What is a Christian?

The essence of being a Christian is knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior and friend.

22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

(Romans 3:22-24)

How Do I Become a Christian?

A – Admit:

The place to start is admitting that you are a sinner and need a Savior.

B – Believe:

Next, move into believing that Jesus Christ is that Savior. Put your faith and trust in Him.

C – Consider:

Thoughtfully consider anything in your life that is displeasing to Jesus. Now is the time to begin walking away from those things and walk totally with Him.

D – Do:

Commit to a relationship with Jesus personally. Say the prayer below to invite Jesus to be part of your everyday life and begin telling everyone, “I am a follower of Jesus.”

The prayer to dedicate your life to Christ, is known as the “Salvation Prayer.” Keep these words close as a reminder of what He has done for you.

Prayer: Jesus, I want to invite you to come into my life. I know I am a sinner in need of a Savior. There are things in my life that don't line up with your purpose or will - help me in these things. Today, I put all my faith in you. Thank you for dying on the cross for me and rising from the dead. I vow to keep walking with you as you show me how. In your name, Amen.

*Christian Basics, John Stott © 1992 Baker Publishing Group

Get the most from the first seven days.

We are excited to walk with you as you begin your new walk with Jesus. We want you to succeed, so we have developed this 7-Day series to help get you started on the essential first things. Below are some steps for getting the most out these next few days.

SCRIPTURE: Each day starts with a Bible Scripture that will provide a focus for your day.

READING: There is a brief description and encouragement on each topic.

BUILD: After your devotional, there are a few additional scripture references–look those up in your own Bible and get used to using it often.

PRAY: There is a prayer included to get you started, or you can use your own words.

REFLECT: Think about each day’s devotional and scripture. What does it mean? How does it make you feel? What is God saying to you?

MAKE A PLAN: Set aside 15 minutes of each day to focus on your devotional and take time to pray. Over breakfast or a lunch break? Right before bed? Find the best time that works for you.

Day 1 - Jesus

John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus is entirely God, and Jesus is altogether man. What?!

Quick history lesson. The first people, Adam and Eve, were in a perfect relationship with God; they communicated and walked with God in the Garden of Eden – it was awesome! But they allowed themselves to be deceived by Satan, and sin came into the world. That sin created a space in our relationship with God, a divide that we could never shrink by ourselves. God knew this would happen, and He had a plan – Jesus.

As part of our Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Jesus wrapped himself in skin and became a human baby. This is the Christmas story– a virgin, Mary, miraculously conceived and gave birth to the Savior. Since He is completely God, Jesus lived on Earth sinless, and since He was completely man, He lived with all the pain, temptation, and troubles that we experience. While on Earth, He performed all kinds of miracles so that people would know He had come to be the Savior (to save them from their sins).

When the timing was right, Jesus became our sin sacrifice. This is the Easter story– Jesus died on a cross, was buried in a tomb for three days, and then came back to life. His resurrection forever defeated death and opened a door for us to continue our relationship with God. Now, Jesus is back in Heaven and prays for us continually. How great is that kind of love!

Build: 1 Timothy 2: 5-6, Isaiah 53:5

Prayer – Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice and for coming to be my salvation. I am so glad to be in a relationship with you. Be with me today, speak to me, and help me walk with you. Amen