"'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'"

Early church leaders Paul and Silas (Acts 16:30-31)

What do you need to do if you are longing to experience God in a real, personal way? Or in words Paul and Silas heard above, "What must I do to be saved?" Others ask it this way, “What must I do to become a Christian?” The answer may be to simply to relax and accept what already is.

• If you acknowledge that you are a sinner in the eyes of God and you need mercy from God… 

• If you acknowledge that your sin deserves severe judgment by God…

• If you acknowledge that out of abundant love God sent Jesus Christ to deal with your sins…

• If you trust in Jesus Christ as your only means of salvation and desire to place him at the center of your life…

If you already acknowledge these realities in faith, you don’t need to “become” a Christian, you are one.

Perhaps you have not been ready for the step of trusting God with your life and future. Perhaps you’ve felt unworthy of salvation because of your past. Perhaps you’ve thought good works and keeping rules saved you. Maybe you thought you were saved because you prayed a prayer without experiencing a change of heart.

The good news is that Jesus is calling you to trust and believe that he has done all the work. Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection means we are forgiven and set free to live an abundant life with God here on earth and in eternity.

If you are ready to believe and receive God's gift of salvation, simply talk to God and commit your life Him. You could pray the following prayer.

"Dear Lord Jesus, I admit that I’ve fallen short. I’ve sinned and need your forgiveness. I believe that You lived, died and rose again so that I could be connected to God. I confess you as my life Leader and commit my life to You. I give you my past, present and future. Take my life and use it. I give it to You. Amen."

This is not a magical incantation. The words only have meaning as they reflect what is already in your heart. But know this: in the relationship you have with Christ through faith:

• Christ comes into your life (Revelation 3:20; Colossians 1:27)

• Your sins are forgiven (Colossians 1:14)

• You become a child of God (John 1:12)

• You receive eternal life with God (John 1:12)

• You begin the great adventure for which God created you (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

If you prayed to meet Jesus, please let us know! If you have any questions, we want to help you take a next step. Stop by the church this Sunday.