Do you know Jesus?
Many people, especially Americans, identify as Christian. Some do so because of their childhood influences, their political stances on cultural issues or their moral character.
So perhaps a different question is in order.
Do you merely have a head knowledge of who Christ is or do you know Him personally and have a relationship with Him?
If you do not have that crucial relationship with Jesus, I invite you to trust Him as your Savior today. Jesus loves you, and He longs to welcome you into the family of God. He is able to save you from your sins, give you purpose for this life and grant you eternal life when your earthly days are done. You can know Him today.
John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world (you and I) so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The crux of Chistianity, regardless of denomination, is that God gave His Son as a sacrifice for man's sin. The gift of salvation, or forgiveness of sin, was paid for by the sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ, who died upon a Cross, was buried and resurrected three days later so that we might be saved. The price was paid. Neither our childhood influences, political stances or moral character will suffice. To know Jesus, we must accept Him as our Savior, not merely know about Him or live a good life.
To know Jesus today and have the assurance that your sins are forgiven and you are a child of the King, simply pray this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to you as a sinner, realizing that I need Jesus. I believe that He paid the price for my sins on the Cross and rose from the grave so that I might be born again into new and everlasting life. Come into my life, save me from my sins, and I will follow you the rest of my days. In Jesus' name.
The scriptures speak of mustard seed faith. If you prayed that prayer, with even the tiniest bit of faith, believing that God can save you from your sins and transform your life just by believing in Him and surrendering your life to Him, He not only saved you, He will show you some amazing things and be very real to you today. If you have not already done so, take that step of faith and accept Him today.
Have you strayed from God or left the Church because of past hurts or grievances?
Perhaps you once came to know Jesus at a Bible camp, Vacation Bible School, revival service or via a sermon broadcast on television, but you have drifted away from Christ because of an addiction or past hurt or other disenchanting experience. If that is the case, please be assured that, yes, life can throw some serious curveballs, we can all stray from our first love and people can let you down, but God doesn't change. He has been longing to see you return into fellowship with Him from the start. He loves you no less in spite of your failures. He is able to deliver you from any strongholds that seek to bind you, to heal the pain in your heart, restore broken relationships, renew your sense of hope for the future and use you in powerful ways, reminding you of just how valuable you are to Him.
If you are among those believers who have ventured away from God and the Church, I encourage you to keep the faith. Reach out to Jesus today. Address any unconfessed sin. And ask the Lord to guide you to the Bible-believing church that is just right for you. Trust the Lord to renew the right Spirit in you, for which King David once longed. Believe, even if it's with mustard seed faith, that the joy of your salvation can be restored and God can use you in spite of the past, in spite of any failures and in spite of any hurts brought on by misguided fellow believers or otherwise.
And, again, if you are a new believer or you've recommitted your life to Christ, please let me know as I would love to pray for you as you begin this new journey.
As your brother in Christ, I love you and I want to encourage you, pray for you and hear your testimony because it brings encouragement and inspiration to me.
Blessings,
Greg Freeman