How do I begin my faith journey?

We begin our faith journey by examining the countless truths that are found in God’s message to mankind called the Bible.  The Bible contains everything we need to know to live our lives in the manner in which our Heavenly Father  intended.  God’s message to us makes three things clear………

First, the Bible says that mankind has a problem, and that problem is called sin. Sin is any action or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard. Every one of us has the problem of sin (Romans 3:23). And the Bible teaches us that there is a consequence to sin - sin separates us from a holy God. In fact, the Bible tells us that end result of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and that there is nothing that we ourselves can do to solve the problem of sin.   All the best attempts in the world will not bridge the gap between sinful people and a holy God.

Second, the Bible says that there is a solution to the problem of sin, and that solution is the person of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).  The Bible tells us that God loved us so much that he sent Jesus, His only Son, to die in our place (John 3:16). Jesus paid the penalty of your sin so that you would not have to be forever separated from God (I John 4:10). The Bible also tells us that Jesus is the only solution for our sin problem (John 14:6)

Third, the Bible demands a decision. It is not enough to just know about Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for you. You must choose to put your trust in Christ, to receive this free gift of salvation that God offers (John 1:12)

Receiving Christ is the first step in our Christian Journey

To receive Christ is as easy as knowing your ABC’s.   

A.         Admit that you sin. 
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

B.         Believe that Jesus died for your sins and He rose from the dead and is alive today. 
“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.”  Romans 10:9  

“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

C.         Confess that Jesus is Lord and Savior of your life.
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”  Romans 10:10

A Simple Prayer of Commitment

Prayer is the way believers talk to God.  Your prayer should be your own and it should be from your own heart to His.  Below is an example for you to go by if you're not in the habit of praying.

Dear God, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way.  I realize I need you in my life and I’m sorry for my sins and I ask you to forgive me.  Thank you for dying on the cross for me.  Please help me to understand it more.  As much as I know how, I want to follow you form now on.  Please come into my life and make me a new person inside.  I accept your gift of salvation.  Please help me to grow now as a Christian.  In Jesus Name I Pray.  Amen.

The Bible says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." So if you have asked Him into your life, and believe He died to save you, you are a Christian, bound for Heaven.

More Steps in your Christian Journey

1.         A believer in Christ needs a Christian family (local church).  “….you are a member of God’s very own  
            family…and you belong to God’s household with every other Christian.”  (Ephesians 2:19 –Living Bible)

2.         A believer in Christ should be baptized.  “Those who accepted his message were baptized…..” Acts 2:41

3.         Read your Bible to understand Christ better.  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, 
            rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped  
            for every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17

4.         Talk to God in prayer every day.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
            petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

5.         Share with others about Christ.  "The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him,
           but Jesus sent him away, saying, 'Return home and tell how much God has done for you.' "  Luke 8:38,39a

6.         Demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others.  "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God
            with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest
            commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "  Matthew 22: 37-38

If you are beginning your spiritual journey and would like to talk with someone please email us at minister@missionchurch.org .   Someone will be glad to assist you as you take steps along the path.