How to Know JESUS
We are so glad you are here!
The fact that you are here means that you are curious. Perhaps you just want to learn more about Jesus. Maybe you are ready to accept Jesus' offer of salvation. Maybe you are interested in what it means to be Jesus' follower. In any case, we want to be clear about who Jesus is and how you can be one of His followers.
No matter where you are in your faith journey, we are excited to help you. Choosing to follow Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make.
What does it mean to KNOW JESUS?
One of the greatest truths in the Bible is that we not only can know about Jesus, but we can also know Him personally. Lots of people know about Jesus. He is recognized worldwide as an important historical figure. He is the subject of books, movies, and artwork.
But He is much more than that. Jesus is not just an amazing person; He is the Son of God—and God’s free gift to us and Jesus wants to have an active and personal relationship with you! Jesus wants us to know him.
In the Bible in John 3:16 it says, “For God so loved the world that God gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Jesus shall not die but have eternal life.”
What is my first step?
1. Admit that you are a sinner.
While most of us think we are “good people," everyone has done things that are not as God desires. That is called sin. No one can meet God’s perfect standard. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
2. Recognize that as a sinner, you are separated from God.
None of us will ever be good enough for God. Because He is holy and perfect, God must judge sin. The penalty for our sin is eternal separation from God. The Bible explains that because we are sinners, we are separated from God and our sin brings about our death: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
3. Understand that Christ died for your sins and that He rose from the grave.
Here is the good news! Because Jesus loves you, God provided a substitute for the penalty we deserve. When Jesus died on a cross, He took the penalty for our sin. The Bible says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). When Jesus rose again, He conquered the grave forever! His death and resurrection guarantee abundant life for us in this life and eternal life for those who believe in Him.
4. Put your trust in Christ as your Savior and Lord.
God invites you to come into a relationship with Him. The final step is trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord. This means you personally believe that Jesus died on the cross to take the penalty for your sins. He is your SAVIOR. You place your faith in Him to forgive all your sins, and you receive His gift of everlasting life. And you surrender your life to Jesus making him the LORD, or overseer of your life. The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Are you ready? Pray this simple prayer:
God. Thank you for your love for me. I don't deserve your love because of the sin in my life that separates me from You, God. But I now believe that your Son Jesus died on a cross for my sins. Jesus, you gave your life and rose from the dead so I can live. I accept your gift of love and salvation and today choose you to be the Savior and Lord of my life and put my faith in you. AMEN.
If you just prayed that prayer, we are overjoyed to welcome you into the family of God! You have just entered into a life-changing relationship with Jesus that will last forever! We would love to hear from you at ForOurNeighborInfo@gmail.com.
What do I do NEXT?
1. Tell Someone
We encourage you to talk to another Christian you know or contact us about your decision to begin a personal relationship with Jesus. Email us at ForOurNeighborInfo@gmail.com and someone will get in touch with you!
2. Read God’s Word - the Bible
One way to grow as a Christian is to begin the daily practice of reading God’s Word/Bible and spending time in prayer. A good place to start is to download the YourVersion Bible App that is free. It is available for your phone. Once you do, start by choosing a YouVersion reading plan or by reading the book of John. If you need guidance, pleaser contact us at ForOurNeighborInfo@gmail.com.
3. Get Connected to a Church
God designed us to live in community with one another and to grow spiritually together with other followers of Jesus (Acts 2:42–47, Hebrews 10:24–25). If you aren’t already attending church, we encourage you to begin participating in a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church in your area. We'd love to have you at CrossRoads Church at Westfield or we can suggest a church that matches your needs. Let the pastor know that you are a new believer and get connected to fellow Christians who can encourage you in your journey.
What MORE can I expect?
A NATURAL PROGRESSION OF FAITH
In the New Testament there is kind of a natural progression of peopleʼs relationship with Jesus, a shift in their lives.
People often start as strangers to Jesus, from strangers they become admirers, then from admirers they may become believers. Believers - people who believe that Jesus is their Savior and Lord - may then become followers. Followers simply seek to do what Jesus does. And from followers, they may become disciples, disciples who do what Jesus does. While many people know about Jesus, disciples are those who become like Jesus in all that they do and say. Disciples serve Jesus and their neighbors with love.
