Take the Next Steps
Jesus is calling YOU! Following Him is not about joining a religion - it is about having a relationship with the God who created you, loves you, and desires to walk with you. Regardless of what you have walked through in life - Jesus calls you today - just as you are. Nobody is too broken or too hurt that Jesus can't renew. Pretty cool, huh? And all you have to do is say - "Jesus, I want to follow you."
We were made to walk in intimate relationship with our Creator, God. But when sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, it separated us from God. The punishment for that sin was eternal separation from Him. But God loves us so much, He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to save us. Jesus came to earth and suffered death on the cross to atone for our sins. Jesus paid the ultimate price so we don't have to! Because His blood was shed on the cross, we can now live free under the grace and mercy of Jesus. When we confess that Jesus is Lord and through his sacrifice - we are saved and our sins are washed clean! This is the Good News of Jesus! And it is why He calls out to you, "Follow Me!"
So, what do you do now?
1. Pray - If you are ready to invite Jesus into your life, into your heart, and give your life to the only One who can fill the void - pray this prayer.
"Jesus, thank you for loving me. I confess that I am a sinner. I know that you are the Son of God. I believe you came to earth and died on the cross for my sin. I want to live for you and turn away from sin in my life. Please change my heart as I begin to learn about you. Reveal yourself to me and help me know you."
There is no wrong way to pray. If you have never prayed before it might seem odd, almost like talking to a stranger. But that is ok. Some of the most powerful prayers simply say "Jesus, I want to follow you." As your faith grows, so will your prayer relationship and the comfort you have sitting in intimate quiet with Jesus. Just know, He hears you, He loves you - Come as you are and let his love change you day by day.
2. Read - the Bible is the living Word of God. This means that God uses the Bible to actively reveal himself to us and speak to us daily. It is unlike anything you have ever read! But, we understand it can seem overwhelming to dive into. Some of it might not make a whole lot of sense at first, but it will.
We suggest starting with the New Testament. Spend time learning about Jesus. Who He is. What He did when he was here on earth. Learn about the promises Jesus gives us for eternal life!
The New Testament in the Bible starts with the Book of Matthew and continues chronologically until the end, in Revelation. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all tell the story of Jesus and his time on earth. They are great places to start. Then Acts and Romans next!
Need a Bible? We suggest getting an ESV or NIV version! Click this LINK to one on Amazon for only $10! Don't have the money yet to buy one? You can always read online for free HERE.
3. Engage - One of the best and most important things you can do as a new believer is get involved in a church and connect with other believers who encourage you, support you, and help guide you through your journey. There are so many great churches all around us. Find a Christian Bible teaching church near you. Spend some time meeting people after a service, and get plugged in.