How to Know Jesus

Dear visitor,

There is a good reason why you are currently reading this. It’s probably because something inside is nudging. That’s called the Holy Spirit. God is always trying to get our attention. As it is written, Jesus is the Author and finisher of our faith and salvation. This means that the nudging is the Author starting to write on our heart.

The information below are items to ponder on. The Author is trying to get our attention, so we should talk to Him. The moment our mouths open and we say “God…”, our faith has been activated and He has something to work with. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. I pray for the continue work He is doing in your life and that your eyes may be opened, ears unlocked, and your heart is prepared to receive. In Jesus name, amen.

 

Recognize that God loves us and has a plan for our life.

His love includes you and I, and all of His creation –
“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” (John 3:16).

He has new life for us –
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

He has a plan for us –
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Recognize that sin separates us from God

“Sin” is choosing our own way in rebellion against God’s will. When we choose the world instead of God, we walk away from life.

Everyone has sinned –
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Sin brings death –
“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

Our own efforts cannot save us –
As sinners and selfish man, we futilely try to find life’s true meaning in the wrong ways and places.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil,  in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.” (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, recommended reading Deut 30:11-20)

Recognize that Jesus Christ took the wrath of God for us and conquered the grave

Jesus Christ died in our place –
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

He is the way to new life –
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

He gives inner peace –
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

He gives freedom –
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces” (Psalm 107:14). “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1).

He gives eternal life –
“But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

We must confess, repent, and ask God for forgiveness

Admit and confess our sins to God –
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Confess means:

  • A verbal admittance
  • To agree with God

Repentance means:

  • To morally feel remorse
  • A pricking of heart because of the consciousness of guilt
  • To think differently
  • To reconsider
  • Reversal of decisions

Forgiveness is promised –
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach: because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:8-11).

Place our trust in Christ and receive Him as your Savior

Christ is ready –
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in” (Revelation 3:20).

Receive him now –
“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).

Believing means:

  • To have faith in Jesus Christ
  • Trusting in Jesus Christ
  • Committing to Jesus Christ
  • To rely upon Jesus Christ
  • To obey, yield to, and make friend
  • To entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Jesus Christ

Pray this prayer with a true heart. Please note that salvation is not gained by merely repeating some words that someone said to pray. It’s about a relationship with Christ and standing in agreement with God Almighty (confession and repentance). Once again, these words are just a guide. Salvation is not a formula. Ultimately, we should talk to God as a friend and from the heart. If there was a formula, the closest is the scripture after this prayer. But, again, these things are not just an outward action, there is an inward surrendering –

Lord Jesus, I want to have life. I confess that I am a sinner (confess our sins) and I deserve to pay the penalty for my own sins. I need Your forgiveness and pardon. I believe that You died and rose again for me and paid the debt of my sin. I now accept You as my personal Savior. I will forsake my sinful life and I repent of my sinful ways. I know that Your grace and power will enable me to live for You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and for giving me a new life. Amen.

Romans 10:9-11 That if you shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture says, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

For help in living a meaningful life in Christ:

  • Be fully convinced of Christ’s forgiveness. The enemy will try to deceive – “You’re not worthy.”
  • Repent from old sinful habits. The enemy’s attacks will be in full force now.
  • Read our Bible, pray, and seek God’s counsel, daily. The enemy never sleeps and these are the weapons of our warfare.
  • Gather together with other Christians. The enemy will turn up the heat with unbelievers trying to pull us away from God.
  • Become a part of a Church family who will assist us as well as we can assist them, unity.
  • Get involved in a discipleship program because coming to Christ is only the beginning, not the end.

For anyone who has newly come to Christ, I have found this to be solid advice. People have called me the very next day saying, “Thank you, it happened just as you advised.” Here is my advice.. Beware – When we were lost in sin, the enemy had us where he wanted us. He had no reason to pay attention to us as we were already dead. The moment we started to seek out God, we become a blip on the enemy’s radar. Attacks will come, if they haven’t already begun. Be very watchful and pray. Many people have had relationship problems the next day, huge temptations, loss of jobs, ex-sex partners calling them, and so on. Beware… but don’t worry.. you are with Christ. You can smile now and know that these things are conquered.. simply pray, read the word, and turn away from the thing. It is merely a distraction. Disappoint the enemy…

Welcome home..