How to Know God

Right now, if you are seriously considering beginning a personal relationship with God, it's probably for one of three good reasons.

1. You would like to be forgiven for every mistake in your past.
2. You would like to have a purpose for living in the present.
3. You would like to go to heaven in the future.

God wants to love you. He knows everything about you, (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and He still wants to love you.

And He wants you to know and love Him. Here's how.

The ABCD's

A stands for Admit. In your heart, it's important to admit to yourself and to God that you are a sinner. Romans 5:12 says that ".as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" It's simply impossible to live a perfect life without sin. Everyone inherited this nature from the "one man" in Romans 5:12, Adam.

B stands for Believe. What do you believe about Jesus, God's perfect Son? Everything that Adam wasn't, Jesus was! In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and in other similar passages, the Apostle Paul gives a clear, concise definition of the word "gospel." In summary, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is that:

1. He lived a perfect life.
2. He was crucified unjustly, but willingly.
3. He arose from the dead after three days in the tomb.

This wonderful act of Jesus Christ is essential for our relationship with God. Without the gospel, we would have no basis with which to communicate with God. This is how He accepts us as His children.

C stands for Complete. Frankly, this might be the most difficult part. We have a tendency to trust things we do to earn points with God. The price Jesus paid, however, was a very great price. And we can't add anything to His price and try to earn our way to Heaven. His work was complete.
That means that He must be our only focus. It's important to believe only on His payment for our sin. When we trust other things (our good deeds, our religion, or our good intentions), imperfection enters the picture.
Heaven is a perfect place. So to enter Heaven someday, we must go on the basis of a perfect life, the Lord Jesus Christ's. By settling this issue, and making Jesus Christ our only focus, we can enter Heaven on the basis of His perfect life, His willing death, and His miraculous resurrection!

D stands for Decide. You can begin this relationship right now by simply asking Jesus Christ to forgive you and be your Savior. Romans 10:9 says that if you, ".confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Have you ever settled this issue in your heart? Have you ever put all of your trust or confidence in Jesus' payment for you? There is no better time than right now! If not now, when?

Ready to begin?

Right now, you can pray in your heart and ask God to enter your life. He wants to enter your life! Just pray in your heart, the best way that you know how. The prayer below isn't magical, it's just a guide for you.
"Dear God, I believe You sent Your son Jesus to die for my sins so I could be forgiven. I'm sorry for my sins and I want to live the rest of my life the way You want me to. I'm not trusting anyone or anything but Your Son. Not religion, not any person, or anything I've ever done. I only trust Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please put Your Spirit in my life to direct me. Amen."

What's next?

Your journey has just begun. You have just made the most important, personal, and intimate decision of your entire life. What just happened is between God and you. But we would love to know about it. We want to be excited with you and help you on your journey any way we possibly can. Send us an email to let us know.

There are many verses, people, classes, and services to help you grow. You have people who care about you at PBC. Yes, everyone has problems. But as a closely-knit group of real people, we can accomplish something as a family. We'll work together and solve problems together.
So, let the journey begin.