People try all kinds of ways to know God and feel better about themselves—good works, religion, philosophy and being moral to name a few—only to find that it is not enough. Since we can’t make things right with Him, God provided a way for us to have a relationship with Him on earth now and in heaven later.
Two Steps to Knowing God
- Admit you are a sinner
God is perfect, holy and pure. But we’re not, we all sin, that is, do things that hurt others or ourselves. By admitting you’re a sinner, you admit that you need God’s help and begin a relationship with Him.
For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. -Romans 3:23-24
- Believe in Jesus Christ
Sin makes you want to run away from God. When you repent, you turn away from sin and start running toward Him. There is no way to forgiveness and a relationship with God except the one way God provides—faith in His Son, Jesus.
Even while we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved). -Galatians 2:5
What about really bad sin? Jesus died for all the sins of all people. His death paid the price for even the worst sin, so we don’t have to.
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:23
If you believe, you can receive Jesus and become a Christian right now by praying like this:
Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I want to turn away from my sins and I need your forgiveness. I believe that you died for me on the cross. Come into my heart and life. I want to know your ways, to trust and follow you. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life. I pray this in Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.Congratulations! You have just been adopted into the family of God!
What Now?
- Tell Someone
After every service there are people under the cross to talk to you. If you can’t come to East Valley, tell a friend or neighbor who you know is a Christian, and visit a church near you.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Romans 10:9
Read the Bible
The Bible, God’s Word, shows us who God is and how He wants us to live. You can get one free under the cross at EV. The Life Journal will help you read your Bible daily. Get one in the Bookstore after services or at the office during the week.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. -2 Timothy 3:16
Pray
As a Christian, you can talk directly to God at any time through prayer. Alone or with others, praise Him, tell Him what bothers you, make requests, and ask forgiveness. Prayer helps build up our faith.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
Come to Services
The Church is God’s family, not a place. At a church service the family gets together to worship Him and to learn more about Him. EV services are Sunday, 8:30, 10, & 11:30 am.
Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other -Hebrews 10:25
While it’s important to come to church, with hundreds of people at a service it’s really hard to get to know someone or make friends. So... Get Connected at EV