How can I know God?

God made us to be in a living relationship with him. Only once you know God can you experience life as he designed it to be lived - full of blessing, joy and peace. And only when you know God can you be sure of where you're going when you die.

It's not hard to begin a relationship with God. Here's what you have to do

We need God

We have to admit our spiritual need. We are all sinners, even though people don't always like to hear it. We all do things that we know are wrong. And that's why we're estranged from God - because God is completely good, and we are not. Romans 3:23 states "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Sin has blocked the way to God

What is the result of sin? In Romans 6:23 we read "The wages of sin is death." Just as criminals must pay the penalty for their crimes, sinners must pay the penalty for their sins. Sinners not only die physically; they will also be separated from God for all eternity - in a place called hell.

God provided a way for us

Since we can never measure up to God's standards, God has reached out to us. We cannot solve the problem of sin, but God can and has. He has become a bridge for us. John 3:16 states " For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Standing at a crossroads

If a person acknowledges that he is a sinner, and that Christ is the solution, he is at a crossroads. Either the person must reject God's solution and accept the consequences, or accept Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Matthew 11:28 says "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Make a choice

God's invitation is clear: we must come to Him. All that remains is a response. Romans 6:23 says "The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." What do we have to do to receive that gift? Just take it! John 1:12 states " To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."

Talk to God

If you would like to receive Jesus Christ into your heart and life right now, pray a prayer something like this from your heart.

Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins. Right now, I turn away from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I receive you as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

New Life

If you prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has forgiven you of all your sin and has taken residence in your heart. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. " (1 John 1:9)

This also means that you are now going to heaven one day. That's a lot to be thankful for. Now find someone to talk to about your decision. Join us at SCLC or another living church to worship God, hear teaching from the Bible, find support from other Christians and grow spiritually. Send us an email if you would like the Pastor to answer any questions by clicking here.

Want to know more about Jesus? Click here: reJesus. www.rejesus.co.uk

Or why not find out more in person by attending one of our Alpha Courses