Christianity?

Here’s some groundbreaking news: following Jesus through the twists and turns of today’s world is not about rules, regulations and rituals. It’s about pursuing a dynamic personal relationship with the God of the universe who gave you life! There is a better way to live and it’s not attained with buying power but with better choices and a new perspective. It doesn’t take money to enjoy this better life; it takes meaning, because, at the end of the day, the life lived with meaning and purpose is the one that is ultimately satisfying. Jesus said, “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?” (Matt.16:26) Gaining the whole world would be the good life; finding your own soul is much better. Here are some steps you can take to attain this life that’s on offer.

Acknowledge

Acknowledge is to recognise that we have all done things that are wrong. The Bible calls these things sin.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” - Rom. 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” - Rom 6:23

Repent

To repent is to acknowledge that we have done wrong things (sin) and say sorry to God. God is the only one who can forgive wrongdoing.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” - Acts 3:19

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and ill forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” - 1 John 1:9

Believe

To believe is to accept what the Bible says about Jesus. That he was crucified, died, was buried and that he rose again. It is also to trust that God will do what he says he will do.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” - John 3:16

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son…He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” - 1 John 5:11,12

Receive

Receive is to welcome God into our lives. It is to give God control of our lives.

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” - John 1:12

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. - Rev 3:20

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus
I know that I’m a sinner and ask for your forgiveness.
I believe that you died for my sins.
I now invite you to come into my heart and life.
I want to trust you as saviour and follow you as Lord. Amen.

Does this prayer express what you desire? If it does then pray it right now.

Did you sincerely pray the prayer?

The Bible says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev.3:20).This is Jesus speaking. He is knocking at the door of your heart and waiting for you to let him in. If you sincerely prayed this prayer you have opened the door and let Jesus into your life.

The Bible says: “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). John is writing here about Jesus and he says that if you receive Jesus into your life Jesus will not hesitate to come in, but more than that because you have let him in you are now one of his children. If you sincerely prayed this prayer you are now one of God’s children.

This is, however, only the beginning. Like any new baby you will need help to grow and mature. There are three things you really need to do now.

1. Read the Bible. (If you don’t have a Bible contact us on the home page and we will send you a Bible and a reading plan)

2. Tell someone you know who is a Christian about your new experience.

3. Find a church. (If you want to you can contact us here at Jennymount by going to the home page and we will help you begin the Christian life)

May God richly bless you as you walk with him each day from here on.