It is our desire that everyone come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You were created by God, and He has a purpose for your life (Ephesians. 2:10). However, because of sin, we are separated from God. Romans 3:23 says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

God is perfect and completely good. He cannot tolerate sin. He cannot ignore our disobedience. His Word says "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). This means that the punishment we deserve for our rebellion is eternal separation from God. The good news is that the Bible tells us that "God showed his great love for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8). God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place. Jesus lived a sinless life on earth and was crucified even though He did not deserve it. He chose to die in our place.

But, Jesus did not remain dead. He rose after three days and is in Heaven now! He will return for those who have trusted in Him as Savior. "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). The only way to God the Father is through Jesus Christ. You cannot be saved by going to church. You cannot be saved by being baptized. It is only by asking Jesus to be your Savior and the Lord of your life that you can be saved from eternal separation from God.

The Bible tells us to "repent and be converted" (Acts 3:19). To repent means to change direction. Instead of running from God, we run toward Him. No matter what you have done in the past, Jesus is willing to forgive you. He will not reject you. He said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in…" (Revelation 3:20). Jesus is knocking on the door of your life. If you admit that you are a sinner and truly ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, He promises to forgive you.

If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then pray this prayer and mean it with all of your heart:

"Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. I turn from my sin and open the door of my heart and receive you as Lord and Savior. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen."

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, then Jesus has forgiven you and has taken residence in your heart. Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in Heaven.

To grow stronger in your faith be sure to spend time with God reading His Word and praying. You need to get connected with a local church that can help you mature in your new relationship with God. If we can help you in any way please contact us. We would love to hear about your new walk of faith and we invite you to join us at Crossroads next Sunday morning.