And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

We have all experienced moments in our life when we have felt disconnected or that something was missing. At its core, living a Christian life addresses these experiences through the development and restoration of our relationship to God through Jesus the Christ. In Christian terms, this experience of separation from God is defined as sin, which when translated from the Greek word hamartia means “to miss the mark”. This separation, this “missing the mark” is often experienced as lack of fulfillment, a feeling that something is missing or as a constant search for things that will bring joy and happiness into our lives. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Over and over we keep plugging into the wrong connections when the only true power source in our lives is through God. Having a relationship with Jesus the Christ allows us that link to God and provides us with the opportunity to repair a connection that once was broken. This relationship doesn’t stop us from encountering challenges in our lives, but it can free us from that which seeks to hold us down, and direct our lives towards greater peace. To live a Christian life is to live a life connected to the source that gives you a supernatural ability in your present day realities.

How do we know that God wants to restore our connection?

In the most important Book of all time, The Bible, God’s "Owner's Manual" for a Human Life, He says:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16(KJV)

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:16 (NIV)

The Problem: Separation

Being at peace with God is not automatic, because by nature you are separated from God. This separation is the "something wrong" that is at the root of our selfishness, loneliness, and dark feelings.

Through many immoral and amoral acts, thoughts and attitudes, we continue to grieve the One who cares for us most. That is all of us, no matter how moral and upright we may seem on the surface. If you search your own heart honestly, you already know this is true. This has caused a split between us and the One who made us and loves us. This split is called sin.

How Do We Know This?

Romans 3:23(NIV) - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Psalm 53:2-3, NIV - God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Thankfully, there is a way out...

God's Solution Is Jesus:

Because He loves us, God cannot stand to allow this split to remain. However, because He is perfect, He cannot allow our sin to go unpunished without ceasing to be perfect, because He would then cease to be God. The sin-bill must be paid. Religion and good living cannot pay it. So, He paid for our evil thoughts and deeds Himself. He came to Earth as a human, Jesus Christ. He came to suffer the punishment you and I deserve, so we won't have to. Three days later, Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The most important decision you will ever make is what you do with Him.

What God Asks Of You:

You must choose this relationship with God.

You cross the bridge into God's family when you turn to God by asking Christ to be part of your life. There's no such thing as a one-way relationship. God has done His part when His Son died for you, now it's your move.

Turning TO God means you are also turning FROM something. If you turn TO the west, you must turn FROM the east, since you can't face east and west at the same time.

It's the same with Jesus and sin. As you turn to Him, you "repent", which means you realize you cannot give yourself to Jesus while hanging onto the sin He died for. That means turning your back on "my way" choices such as lying, sexual immorality, anger, etc. to begin doing things God's way.

How Do We Know This?

Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.

Romans 10:13 - Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

How do I ask?

Prayer is simply talking to God, not magic words. Your prayer should be your own, from your own heart. If you're not in the habit of praying, though, you may need an example. Such a prayer may go something like this:

What is prayer?

Prayer is a way to communicate from the realm of the finite to the infinite. There is no wrong way to pray, all that is needed is a sincere heart and a willingness to share your innermost feelings, thoughts and desires.

Pray this way:

Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I was made for You, but I've been living for me. I want to begin a relationship with You now. I believe that You died in my place, to pay the penalty for my sin, and rose again for my salvation. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now what?

You belong to God from today on if you have asked Him with all your heart. Here's what to do next...

What are the steps to living a Christian life?

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

1. Confession: Make a public confession that Jesus the Christ is the director of your life.

2. Belief: Believe in your heart that God raised his Son from the dead in order that you may live your life to the fullest.

3. Discipleship: Learn to become a spiritually mature person in your faith through prayer, the study of God’s word, fellowship and giving.

How do we know this?

He personally carried the load of our sins in His own body when He died on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24 (TLB)

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in. Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. (NKJV)

What can you expect when living a Christian life?

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalms 1:3

You can expect real transformation and the favor of God operating in your life. Through this relationship you experience real authentic joy, spiritual prosperity, and happiness. Through God you can do the unimaginable. Through God you can experience inner peace.

Validating your Decision

You have made the Decision to commit your life to Christ and you have prayed, what then happens?

1. You are saved - Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved” John 10:9 (NIV)

2. You are a child of God - The Bible says: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" John 1:12. (NKJV)

3. You have everlasting life - The Bible says: "For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16. (KJV)