Everyone has an opinion about Jesus. Maybe you think He’s a great teacher or a prophet. Maybe you think He was a good man. Whatever you believe, we can probably agree that Jesus changed things. That we all know!
No big deal, right? Plenty of people make the same claim. But Jesus also said He was God. There are so many facts and evidences that validate the truth of the Scriptures. So who does the Bible say Jesus is? Here are a few of the things that Jesus claimed, that set Him and His words apart in history. He said He was the only Son of God. He said He was God in the flesh. He said He lived a sinless life. He said He had to die for us. What was even more amazing was that He rose from the dead, and He’s alive today.
Trust me, you don’t have to measure up to some impossible religious standard to know Christ. There is no list that you have to follow that gets you in good with God. We often say it this way at Turning Point, “you don’t have to earn God to know God.” You really don’t! Religion often teaches us that but Jesus never did. He taught us to “come as you are.” Don’t fix yourself first. Don’t clean up first. Don’t do a few religious good deeds first. In fact, Jesus always said “follow Me.”
Those words and actions of Jesus happened over 2,000 years ago. Why does it matter to you now? How does it affect your life now in your 9 to 5, taking care of your kids, paying bills, or just keeping your head above water? Consider these words of Jesus. “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
It matters because when we know Jesus, we can know God. God, the Creator of the universe, has a plan for your life that is far greater than anything you and I can come up with. In knowing Christ, we can know God's purpose for our life and we don't have to guess. So, why guess when you can know?
We simply have to take a step of faith and believe in Jesus. That’s it! “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
It's what we believe in our heart that makes a difference. It's a personal belief that His death on the cross made me right with God. It's the belief that He came back to life from the dead to give me life. My belief in Christ helps me experience real life in all parts of my life; not just eternity in heaven one day. Although, let’s be honest, that’s pretty amazing as well.
What is even more powerful, is this gift of salvation, it’s a free gift from God Himself. “God saved you by His grace 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). Let’s personalize that truth for a moment. That free gift is for you! I don’t deserve it. You don’t deserve it. None of us do. But that is what grace is. It’s a gift that is given to us that we don’t deserve. So, here is the key question. Why not take that step and believe today? Why not accept the free gift of God’s grace and take the step to have a right relationship with God right now? If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your forgiver and Lord, pray now and tell Him in your own words that you believe in Him and confess Him as Lord. How does that work?
Your prayer might sound something like this: “Dear Jesus, I want to admit my need for You today. I admit that my life is incomplete. I admit that my sins have pretty much messed up my shot at God. So, Jesus, today I take that step of belief. In faith I believe that You gave Your life for me. That You came back to life for me. Jesus, this is my choice. I choose You God. I choose Your purpose and Your plan for my life. Make me brand new. I pray this in Your name Jesus, Amen!”
Believing in Jesus is the first step on the greatest journey of your life. Then, what is next?
Tell us! Seriously, we want to celebrate with you. Email us below on the contact form. We want to hear from you. Tell someone else also. Tell a friend. Tell a family member. It's important to share your experience with someone else.
Why? It's important to grow your faith and that happens best with others. Being a part of a church helps you grow in your understanding of God. It gives you the chance to serve, experience faith, be encouraged, and connect with others who are on the same journey as you. Just know that you are welcome here at Turning Point Church! Come attend, grow, and ask the questions you want to ask.
If you want to know more of what it means to follow Christ, it's good to read about what He taught. It's important to take His truths and begin to learn, understand, and live them. There are a ton of great resources but here are a couple to get you started. Check out these reading plans called: What's Next? or The Journey. You might even still be considering Christ. Here are a couple more reading plans that we believe will help you work through some of your questions. Take a look at Undecided or Unconvinced.
