Choosing to Become a Christian

You Are Invited

The invitation to become a Christian, a Christ follower, is not exclusive. The Bible says "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)

Recognize Our Need and Turn to Change our Ways

No one is perfect. We all fall short of being worthy. The Bible says "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." (I John 1:8)

We don’t need to be perfect because God has provided another option. The Bible goes on to say "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

You won’t regret becoming a Christian. The Bible says "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret." (2 Corinthians 7:10a)

You will be refreshed! The Bible says "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19)

Believe In God and Receive His Gift of Forgiveness and Life in Heaven

God will make you a part of His family. The Bible says "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12)

God offered "plan B" because he loves us and wants us to join Him in heaven. His justice required death for our sins. Jesus took our place and died so that we could be forgiven. God raised Jesus giving Christians victory over death. The Bible says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)

We don’t deserve it (we fell short on "plan A") and we can’t buy it, but it is offered to us as a gift! The Bible says "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

Action Time

You’ve read this far. Do you believe it? Are you ready to repent and confess your own sin? Do you believe God will give you eternal life in heaven (and his help on earth too)? Are you ready to receive it and live the Christian life?

Yes? If so, just tell Him. No matter where you are, you can talk to God and tell Him these things and He will hear you!

No? If you think you have not sinned, you are deceiving yourself. If you’re not sure of the rest, you can tell God that too. If you sincerely want to know more, He’ll help you see it. Start by searching for information. Read the Bible…you’ll probably wish to read the New Testament first. Study it, Question it…don’t quit until you find truth and have peace deep inside about it.

Now What Do I Do?

Just as people need food to live, our souls need food to thrive as well. So, how can we "feed" our souls?

Scripture. Read the Bible, memorize it, think about it. Don’t expect to understand it all, but find the joy and satisfaction in applying the things you do learn and understand.

Prayer. Talk to God. Tell him about your day. Ask him to help you learn and understand. Thank him for things. Praise him for who he is…loving, faithful, gracious, patient, just, trustworthy...God. Confess when you mess up and ask for forgiveness for it. Be God’s child and friend.

Fellowship. Meet with other Christian believers. Visit some churches where you can worship God and learn more. Check their teaching against the Bible. When you find one that is Scriptural and works for you commit yourself to it. Get involved. Make friends. Other Christians will be a great resource for friendship, learning, Bible study, keeping you accountable, praying with and for you...

Share. There is great satisfaction in helping others. Giving someone a little lift when they’re down or helping at a local food pantry or raising funds to build wells in places where the people do not have access to clean water. The ultimate sharing is to share the invitation of God to join his family for eternal life in heaven.

You have started on the greatest adventure in life’s journey. Will you have doubts? Sure, it’s normal. The Bible says "We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." (1 John 5:19) Just because the evil one has lost you doesn’t mean he will quit. But you have the power to win. The Bible says "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (I Corinthians 10:13).

When you doubt, talk to God and remind yourself of what the Bible says. Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for us. The Bible says "In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me." (John 14:2-3a)

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