Jesus Can Change Your Life
So many times in our lives we are searching for answers to problems, situations, and the circumstances life brings to us. Our focus is not about denominational issues, it is about a relationship with Jesus Christ and how to minister to each other in the Criminal Justice system. Denominations can divide us; Jesus is the great healer and can make us one in Him, if we know Him. That brings the question of how I can have a relationship with Jesus Christ? What must I do to have this relationship with Him?
There are some basic thought processes the Holy Spirit must guide you through. The first realization is that a relationship with Christ is not based on what we do or say, but in what He did for you. He paid the price for you by shedding His blood and sacrificing His life for you, so He could have a relationship with you. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6 (NASB). We must realize this truth and consider the following:
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Am I a sinner?
“As it is written, there is none righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10 (NASB)
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Why am I a sinner and where did sin come from?
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 (NASB)
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We have all sinned and the penalty for sin is separation from God:
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NASB)
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The payment for a relationship:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NASB)
Before we come to know Christ, we must first admit this inability to save ourselves, and confess that the only way for us to be saved is to surrender ourselves totally to Him. We must ask for His forgiveness, realizing we are sinners.
God’s provision and promise for us to know Him:
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Christ died for you and me:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (KJV)
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God loved us so much that He sacrificed His only son to pay our sin debt so we could have a relationship with Him:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)
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How can I have this relationship with Christ?
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NASB)
“For who ever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NASB)
Jesus, change my life!
We all must make the decision for ourselves; and the decision is between a life with Jesus, in our lives, or a life without Him. No one said it more bluntly than Jesus Himself: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3 KJV). It is not enough to say you believe God, for the demons believe too, and tremble (James 2:19 KJV). Repent (turn) from your sins and lay hold of life!
In your own words, pray the following now and ask God to save you:
1. Admit that you’re a sinner.
2. Confess to the Lord that you have been asleep/dead and unable to save yourself.
3. Ask God to give you new life and vitality just as He gave Christ new vitality when He raised Him from the dead.
4. Ask God to take away your sin in exchange for His righteousness.
5. Explain to God that you have decided to turn from your sin and to live the life He has given you for His glory.
Once you have made this decision in your life, Jesus Christ has saved you and you have a new heart and the Holy Spirit now dwells within your life. This is a private matter between you and God, no matter what you have done in your life, Jesus’ payment for your sin on the Cross will save you, all you have to do is be willing to let Him into your life.
Ok, what do I do now?
“Therefore, everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33(NASB)
Let someone know about your decision and make it public, let them minister to you and help you grow.
Contact us- we would love to hear from you! Please feel free to ask us any questions you have about becoming a Christian, or tell us about your decision to follow Jesus Christ.
Please let us know how we can serve you by sending us an e-mail at: info@northfloridafcpo.org