SALVATION
So You're Ready To Come Home?
"Sinner" is a word that has always gotten a bad rap. Unfortunately, the bad rap it is getting is for the wrong reasons. Confronted with our shortcomings, we are quick to defend ourselves with words like, "I'm not a sinner! I don't go around sinning! I've never murdered anyone or anything like that!" Do you really know what the word "sin" means?
Most think it only applies to some despicable act that repulses "church people" who want to hang big scarlet letters around our necks. But sin simply means... "to miss the mark; to fall short of the goal".
The fact is, we are all sinners, for there is no one, save Christ alone, who has lived a life that did not in some way fall short of the perfection God requires.
Some say that sin is two letters, "s" and "n", with "I" in the middle. We elevate ourselves, and certainly we live in a time when that thinking is being promoted. Sin may be something we can't be free of, but the good news is we can be free of its penalty. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23)
Acknowledge You're Going In The Wrong Direction & Turn Around
REPENT
Have you ever gone in the wrong direction or missed an exit? Before you could get to your destination, you first had to admit your mistake, and then take action to correct it. That is what repentance is all about.
It is a truthful examination of where we are in our lives, acknowledging that fact to ourselves before God through Jesus Christ; and then take the appropriate actions needed in order to correct it.
Take a moment know to examine where you are spiritually. Are you going in the wrong direction? Did you miss an exit? Whether intentional or unintentional is debatable, just acknowledge to God, the fact you are not headed in the right direction
Believe & Recieve
Now that your headed in the opposite direction towards God, it is now time for you to believe and recieve.
We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead with the authority to pardon your sins.
If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior, declaring, "Jesus is Lord," you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.
Confess
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
When we make mistakes, many times we really don't know what to say. Since prayer is communication, we need to say something...But what? Here is an example of what you can say to God today:
“Father, I know that I have gone in the wrong direction and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me stay in your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”
Welcome To The Family
If you decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
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Find a local church where you can worship God.
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Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
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Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
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Learn about Baptism & Then Schedule to be Baptized
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Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
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Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
J O H N Y O U N G
M I N I S T R I E S
