Got Jesus?

I mean do you really know Jesus? Was he just someone you learned about when you went to church as a child but put behind you when you became a learned adult? Or maybe you go to church every now and then, and Jesus is something you think about on Sunday mornings, but put aside for everyday living? Or maybe you've never really known about Him at all, but you're turned off by the church's scandalous and seemingly hypocritical actions? Well, forget what you've been told by others and check out the source for yourself. The Bible tells it like it is.

1. God loves you!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

God is not some distant, ancient force that wants nothing to do with this puny little planet and its inhabitants. He is an omnipotent, omnipresent, loving, caring God, that wants to hear from you and see you live an abundant life with His help.

2. Man is sinful
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

Here's the hangup. God wants to be in fellowship with us, but God is holy and hates sin, and although God is infinitely merciful, He is also a just God, and that means somebody's gotta pay for the sin of man. Which leads to the next point...

3. Jesus gave His life to pay our debt.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

God sent His only son to suffer and die for us. Do we deserve it. NO! Its an unreciprocated gift. Was there any other way that things could've been done? Well, in a word, NO! If there was another way, don't you think God would've done it?

4. Take the free gift already
Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him." (Revelation 3:20)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Can we pay this debt ourselves? NO! Even Mother Theresa on her best day wasn't good enough to enter into the presence of God on her own accord. So what does this mean? It means that Christ's death is a gift to us from God. If we accept that gift by FAITH alone, and not trying to jump through hoops to try to gain God's favor, we are saved. Just believe that Jesus Christ died for you and say a prayer something like this:

Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your salvation. I believe that You died for me and rose again. I now call upon Your name and ask You to save me. Thank You. Amen.

5. So now I'm saved...
Now I can get away with anything, because God forgives all, RIGHT? WRONG! If you are truly repentent and earnest in your faith while praying that prayer, you will want to do everything you can to draw closer to God. And that means getting your act straight!

6. Crack open a Bible.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness... (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

There's nothing like hearing the Word straight from the source. I hear ya when you say the Bible can be difficult to understand at times. Pick up a NIV version of the Bible that has explanatory notes right on the pages. It makes a big difference.

7. Check out some sound Bible based churches.
There's no law against just popping into a few different churches over the course of a few weeks, months, whatever. That's what I did. I experienced everything from rigid, quiet services to all-out electric guitar rock worship. When I found a church that had a service I was comfortable with, I took a closer look at the denomination's theology, history, practices, or whatever I could find. Don't be in a hurry to become a member of a particular church. Attend for a while. Talk to the pastor. Talk with some of the members. See if you are on the same page as they are. Maybe you aren't yet, but time will tell. If after an extended time, you find that you'd be better suited elsewhere, go! The spirit of God that dwells within you will lead you to where you need to be. Be listening!

8. You are a work in progress.
Don't expect to be a saint overnight. Accepting Christ is just the first step on the long road of growth that you'll be taking. You'll make mistakes and do things that aren't very Christian-like. Everybody does. The catch is to be repentant for it, and try to learn from the experience and grow into a better person.

9. Pray!
Don't go this alone. Talk to God anywhere, anytime, anyhow. He's ready to listen. Give thanks for all that you have. Make a request or two. You'll be astonished at how your prayers are answered.

10. Be a witness.
Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and respect. (1Peter 3:15)

And he said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)

Does this mean I have to wear a black suit and tie and go door to door asking people if they know Jesus? NO! It simply means let you light shine through your life and they way that you live it, and when someone inquires, or the subject of faith comes up in a conversation, you step up to the mic and tell'em what you know! Just make sure you know what you're talking about first, and do it with love and respect for those in earshot. If someone is not to keen on hearing you out, or is getting belligerent, just back off or remove yourself from the conflict.

I hope you found this info helpful and I pray that God moves you to search your soul and find that God is the missing piece you've been seeking.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU!