So here is the GOOD NEWS
Can We Be Saved?
The Wages (consequences) of sin is death. Because you and I have sinned, we are guilty and must be judged. Judgment, in our case, is death. Sounds very harsh! Why serve or honor a God who is so willing to kill me for my sins? Because God loves you and me so much that He provided a way for us to escape the consequences of our sins. Romans 6:23 tells us, "The wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." You see, Jesus is that escape…He died in our place taking our sins away and giving everyone who will call on His name the opportunity to go to heaven. Jesus provided a way out of our consequence. He died so that you might be SAVED!!!
How Do We Get Saved?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” When we simply believe (not just in understanding or knowledge, but action) we are saved! Not because of anything we have done but by the simple fact that God loves you and me. His grace and mercy provided you and me a chance to escape hell and receive an even greater blessing…HEAVEN. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Because of Jesus death and resurrection, we are now covered by His blood, like a shield. When God looks at you and I, He see the perfection of Jesus if we have accepted the GIFT He gave to us. The Scripture states that Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Today, He tells us that, today is the day of salvation. If we accept His GIFT of life, we shall be saved.
How Do I Accept Him?
How do we receive salvation? Romans 10:9-10 tells us "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." I John 1:9 says, “If we confess (to Jesus) our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” From the very cross Jesus was nailed to He said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Our sins killed Jesus, but His death and resurrection proved that He was God and has the POWER and AUTHORITY to forgive ALL, yes ALL of our sins.
Confessing simply means, praying or talking to God! Jesus was upset with the Scribes and Pharisees in His day because they stood out on the street corner for all to see and hear praying “fancy” prayers. The Lord simply wants you to speak to Him…something like this…Jesus, I recognize that I have failed and I confess that I am a sinner, I accept that You have died on the cross for me. I know that I need you in my life and I want to be a part of Yours. I know that You died, rose from the dead and are going to come again. I wish to be with You in Heaven forever. Help me to live according to Your Word (the bible) and love people the way You did. Thank you for washing me clean, in Jesus name. Amen! That's all there is to it. If you have prayed this prayer, and you are thinking, now what……?
Now What Do I Do?
You are now part of a HUGE family!...a family of believers! This family is told by Jesus to gather together on a regular basis, we call this, the Church body. As a family gets together for a BBQs, games, conversations, or even watching a movie, so too, the family of believers gathers to help each other grow in Jesus, encourage each other, and share with others the Joy of their salvation. This is done by:
Prayer
Prayer – talking to the Jesus. He delights in your conversations with Him! He wants the relationship between you to grow deeper and stronger. Just think of it as talking with a friend. In John 15:15, Jesus says, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” You are now His friend and He wants to share with you all the things you need to know. That comes by the studying of the bible (kind of like ancient television or movies).
Study the Bible
Study the Bible – Some people have called the B.I.B.L.E, Basic…Instructions…Before…Leaving…Earth. The reality is the Bible is instruction but it is also God's love letter to us. As you read it, you will discover who God is, why Jesus came, how the Holy Spirit helps us to grow and leads each of our steps and more. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” God uses His Word (the bible) to speak to us. Not only should we read, study, and follow what God says in His Word but, as He says in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” So you and I need to go to church…I want you to:
Plug into a bible teaching church
Plug into a bible teaching church – Find a church that teaches the Bible. As it says in Acts 2:42 we need to continue steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine (bible teachings) and fellowship (hanging out with other Christians), and in the breaking of bread (communion helps us remember that our sins are forgiven) and in prayer (speaking to Jesus). These things help us grow in the knowledge of the Lord and His Word. As we hang out with other Christians at church, fellowship – we learn how to walk through this life by encouraging one another. You need to get to a church where you can learn sound (accurate) Bible teaching and instruction. Then…
Tell someone
Tell someone – no need to be an expert, just be REAL. Just because you just got saved doesn’t mean what you now have is not REAL. It is and I can guarantee that no one who is now saved is bummed because someone shared the gospel of Jesus with them. I’m really glad someone told me! When you got saved by asking Jesus into your life, He changed you and no one can take that away from you. In fact, the scripture calls this your testimony (witness). So go and share what God has done for you…Mark 16:15, Jesus said, Go ye into all the world, and preach (share) the gospel to everyone. So, go and enjoy your new life in Christ!
If you have other questions, feel free to give me a call and I be glad to help you or pray with you.