Salvation

It doesn't take a rocket scientist or deep thinker to realize that something is terribly wrong in the world. The largest section in any major book store today is "Self-Help" and in spite of the thousands of books about how to "Make You a Better You" or "How to Fix... (fill in the blank)", we are still living in a world filled with hurt and sorrow. So where do we go to answers and the remedy? We believe the Bible has the answers! And not only the answers... but the cure!

The earth is cursed because of sin - and we too are sinners and have rebelled against a holy God like the first man, Adam

(Genesis 3, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6; 64:6, Proverbs 14:12, Hebrews 9:27, James 4:17)

The penalty for our sin is death & separation from God

(Romans 5:12-19; 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:21, Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 1:21)

God has provided a perfect sacrifice for the sins of many through the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ

(John 3:16, Acts 2:22-41, Romans 5:8, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 2:14-17, 1 Peter 1:19-20; 3:18)

What must one do to receive this gift of sacrifice and be saved?

(John 14:6, Acts 4:12; 16:1-34, Romans 10:1-13, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 1:1-10)

Admit to God that you are sinner
Believe that Jesus Christ is God's son and that He (Jesus) paid the sin debt for all who would believe
Repent and receive Jesus Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins
Confess Jesus Christ as the Master, Lord, and Savior of your life

There is no magical prayer or phrase you have to repeat after a preacher... the best you know how in your own words simply admit to God that you are a sinner (it will not take Him by surprise... He already knows - you are just coming into agreement with Him), repent of your sins (this may be a little ugly... your sins are not pretty. And don't forget... there is a difference between remorse and repentance - you will not fool God) and ask God to forgive you for your sins by the death of Jesus Christ (this is the really cool part... God does exactly that because He is not a liar - He forgives you and adopts you into His family). And of course, I would conclude your prayer by thanking God for His son who paid your sin debt and for His salvation given to you by grace through faith that has brought you to this place right now.

Now... the brutal crawl begins. Why? Because the Bible says you are newborn child of God... and what do babies do? CRAWL! Here are some ways you can begin to learn to walk and strengthen your relationship with God:

Establish a time to read the Bible and pray daily (we recommend you begin with the Gospel of John)
Get a Bible (the NIV or ESV are good translations) and a notebook and pen/highlighter to journal your thoughts, questions, and even prayers
Start attending a Bible teaching church where you can grow spiritually in community with others (of course, we highly recommend us)
Pray to God often to share your joys, problems, and to confess your sins (yup... you are still going to fall but you'll soon be standing strong in faith)
Share everything you have learned right here with others... they too need to know this great news (we call this the Great Commission)