What Must I Do?

We can't do anything on our own to solve the problem. We are just not able to get to God by being good, by going to church or trying hard.

On the cross Jesus paid in full for our failures and has made it possible for us to be forgiven and the relationship to be restored. But it is an offer and as such has to be received or rejected. We have a choice.

If you want to receive his offer here are three important steps...

1. ADMIT your need: we are self-centred, disobedient and we need God's forgiveness. We are helpless to do anything about it.
2. BELIEVE that on the cross Jesus took your punishment instead of you (1 Peter 3:18).
3. COMMIT yourself to Him. This requires a specific step (Matthew 11:28).

Becoming a Christian Involves:

A very big commitment. Don't take this step lightly. Realise what it will cost.

1. REPENT - that means turning your back on all your old ways that you know to be wrong. Saying 'sorry' is only a start. It must be expressed in action.
2. SURRENDER - are you willing to hand over your whole life in Christ - your future, money, relationships, job, etc? You must move from independence to dependence on God for all decisions in life.
3. CONFESS -  you can't be a secret disciple. You need to be prepared to admit openly and unashamedly that you are a Christian.

a very simple step

Although Christ makes big demands, they are completely outweighed by the joy of knowing him.

Jesus once likened our lives to a house when He said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)

When we receive Jesus into our lives, immediately our relationship with Him is restored and we can get to know Him as our friend as well as our Lord. Have you heard His voice - that is been aware of both what He offers to you and asks of you?

Open the door

Asking Jesus into our lives isn't just a matter of words, but an attitude of heart. It's no good asking if we don't really mean it. If you genuinely want to open the door and let Him in, here is a prayer that will help you to do that:

'Lord Jesus Christ, I know that I have been self-centred in my life and sinned not only in what I've done but in my thoughts and words as well. I am sorry for the way I've lived and I realise that you died for ME on the cross.

I accept the forgiveness you are offering me, I am willing to turn from my old life and ask you to lead me. NOW I ask you to come into my life not only to save me but to rule my life as well.

Thank you that you have heard my prayer.

CAN I BE SURE?

Yes, you can because Jesus always keeps His promise. Ask yourself, "Where is Jesus now?" If you asked Him to come in He has come in because He promised "I will come in". So where is He? ... In you? ... In the person of his Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "He who comes to me I will not cast out" (John 6:37). That's pretty definite isn't it.

WHAT NOW?

You have begun a new life with Jesus. You need to help that relationship to grow. The best way to get to know somebody is to spend time with them. It's the same with Jesus. This is best done by:

1. Praying daily - put aside a time each day to talk with Jesus, but don't be limited; you can talk to Him at any time (Mark 1:35; Luke 18:1).

2. Reading the Bible - try and read it daily, not haphazardly but read through a book bit by bit...expect God to speak to you. It's good to start with the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John).

3. Meeting other Christians - become a member of a church or fellowship in which you can share and learn (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:25).

4. Be filled with the Spirit - ask Jesus to fill you to overflowing with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11).

5. Baptism - is an essential step in Christian commitment. Talk to the leaders of your church about it.

6. Share it - it's a great help to tell someone about the step you have taken (Romans 10:9).