How to Know God...

To know God and to have a relationship with Him is God's desire for every person, and discovering that relationship with God is an easy process.

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." You see, God is a holy and just God--sin cannot be in His presence. Since we have all sinned, we should all be condemned to be eternally separated from Him. That eternal separation means that we would literally go to an everlasting, burning Hell where we would never cease to be in pain and torment.BUT, John 3:16 tells us that God loves each one of us so much that He devised a plan so that all of us can be saved from that fate and go to heaven to spend forever with Him after we die.

God sent His only Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus lived on earth as a man and lived a perfect life, without sin, teaching people how to love God and love each other. He was then crucified and killed by the rulers of the day, and thus He became a sacrifice for our sins. The punishment for our sins was paid for by His death. Three days later, however, Jesus overcame death and rose from the grave on the day we celebrate as Easter.

Jesus' death and resurrection opens the doorway of Heaven to you and me. Because He died, we can live forever in Heaven once we die. That is, however, the only way we can go to heaven. You will not go to heaven for being a good person, being part of a religion, or even going to church. All roads, and all religions do not lead to God. Jesus said, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) The requirements are strict, but simple. You must confess that you have sinned and that Jesus died for you; repent (turn away) from those sins and ask Jesus to forgive you; and invite Him into your heart to become the Lord of your life. At that point, your sins are forgiven and you become a child of God. It's that easy!

After reading this, do you feel like you need to ask Jesus to forgive your sins and become the Lord of Your life? If so, don't waste any time. Do it now! All you have to do is pray a simple prayer, which you can do anywhere you are. (Praying to God is just like talking to your best friend, so relax and tell Him just what you're thinking.) If you're unsure of what to say, here's a sample prayer...remember, it's not the words that are important; it's the sincerity of your heart when you say them that counts!

"Jesus, I know that I have sinned.
I believe that You came to earth and died for my sins,
so that I can live eternally with You in heaven.

Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart
to the be Lord of my life.

Help me from now on to live a life that pleases You."

That's all there is to it! If you prayed that prayer (or a similar one) and meant the words you said, then you have just become a Child of God! Please share that with us by sending an email to , and he will send you some material to help you get started on your spiritual journey. Also, you should find a local church to start attending that will also help you grow in your knowledge of Jesus. If you're within driving distance of The Avenue, then we invite you to join us next Sunday Morning!