I have some questions about God...

“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Is there a God?
Yes! Nature itself declares there is a God, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and space shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1.

God came to earth in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible says in John 16:28 says, “I (Jesus) came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

Does God love me?
Yes! Look at what He did to show that love. “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

But I am messed up, is it too late?
No! . “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Is living a good life enough? I really am a pretty good person.
Even though we may seem good in our own eyes, everyone messes up and we all need God. “For all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23

What do I have to do to be acceptable to God?
Believe in Jesus as your forgiver and your God. “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s judgment.” Romans 5:8,9

How should I respond to Jesus’ gift of salvation?
It’s not enough to intellectually agree with Jesus’ teachings. If you read the Bible and recognize Jesus as the true Son of God, a man who walked the earth, lived a perfect life, died and rose again from the dead, you must choose to cross the line of faith and receive His gift of salvation. “God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8, 9.

This is a once-for-all decision. A “process” follows, but you have to start by inviting Him into your life and accepting that He paid the debt you owed for your sin but could never pay yourself. Pray something like this, “Jesus, I acknowledge my sin and Your payment for it on the cross. I want to commit my whole self to you now, and for the rest of my life.”

How can I experience meaning and purpose in life?
By following Jesus and by cultivating your relationships with God and with other people. Jesus said; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40.

What’s next?
Ask God to reveal Himself to you in Scripture. Begin reading the Bible! Start with the New Testament books of John, Acts, and Romans. Try using the Bible Reading & Prayer Journal. It can help you develop solid Bible reading and prayer skills so that you can better understand how to apply Biblical truth's to your life.

Tell a trusted Christian friend – someone you know who takes their faith seriously. They can be a good support for you! Soon, you will want to share what Jesus has done in your life with all your friends!

Once you have made a commitment to Jesus Christ, consider baptism. Acts 2:41, “Then those who gladly received His word were baptized.” Notice, baptism is not part of salvation, it let’s others know that you have made a commitment to Jesus Christ.

Attend church, take a class, or you may want to get connected to a Small Group that meets in homes. There you can make great friendships!

But if you have questions, always feel free to call 440-236-8282 and ask to speak with one of our pastors. We want to be a help to you as you explore faith in Jesus Christ.