How Can I Have A Relationship With God?

The God who made the universe created you so that you could enjoy a love relationship with Him. The Bible says: "For God so loved the world, that He sent His only Son…" John 3:16. How do you find that God? How do you reach Him? This is the Good News: God has been seeking you all along! God's Son Jesus said that he "came to seek and to save those who are lost." Luke 19:10.

More than anything else, God wants to have a love relationship with you, but it takes two to have a relationship. Here are some "A-B-C’s" on how to respond to God.

A-- Admit that you need a right relationship with God.

Pride keeps us from doing some of the most important things in life. Don't let your pride keep you from THE most important thing in this life and the next! Consider what God’s word says about your need.

"There is no one who always does what is right, not even one." Romans 3:10
"All have sinned and all fall short of God’s glorious standard." Romans 3:23
"Your sins have separated you from God…" Isaiah 59:2
"When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death…" Romans 6:23a
"Their doom is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur (hell). This is the second death." Revelation 21:8

God is Holy. He hates sin. Our sin separates us from God. But God doesn’t want you to be separated from Him. He doesn’t want you to suffer the ultimate consequences of your sin. He loves you too much. "He does not want anyone to perish, so He is giving more time for everyone to repent." 2 Peter 3:9 NLT

Step number one: Admit that you are a sinner and need God.

B-- Believe that God's Son Jesus Christ makes it possible for you to have a right relationship with God.

There is nothing that you can do, no matter how good or great, to ever restore your relationship with God. God had to take the initiative and do what you could not do for yourself.

"God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8 NLT
"God was in Christ, restoring His relationship with humanity" 2 Corinthians 5:19 NCV

C-- Confess your sin, turn from it, and accept God’s forgiveness.

All of us choose to live our lives like we want to, taking charge, ignoring God, pleasing ourselves. That's what separates us from God. That's why we need His forgiveness.

"We all…have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way…" Isaiah 53:6
"Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God…" Acts 2:38
"You can have forgiveness of your sins through Jesus" Acts 13:38

D-- Dedicate yourself to become a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Beginning a relationship with God means recognizing that God’s plans for your life are ultimately better than your own and then giving Him control of your life. Therefore, you are no longer going your own way, but following Christ from now on. God will require you to make some adjustments in your life in order to follow Jesus.

"Jesus said to all of them, 'If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me.'" Luke 9:23 NCV As "Jesus walked beside the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. `Come follow me’ Jesus said, `and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and they followed Him." Mark 1:16-18 NIV

To sum up, God is saying: "I love you, I want to forgive you of your sin. I want to give you a full life now, and heaven when you die. That’s why I sent Jesus to die on the cross. In order to receive all that I want to give you, you must turn from your sin, trust Jesus to save you, and follow Him as your Lord."

Are you willing to confess and turn from your sin? Are you willing to trust Jesus to save you from your sin? Are you willing to give your life to Jesus and follow Him? If you are willing, then pray a prayer like this:

"God, I’m sorry for my sin, I turn from it, and I trust Jesus to save me.
I thank you for saving me, and I promise to follow Jesus,
and make Him the Lord of my life. Amen."

E-- Express your faith in Christ publicly.

Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is the greatest thing that will ever happen to you! God’s gracious response to your decision means that you’re sins are forgiven, you have a new beginning, a new life, and a new hope. That's a lot to be thankful for! You should be willing to tell others that you have given Him your life. Present yourself to a group of believers (a church) and share your decision with a minister.

Jesus said: "If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33.

F-- Follow through with your decision.

Now that you have decided to follow Christ and live your life for Him, you are probably wondering, "What do I do now? Where do I go from here? Which path do I take on my spiritual journey?"

Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Find a church family to connect with.
2. Present yourself for believer's baptism and church membership.
3. Get a modern translation of the Bible (NIV, NLT, NCV), begin reading it daily, and expect God to speak to you.
4. Begin having conversations with God in prayer.
5. Find your place in the church body--every part has a purpose, a role--and so do you.
6. Share what Christ has done for you.

If you have questions or concerns you would like help with, please call or write and let us know. We're here to help you understand the love that Jesus is offering you for free, no matter who or where you are. E-mail us at info@sbc.net, call (615) 244-2355, or write to us at:

Southern Baptist Convention
901 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN 37203

Jesus said: "Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely I am with you always even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 NIV.

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