Becoming a follower of Christ is the most significant event that will ever take place in your life. Taking such a step means being restored into the original purpose for which you were created! Know this – God will never abandon you. He has brought you this far and He will complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). He cares deeply for you!

How can I know I have a relationship with God?
Jesus died and rose from the dead so that you could have a personal relationship with God – the One who loves you, sustains you and created you for His Glory (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

You are a follower of Christ and have received His gift of salvation if you have:

• Acknowledged God’s love for you, which He expressed in an ultimate way by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you and lead you into Life as it’s meant to be (John 3:16);
• Humbled yourself before God by acknowledging your sin, which includes the different ways you have rebelled against His rule in your life (James 4:10; Matthew 5:3; 1 John 1:9-10);
• Trusted in Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for you, by which He paid the infinite price for your sin so that you won’t have to pay that penalty for all eternity (Romans 3:21-26;  6:23);
• Received Him as your Lord and Savior (John 1:12; Colossians 2:6);
• Rested in the assurance that it is through Jesus Christ alone that you have been save (it’s not through any ‘good works’ you have done – those come as a result of your salvation) (Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:13). You now can enjoy peace with God (Romans 5:1-2) and the Life that He alone can provide (John 5:24; John 10:10)!

What is prayer?
Because of His intense love for you, God desires to relate with you and have you get to know Him – that’s your life’s highest purpose! A relationship involves two-way communication. So talking with God – prayer – is vital to your walk with Him. 1 Peter 3:12 says “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.” God is leaning in close to hear your prayer. Talk to Him and tell Him what is on your heart – no formula needed.

How do I read the Bible?
A primary way God speaks to us is through His Word. Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  One of the best things you can do for your spiritual growth is to spend time reading the Word of God daily. The biggest question, of course, is “Where do I begin?” We have included a Bible Reading Plan that guides you through the entire Bible in one year. You can jump in at any time.  Another option is to simply begin reading through the Gospel of John and read it all the way through – it gives a great summary of Christ’s life and teaching.

Do I follow Christ alone?
In Hebrews 10:24-25, we read, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It’s important to spend time with other followers of Christ so you can encourage each other to grow in your faith.

What about baptism?
Jesus instructed us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Sprit…” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism does not make a person a Christian but is an important public display of a believer’s commitment to Christ.

What’s the next step I could take?
“Starting Point” is a perfect next step to get involved with a small group of like-minded people who can help you continue on your journey with God. It is a ten week small group for those seeking or starting a relationship with God.

Questions?
Contact Pastor Rob Bentz at 719.388.4981 or click here to email him.