How do I begin a relationship with Jesus Christ?

First, you must realize that God loves you and wants a relationship with you. The Bible tells us that He paid a very high price for us and cares very deeply for each one of us.

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

1. Our first step toward salvation and a relationship with Jesus Christ is to recognize the sinfulness in our own life and our shortcomings before the Lord.

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. "

2. Once we understand that we are sinners, we need to know the consequences of unforgiven sin - eternal separation from God.

Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death"

3. 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ laid down His life as a Sacrificial Lamb on a rugged cross. Jesus’ blood was shed as an atonement for our sin. He has provided a way for us to be forgiven.

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this. In that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

4. Salvation is a free gift from God, through His son Jesus. And like any gift, it must be received. Salvation is received privately through the heart and publicly by confession.

Romans 10:9-10 - "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

5. The Sinner's Prayer. If you understand the previous verses and know that you need the saving grace of Jesus, please pray the following prayer to receive the Jesus into your life.

"Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I know I need you and you only for my eternal salvation. Forgive me of my sins and come into my life. You are the Lord and I want to walk in your footsteps that I may be more like You. Amen."