connect to God

You were created to connect and know God in a personal way and to have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. But the question is, how do you start a relationship with God?

First, realize that you are a sinner.

No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. The Bible says, “No one is good—not even one.” Without Jesus, we cannot become who we are supposed to be.

Secondly, recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.

The Bible tells us that “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” This is the Good News! God loves us so much that, when we least deserved it, He sent His only Son to die in our place.

Thirdly, repent of your sin.

The Bible tells us, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” The word repent means to change direction in life. Instead of running from God, we must run toward Him.

Lastly, believe and trust Jesus Christ can save you and desires to be in relationship with you.

Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in . . .” If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and believe.

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”
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I have decided to Follow Jesus

Congratulations on your decision to follow Jesus! As someone who has professed faith in Christ, you have just experienced the beginning of your new, eternal life. (John 3:16; 10:10). Your sins have been forgiven and you have been given a fresh start (Romans 4:7). You have now been given inexpressible, glorious joy! (1 Peter 1:8-9).
In addition to the wonderful blessings of knowing Christ, you are probably thinking, “Now what? What is the next step?” The Bible offers some important principles for those who have begun a relationship with God.

First, as a new Christian, begin reading the Bible.

There are many translations and numerous places to start. While there is no perfect translation, we recommend you choose a Bible that is easy for you to understand and is faithful to the original text of the Bible. To sample some of today’s popular translations, you can go to websites such as biblegateway.com or youversion.com.

We recommend that you begin with reading the book of John, or the books of Matthew, Mark, or Luke. These books will allow you to read what Jesus taught during his time on earth. Other articles on gotquestions.org will help you answer the practical questions you have about God and spiritual issues. The Bible teaches, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
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Second, begin praying.

Prayer is simply talking with God. Prayer does not require a formal set of words that can only take place during a church service. The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We are instructed to praise God day and night. If we desire to know God more deeply, we must communicate with him regularly.

Throughout each day, you can give thanks to God, ask him to answer your daily needs, and pray on behalf of others. It’s also important to pray together with others who follow Christ, encouraging each other, praising God, and seeking answers to everyone’s requests. For ideas on how to pray, you can begin with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
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Third, consider the opportunity to be baptized.

Baptism symbolizes your new life in Christ and proclaims that you are now committed to Jesus. Even Jesus was baptized (Luke 3:1-22), and he calls his followers to also be baptized. Baptism was practiced by the very first followers of Jesus (Acts 2:41).
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Fourth, build friendships with other Christians.

The Christian life is designed to be enjoyed with others. Jesus invested much of His ministry with 12 disciples as his closest friends. He likewise calls us to live in community with one another. The New Testament has over 50 “one another” verses that refer to loving one another, serving one another, encouraging one another, and praying for one another. Each of these commands requires relationships with other Christians.

Fellowship with other believers is one of the purposes of a local church. If you live in a community without a church, pray for God to open opportunities for you to meet other local Christians.
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Fifth, help others.

As you begin your new life as a Christian, you will find a new love inside you and a desire to help others. The Holy Spirit will lead you in ways to help. You might serve the poor in your community, assist a neighbor with yard work, or visit a sick friend in the hospital. The Spirit will clearly call you to show God’s love (1 John 3:17-18).
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Sixth, tell someone about your faith.

Becoming a Christian is not a secret; it’s a celebration! Tell anyone who will listen about Christ’s work in your life. In some cases, other people will come to faith in Jesus through the example you share. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commanded his disciples to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:18-20). Today, Christians are still called to share that hope and promise with others (1 Peter 3:15-16).
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These are simply helpful tips on how to grow in your new faith; they are not a list of requirements to become a Christian or to stay a Christian. You have been saved by grace through faith, apart from any works of your own (Ephesians 2:8-9). God started the work in you, and He promises to finish it (Philippians 1:6). May God bless you as you mature in your faith!

Let us know if there are ways we can help you in your spiritual journey.

May God bless you in the days ahead,
Pastor Scott