Have you ever wondered how to know God and experience the peace that comes from him? It’s an exciting, life-changing journey that can start today. As you read, begin to open your heart to him.

God Wants to Have a Personal Relationship with You.  

God loves you. He made the way for you to know him. When you know him, you can truly experience his peace and abundant life. The Bible says: “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). It also says, “I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). And another powerful verse of Scripture tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The Problem—Sin  

There is a huge gap that separates us all from God and from each other. It’s called sin. Sin is an inherited condition. All human beings sin—logic tells you this is so. The world is full of sin’s effects, and we feel the separation it causes. A restored relationship with God is not automatic. You are separated from him by sin. The Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

 

The Answer—The Cross

God’s love bridges the gap of separation between God and you. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, it was to pay the penalty for your sins. The Bible says: “He personally carried the load of our sins in his own body when he died on the cross” (1 Peter 2:24).

 

What Must I Do to Bridge the Gap?

The good news is this: God already did everything needed to bridge the gap! He is calling you to cross that bridge into his family! He had a plan long before he created the world. It was fulfilled by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the bridge! The separation between you and God is repaired when you receive Christ. He is personally inviting you to do that. The Bible says: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). And there’s more good news! God can help you repair other relationships, too. He’s a great bridge builder!

Have you ever wondered how to know God and experience the peace that comes from him? It’s an exciting, life-changing journey that can start today. As you read, begin to open your heart to him.

 

God Wants to Have a Personal Relationship with You.  

God loves you. He made the way for you to know him. When you know him, you can truly experience his peace and abundant life. The Bible says: “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). It also says, “I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). And a powerful verse of Scripture tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The Problem—Sin  

There is a huge gap that separates us all from God and from each other. It’s called sin. Sin is an inherited condition. All human beings sin—logic tells you this is so. The world is full of sin’s effects and we can feel the separation it causes. A restored relationship with God is not automatic. You are separated from him by sin. The Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

 

The Answer—The Cross

God’s love bridges the gap of separation between God and you. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, it was to pay the penalty for your sins. The Bible says: “He personally carried the load of our sins in his own body when he died on the cross” (1 Peter 2:24).

 

What Must I Do to Bridge the Gap?

The good news is this: God already did everything needed to bridge the gap! He is calling you to cross that bridge into his family! His plan was fulfilled by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the bridge! The separation between you and God is repaired when you receive Christ. He is personally inviting you to do that. The Bible says: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). And there’s more good news! God can help you repair other relationships, too. He’s a great bridge builder!

To begin a personal relationship with God and to experience his peace, here is the starting place:

 

  1. Acknowledge your need of forgiveness. Be honest enough to say, “I have done wrong things and I need God’s forgiveness.”
  2. Repent of your sins. That means turn around and go the other way. God’s way.
  3. Believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him to life again.
  4. Give control of your life to Jesus. That’s how you make him “Lord.” You can do that with a heartfelt prayer. Jesus is saying to you, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in” (Revelation 3:20). The Bible says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Here is a suggested prayer. Read it first and then pray it out loud from your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I need forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I invite you, right now, to come into the very heart of me and make me new. I want to trust and follow You as my own Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let us know you prayed that prayer. We’re all a part of the same family now. We want to celebrate with you!

Did you pray the prayer?

No, I didn’t but I have a question: