I though what better way to start our conversation than bringing up the most important topic you could ever discuss with someone. Who is Jesus? What did he do and why is its so important to invite him into your life? Lets start from the beginning…
God created us in his image
Then God said “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth.”
Our worth is not connected to things of this world but God himself. Our loving Creator. Since God is the creator of all things and he wants us to rule over all the earth. He views each and everyone of us with great value!
So what went wrong?
By the fall of Adam & Eve sin entered the world.
Originally, God and man were connected in perfect harmony. Both communed with each other spiritually. Sin wasn’t in the world at first.
Then came that clever, deceitful, manipulating serpent (Satan) who tempted them to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And through their choice they failed. 2000+ years later we still deal with this same serpent. Even to this day, he continues to temp us into doing the wrong thing that goes against Gods design for us in our lives. Oh, good question… How do I find Gods design for me in my life? It’s very simple… take time out your day to read the Bible.
Can we as humans fix the problem?
Nope. Unfortunately, we cannot. I know you may be younger but have you ever tried living life perfectly? I am sure you will agree… its impossible! Some people try to build a “bridge” to connect themselves to God. Maybe you had thoughts or heard someone say that if I’m a good person that should be enough for me to connect with God. Unfortunately, being a good person isn’t enough. This falls under the category of works… which means something that you are in control over or something you do.
No need to worry, God had the perfect plan already in place!
Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins.
Jesus walked the same earth as you and I. The only difference is he never sinned. He walked in perfect harmony with God. God needed to take control back from Satan. By God sending his only begotten son, who lived perfectly, and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us… God now has dominion here on earth.
Jesus Christ death on the cross is what allows us to be forgiven of all our sins. So, as you see its not what we do but what Jesus has done for us. Forgiveness of sins is a free gift from God. The death of Jesus gives us a path and mean to reach our heavenly father but of course this is a choice we must make. God gives us free will to make choices and decisions.
All we have to do is believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, believe that after the third day he rose from the grave and now is sitting at the right hand of God… the creator of all things. The only pathway to Salvation is through Jesus. Jesus himself says in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one come to the Father except through me.”
Okay… So, I believe that Jesus Died on the cross for me and rose from the grave. Now What?
Now we need to pray to God ask him to forgive us of our sins and repent. Repentance is about turning away from the things that are not of God and doing our best to live our life how Jesus lived. God understands that we are human…
by renewing our mind (reading the Bible) we begin to think differently on how we handle ourselves in situations. As Romans 12:2 states “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing perfect will.”
So, by forgiveness of sins and renewing our minds you begin to follow into Gods perfect will in your life! Have you tried to figure things out on your own? How is that working out for you? What happens is sin blocks us from Gods promises. Once we give our self to Jesus Christ he can begin to operate in our lives… now we can be led by our heavenly father and be guided into his perfect will.
Here comes the best part… Invite Jesus into your life!
What God is really looking at is your heart. Do you genuinely want Jesus in your life? Do you want change? If the answer is yes and I hope it is you can say a simple prayer like this.
“Dear Jesus who is King of all Kings, I believe you have died on the cross and risen from the grave to wash away all of my sins. Lord, please forgive me of all my wrong doings and the sins in my life even those that I am unaware of. Please give me the strength to turn away from things in life that go against your will. Lord, I ask you to be a part of my life moving forward and to guide, direct and teach me your ways. In Jesus name I pray Amen.”
Here is the last and final step… Getting Baptized.
Being baptized is the process of dying of your old self and becoming a new creature in Jesus Christ. You now are choosing to leave your old habits behind and living your life according to Gods design. Within doing so… this doesn’t mean you won’t have difficult days but you can rest assure that Jesus is with you everywhere you go! Jesus says in Mathew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have command you.”
Are you ready to follow Gods will and partake in his adventure for your life?
Lets summarize the steps in becoming a follower of Jesus through the scriptures.
Believe in Jesus – John 14:6
“I am the way, and the truth, and life. NO one comes to the Father except through me.”
Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead – Romans 10:9
“Because, 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”
Ask Jesus to forgive us of sins and repent – 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Invite Jesus into your life – Revelations 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Being Baptized – Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, ”Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
If you have any questions or looking for additional guidance, feel free to reach out to our ministry anytime.
www.riverhouseministry.org
Never forget how much Jesus loves you!
