Developing a Relationship with God on His Terms
When we sin, we cause a break in the relationship God designed for us to have with Him from before the time when we were born. It's true for all of us - the Pope, Billy Graham, the President of the United States.
Romans 3:23 says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
Romans 6:23 says "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus"
How do we repair that break? On our own strength or good works, we can't. The Bible describes a continuing process for how it can happen, though.
It starts with Faith.
2 Timothy 3:15 says the Bible is "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God"
Belief is also a core element.
John 3:16: 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.
Romans 10:9: If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Belief alone, though doesn't change anything. James 2:19 says "Even the demons believe that-and shudder."
Repentance is a change of heart, and a change of direction.
Acts 2:38: Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Confession is agreeing that Jesus is who He said He is, and speaking up for Him.
Romans 10:9-10: "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Philippians 2:10-11: "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Baptism is a step the Bible describes as being the place where we put our faith, our belief, our repentance and confession into action. It's the step where publicly declare, "I want Jesus to rule my life."
Acts 2:38: Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 6:3-4: Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Galatians 3:27: "for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Living Faithfully is what God calls us to do as this process takes place in our lives. For more information, contact .