It’s not about church or religion. We all need Jesus.  Jesus is the revelation of God’s vast love.   After all, how many kings on earth would send their own son into a corrupt world – to die in place of his people?  Yet, that is exactly what the King of the Universe did.   Jesus who is: 100% God and 100% man, stepped out of the serenity of the presence of God, and condescended into our dimension to be with us. He performed miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead.  He was perfect in every way.

WHY DO WE NEED JESUS? / HIS PURPOSE

Because of our sinful nature, we would perish in the face of a glorious holy God. Yet, God so longs for us to be in His presence. Jesus, the Christ came knowing His purpose: To die for all individuals, as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. A sacrifice is something given to cover a debt.  Just think about it: A perfect God came as a man and died for you and me so we won’t have to be isolated from Him; so we can enjoy life with Him, clean and forgiven, now and forever – no matter what we ’ve done.  God is love.

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH PERSON

God did all of this, because He wants a relationship with each of us.  Jesus wants you to know that He understands when someone wrongly mistreats you; when you are saddened at the loss of a loved one; when you are rejected; when you are sick; when you are tempted; when you are lonely.  He was subjected to all of this.  Jesus understands.

HE'S ALIVE!

The Bible says Jesus came back to life again two days after his death at the cross.   One way this is substantiated is the historical account from hundreds of resurrection witnesses. Their bold spreading of the gospel despite being grizzly persecuted against, cancels any doubt of their sincere witness to His resurrection;(Nobody hastens their own torture for knowingly spreading a lie).   There was no evidence of a stolen grave body or imposter. His resurrection proved He was deity. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus said, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” Jesus is alive, working on our behalf, and reigning God the Father.

PRAYER FOR A NEW LIFE

You can enter into this inheritance now, by responding to to God now. If you'd like a relationship, and begin experiencing a new life “in Jesus”, here is a good beginning:   Simply pray to Him.   To God, the words aren’t as important as your heart of sincerity.  You might pray something like:

“Jesus. I need you. I am sorry I've sinned against you. I want You to forgive me of my sin, and help me to turn my life toward you.  I want to put you first now and forever.  I lay down all other things in my life, including myself, which I have put in Your place.  Please teach me. Lead me to love You, and to love others like You do for the rest of my life.  Amen.”

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Corinthians 5:17)

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Bible says that if we sincerely receive Jesus’ love, that His Holy Spirit, (the third aspect of God) comes into our lives and begins working.  It is why Jesus calls it, being “re-born”. You may sense a difference immediately, and you may not.  Your realization of the Holy Spirit working in you may be in gradient steps.  Similar to a lump of clay, your life will take new shape in the Potter’s hands. God’s timing differs with each person.  It is important to remember that being re-born in Jesus is much deeper than a temporary high. Life will not suddenly be utopia. Sometimes it will be wonderful, and sometimes it will be painful.  But, life will always be with Jesus in you!  And, that is more precious than anything on this earth.

GROWING AS A NEW BELIEVER

It's a process. Here are some important habits, for releasing God’s power and presence in your life:

1. Pray and Praise:  You can pray anywhere, allowed or in silence.  Long or short it doesn’t matter.  You can ask Him for help, pray for others, thank Him for what you have, confess your sin to Him. It is also important to spend time "listening" to Him with your heart. Find a worship CD you like at the local Christian book store. Use this music as a devotion to God, and sing a song to Him -- anywhere! He loves a heart of sincere worship.
2. Read the Bible daily:  It is our handbook straight from Him. The Bible is a spiritually dynamic way of hearing from God. If you’d like an accurate contemporary translation, click here: NEW BELIEVER'S BIBLE The Bible is loaded with goodness, so read for depth. The Book of John is a good place to start. It's important to stop and meditate and pray often for wisdom on what you are reading. He will guide you if you ask Him.
3. Find Other Believers:   We need one another.  Jesus said that “when two or more are gathered in my name, I will be with them also.”  It is a powerful and necessary way to grow closer to God. Find a church home that is a good fit. Here is a link to for balanced criteria to consider in a church home: FINDING A CHURCH HOME
4. Tell Others:  You’ve just received the most beautiful news!  There is no greater act of compassion than sharing with others God's peace plan. Allow God to create the right momments to share. However, if you practice these four steps of relationship with God, others will probably ask you first: ..."Why do you seem different?"...

Recipient of 8 "Excellence in Media" Angel Awards