It is a place more wonderful than we can ever begin to imagine. Why? Because Jesus is going to be there. And wherever He is, everything is okay. You see, heaven is not heaven because of WHAT is there—heaven is heaven because of WHO is there.
Everybody who has ever lived has experienced disappointment, heartache, pain, and grief. Some people reading these words now live with pain almost constantly—physical pain and emotional pain—the pain of rejection, the pain of failure and the pain of disappointment. Pain is a part of this existence, but God says there will be no more pain in heaven.
WILL DOING GOOD DEEDS GET ME INTO HEAVEN?
Most people understand that doing bad things can keep us OUT of heaven. But few realize the Bible also teaches that doing good cannot get us INTO heaven. None of us can ever be good enough to deserve getting into heaven. We are all sinners—we miss the mark. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23).
ISN'T EVERYONE GOING TO HEAVEN?
Anyone can go to heaven, but not everyone will go. Why? Only those who put their trust in Jesus will find themselves forgiven by God and accepted into heaven. 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. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith." (Romans 3:23-25)
ALL ARE SINNERS
First, we must be willing to admit that we are sinners and need God’s forgiveness. The Bible says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10). Then, we must believe that God forgives our sins, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus has already done for us. When God forgives sin, He cannot merely overlook its consequences. Full payment must be made for our sin. The Good News is Christ's death made that payment in full for those who trust Him.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER I'M SAVED?
Learn more about Baptism here.
Once you have made the commitment to follow Jesus, what's next?
TELL SOMEONE!
Right now. Call anyone: Your mother, a friend, your brother or a co-worker. Contact anyone who you think would celebrate your decision to follow Jesus. You can tell us right now at tvinson@fbccoll.org and we will rejoice with you and pray for you.
FIND A CHURCH
This is especially important, especially if you don't know someone who would celebrate your decision to follow Christ. Christians in a church will walk with you as you explore this new life. Find a list of churches near your home here.
BEGIN READING THE BIBLE
Try to set aside time for Bible reading each day. Pray before you start and expect God to teach you from His Word. Your new life is not about feelings, but trusting in God and learning more about Him. Reading the Bible each day gives food to your spirit, in the same way mealtime satisfies your natural daily hunger for food.
Get a modern version of the Bible such as the "New International Version." And, don't try to read the Bible straight through from the beginning. You could easily become disillusioned and give up! Try reading from the New Testament to begin with. You will find the New Testament in the last third of your Bible. Start with the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books will give you a broad picture of Jesus, His life and death from different viewpoints. If you don't own a Bible you can start reading right now at www.YouVersion.com.
JOIN A GROUP
Find a Bible study class or group at your church. There you can ask questions and meet fellow learners.
PRAY
Prayer is talking to God. He loves you and wants you to know Him better. It may seem awkward at first, but any new relationship takes time to feel natural. Use that time to tell God about your day, about your questions and about the things that may be troubling you. Use it to ask Him for direction and just to tell Him how much you appreciate what He has already done for you. It's helpful to have a set daily prayer time. Having a regular prayer time built into your daily routine will help you become established as a new Christian.
BE BAPTIZED
Baptism is the public act of identifying yourself as a Christian. Jesus commanded all His followers to be baptized. Learn more about baptism here.