Not sure what it means to be a Christian? You’re not alone. The word Christian is not always clearly understood and never has been. It was originally used to identify people who had made a specific decision to follow Jesus and his teaching. Even though there was lots of confusion in society about who Jesus was and exactly what Christians believed, there was a clear understanding that being a Christian—a follower of Jesus Christ—was unique.
Who is Jesus? The Bible tells us that Jesus was a man—and more than a man. He is also fully God and came to restore the relationship between God and us. Even though God created humans for a special relationship with him, that relationship has been broken by what the Bible calls sin, which is anything that goes against God’s perfect character and desires.
Jesus is the only person who lived a completely perfect life. Despite that, the leaders of his day had him killed. But Jesus’ death was actually part of God’s bigger plan, and because Jesus died and then rose again from the dead, our relationship with God can be restored. This new relationship is not something we earn—it is simply a gift offered by God which we can either accept or reject.
Are you interested in following Jesus yourself? All you need to do is tell God that and ask Him for that restored relationship. Here is an example of a prayer you could pray:
“Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me.
Please forgive my sin and start me on a new life following you.
Send your Holy Spirit to cleanse me from my past, and to empower me for the future.
Amen.”
Do you want to follow Jesus more closely? If you have asked for that new relationship, we would love to help you understand more fully how God wants to change your life. Whether it’s helping connect you with another Christian, finding a church near your home where you can grow in your faith, or helping you find a place here at Lakeview Covenant; please let us know by contacting us at rich@lakeviewcovenant.org.