NEXT STEPS

Choosing Christ is about moving from belief about Jesus to putting your trust in Jesus. For example, if you are standing next to a chair you would probably believe that the chair was good and trust worthy but as long as you are standing next to the chair you are sill just believing something about that chair. To trust the chair you must sit down. The same is true when it comes to trusting Jesus. It's foundational that you trust that... 

• Jesus is the Son of God.

• Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sin. 

• AND Jesus rose from the grave giving Him victory over sin and death. 

Now it's about choosing to put your trust in Jesus for your salvation (justification) and for your every day life (santification). Romans 6:23 makes it clear that this gift of salvation is a free gift, there is nothing you need to do except, as Romans 10:9-10 tells us, to believe in Christ and confess with your mouth to God that you believe AND you want and accept that gift. 

It's that simple! 

When you trust Jesus for your salvation and life you are instantly adopted into the family of God. It's in this family that so much of what God has for our lives is delivered. The family of God is far from perfect (this side of heaven) but it is where we experience growth, encouragement, love, support, service, and so much more. It's now time for step two. You need to get plugged into a local body of believers, a church. There are many great churches and there are many not great churches. Here are a few things to look for.

• Salvation in Christ alone is preached and lived.

• Strong commitment to Scripture alone for spiritual authority.

• A passion to reach their community and the world with the gospel.

• A culture of growth.

• Close enough to where you live that you can get plugged in to ministry.

Finding a good church can sometimes be challenging. We might be a little biased but it's hard to go wrong with an Evangelical Free Church. Here is a link to find an EFCA church near you: https://churches.efca.org/ 

A lot of people think that praying a "sinners prayer" is the finish line of salvation. It's actually the starting line. Once you choose Christ (see above) you have started in a relationship with God. Just live every other relationship it takes time and effort to grow in alignment, intimacy, connectedness, and fellowship. We have already mentioned the importance of getting connected to a local church but there are at least 2 more incredible tools God has given you to grow in relationship. 

First, get a good Bible. Some of our favorite Bible translations are: New Living Translation (great for new believers), New International Version, and English Standard Version (great for deeper study).

Second, commit to daily prayer. This is a daily and ongoing conversation with God. He is always listening, He cares about your thoughts, concerns, struggles, joys, and all your life. He is also always communicating back through His Word (the Bible), His family (the church), and His Holy Spirit. 

You now have a present and eternal right relationship with God! That is amazing! The word "gospel" literally means good news and you now understand and have experienced that good news. BUT, it's not just good news for you. It's good news for the whole world. God desires that all would be saved. 

There are more people alive today who don't know Christ than at any other time in all of history. 

Who do you know that still has not chosen to trust Jesus? Start praying for them right now. Engage with them. Share the good news (this website could help you do that).