a2: returning
When you receive Christ, He becomes the leader of your life. He forgives your sin (past, present, and future) and He guides you in your life decisions. That is how a relationship with God starts.
Let’s read Romans 10:9-10: “… if you confess with your mouth that “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
WHEN IN THE PAST DID YOU BEGIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOUR SO THAT YOU WOULD BE SAVED? (Think about a date or your age, and place)
If you are not sure if you have ever accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour, let’s turn to a1 right now and walk though that part of the guide.
ARE YOU CONFIDENT THAT YOU HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST IN THE PAST?
If you are certain of when you began a relationship with God in the past, let’s talk about what happens now. Every relationship with any person and with God can become distant.
What do you think are some things that have affected your relationship with Christ?
- Decisions
For many people, the real issue is sin. It is a decision (or group of decisions) which you have made that has taken you away from God’s best. You know you are a child of God, but you do not obey God. Your relationship with Christ can be completely restored if you will confess your sin to Him and begin following God faithfully. - Distracted
The second big issue for some people is that they need to start doing what God has asked them to do. Maybe the issue for you is not some big sin; you have been distracted and have failed to follow God each day. Today is the day when you should take the next big step in your relationship with God.
WHICH OF THE TWO ISSUES ABOVE BEST DESCRIBES YOU? (It can be one or both issues)
Now the next step is spending time talking with God about your decision and developing a plan of how to live God’s plan for you.
ARE YOU READY RIGHT NOW TO SPEND TIME WITH GOD CONFESSING YOUR SIN AND ASKING GOD TO LEAD YOUR LIFE DECISIONS?
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Prayer outline: Speak to God about your past and your future decisions. Ask Him to forgive you and guide you through the next steps of how to live life with Him.
WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO BE THE NEXT STEP TO RETURN TO GOD'S BEST FOR YOUR LIFE?
Write down those ideas.
Every plan should include setting aside consistent time to be alone with God to ask Him for help and guidance.
You should be able to read and understand the Bible on your own. For help, you can download a couple of free resources from Discipleship International called: How to Have a Quiet Time and One Year Bible Reading Plan
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO HAVE A TIME ALONE WITH GOD FOR BIBLE READING AND PRAYER?
If you are going to make real changes in your life, you will also need to be connected to other Christians (a church). In your church, your relationship with God will be encouraged.
HOW CAN YOU BE BETTER CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE AT YOUR CHURCH?
If you don’t have a church, we have some recommendations for you! Check out our list of churches here.
WHO IS SOMEONE THAT YOU CAN TALK TO ABOUT YOUR DECISION?
If you would like to contact us to talk about your decision, or you are interested in learning more about God and grow deeper in your faith, check out the Equip To Serve training series of Discipleship International and send an email to office@discipleshipint.org indicating you are interested to grow on your faith.