God desires a relationship with you!
Whether you're starting fresh or starting over, here is how to begin a relationship with Jesus.
You were made to know God and be known by Him.
You know that deep longing to be known, loved, and accepted? All of us have it. It's part of being human, and it comes from God. It's how He designed us.
God created you uniquely. But sin blocks our way to Him and keeps us from feeling His nearness. Sin is the reason God sent Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God, and He restores the relationship we lost. Through Him, we can know God personally once again.
To understand how to begin, consider four words: Loved, Life, Look, and Lead.
You are loved by God
If you've ever asked, "Does God love me?" the answer is yes! You are passionately loved by God and were created to have a relationship with Him. The moment God confronted Adam and Eve about their sin, He also shared His plan to make things right. That response came from love, and the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, is all about love.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." John 3:16-17 (ESV)
Jesus gives life
When we accept God's love, we receive so much more. Jesus came to give us new life, and not just any life: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10, ESV). Salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life come from one source, Jesus Himself. We chase hope and happiness in many places, but only Jesus gives life and brings restoration.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NIV)
Look at and believe in Jesus
What do we need to do to receive this life? Jesus' followers asked Him the same question. We need to see Jesus for who He is, look to Him, and believe in Him. Scripture says those who do will have eternal life. This is Good News!
"For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:40 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit will lead you
When Jesus returned to heaven, He didn't leave us alone. He sent the Holy Spirit, our Helper, Advocate, and Comforter, to guide us into a new and right way of living. Listen for His voice as you walk out your new life. God so loved the world that He gave Jesus to give us life, and He gave the Holy Spirit to guide us.
"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. ... When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth." John 16:7, 13 (ESV)
Pray to Him, and let Him lead you.
Because of Jesus, you can have a real relationship with God. All who believe in Him are called children of God. The words are yours, and God knows and hears your heart. If you'd like some help, you can pray this:
Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins. I have a past that is far from You. I turn over my sin, guilt, and shame to You today. Come into my life and be my daily Father, teacher, and friend. I mark today as a turning point for my new life in You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
When you know who Jesus is and follow Him, you no longer have to wonder, "Does God love me and forgive me?" You have a new life, full of the peace and joy that come from following Christ.
Did you decide to follow Jesus today?
If you prayed that prayer for the first time, or you're coming back to Jesus, we would love to know and to celebrate with you! Tell us, and someone from our team will reach out to help you take your next step.