a1: Knowing God
Knowing God is the single most important thing in life. Every person needs to be forgiven of their past sin and begin a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. There will be many days of prayer and growing in your understanding of God, but there is only one time to begin your relationship with God. Today could be that day for you!
Over the next few minutes, we will talk through a few simple things to help you understand more about Jesus.
Then you will have time to pray to be forgiven and start a relationship with God. After that, we will talk about how to keep growing in Jesus.
your life
The reason every person does not already have a relationship with God is because of the sin in our lives (sin is not following God’s direction for our life). God loves us, but because of our sin we are separated from God and His best for our lives.
The Bible says,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“… the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God Is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
When we admit that we need God, we understand how patient God has been with us and how He has shown us love and forgiveness. The Bible says,
“He (God) Is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
HOW DO YOU THINK GOD HAS BEEN PATIENT WITH YOU AND HAS BEEN SPEAKING TO YOU IN THE PAST?
your lord
Jesus is the ultimate sign of God’s love for us. Jesus is God. He physically entered human history, to help you connect with Him and deal with your sin.
The Bible says,
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus’ death on the cross was essential for us to be forgiven. We deserved to be punished, but Jesus took our punishment instead. He sacrificed His perfect life in the place of our sinful life. Our choices have taken us away from God, but Jesus’ choice to die in our place gave us the opportunity to be forgiven and to live forever with God.
Remember,
“… the wages of sin Is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Three days after Jesus’ death on the cross, He walked out of the tomb where He was buried (He was resurrected) to show everyone that He has the power to give life to anyone who would believe in Him. Jesus not only offers forgiveness of our sin, but He remains with us as our “Lord” which means the boss / leader / guide who directs our daily life.
The Bible gives us a clear invitation to know Jesus and allow Him to take complete control of every part of your life.
…If you confess with your mouth, Jesus Is Lord, and belleve in your heart that God ralsed him from the dead, you will be saved. For it Is with your heart that you belleve and are justified, and It is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10
ARE YOU READY TO ASK GOD TO FORGIVE YOUR SIN AND GIVE YOU A NEW LIFE?
If so, in your own words, talk directly to God (pray), and ask Jesus to take complete control of your life.
Tell God these three things:
- You believe that Jesus loves you and that He died on the cross and came back to life for your sin.
- Ask Him to forgive you of your sin.
- Ask Him to change your life and guide you everyday.
your love
A brand new journey has just begun in your life. God’s presence has entered your life and He will never leave you. The Bible says,
“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
REMEMBER TODAY'S DATE AS THE DAY YOU BELIEVED IN JESUS ASKED HIM TO FORGIVE YOUR SIN.
When we are loved perfectly by God, we begin to understand real love. His love changes us and helps us learn to love and forgive others, just like God has forgiven us.
One day Jesus was asked to name the most important things about living life with God. He answered,
“Love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. The second Is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31
The more you learn and understand about God, the more you will understand about loving Him and loving other people.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DO NOW TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT GOD'S LOVE?
your lifestyle
This is the first step in a major life change for you. It is the first day of your new life with God. Jesus forgave your sin today. You have been made new.
Today and every day, you should learn all you can about Jesus so that you will know how to follow Him each day.
The Bible says,
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in our salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-3
Here are three ideas for you:
- Tell someone what God has done in your life. Talk to someone who is a Christian about your decision and tell your family and friends about the change in your heart.
- Join a Bible based church and be baptized. You need to connect with people who are also connected to Jesus. (We have some recommendations for you here)
- Find some people in your church who can teach you how to pray and read the Bible. The more you know about God, the more you will know how to follow Him. (Join a discipleship group here)
If you have some additional questions, a5 has a list of questions and answers that may help you understand more about Jesus.
Start Your Journey with God
Your journey with God is fulfilling. It brings purpose and joy to your life. Remember, you’re not alone; God is here to guide you. Here are some ways to embrace this path further.
Study the Bible
Spend regular time in the Bible to reflect on its teachings. It's a valuable resource for your spiritual growth.
Engage in Community
Join a church or small group to grow your faith and connect with others. Sharing experiences builds strength and support.