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We are so glad that you want to know God!
Below are some simple steps that you can follow to know Him in a personal and wonderful way.
FIRST: Realize that you need God.
No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. The word "sin" is an archery term meaning "to miss the mark" - and we all fall short of God's desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, "No one is good – not even one" (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we cannot become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ, and the sin in our lives is a barrier between us and God.
SECOND: Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
The Bible tells us, "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it. And the death of Jesus on the cross is our gateway to God. In essence, the cross crushed the barrier between you and God!
THIRD: Repent of your sin.
The Bible tells us to "repent and be converted" (Acts 3:19 NKJV). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.
FOURTH: Receive Jesus Christ into your life.
Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or
going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take
residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand
at the door (of your life) and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in . . ." (Revelation 3:20
NKJV).
If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply
pray this prayer and mean it with all your heart ...
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and that I have
missed the mark in my life. I understand that there is nothing
in my human power that I can do to "be saved." I believe you
died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open
the door of my heart and life to you.. I confess you as my
personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ
has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow
Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend
eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our
sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse
us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NKJV). To put your
faith in action, be sure to spend time with God by reading
your Bible, journaling, praying, going to church, and telling
others about Christ.
Is There More?
At South Coast Church we say YES! God has
more for you to help you on your journey with Him. God has
graciously given us the Holy Spirit to help and empower us.
The Bible teaches us that this empowering experience happened
to the early church on the day of Pentecost, witnessed in
the form of a wonderful prayer language (Act 2). This experience
was the fulfillment of a promise that Jesus gave the church
about empowerment and comfort (John 14:16; Acts 1:4-5,8).
Many churches believe that this experience was only for the
Biblical days (during the life of the apostles), but at South
Coast, and many other churches we believe that we are still
living in Biblical days ("Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today, and forever." Heb 13:8 NKJV), and that this "baptism"
is still available for all who seek it.
For more information on this topic and other information:
Questions
about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Bible
Reading Plan
16
Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God
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