Christianity 101

Perhaps the greatest mystery of life is that the Creator of the universe loves you. He spins the

galaxies and directs the course of history, yet he also wants to have a personal relationship

with you. He wants to be closer to you than your parents, your family, and your friends.

First, some bad news.

Not only does God exist, but he’s also holy. That means he’s perfect. He’s never made a mistake

or done something he’s regretted. He’s never been guilty of a crime or broken a law. In short, God

is free from any hint of sin. He’s so holy and perfect that someone who sins can’t even stand in

his presence. Even worse news for us is that sin must be paid for—and the price is high. God

said that the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) and that "without the shedding of blood there

is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). Sin is serious. The Old Testament describes how the Hebrew

people offered sacrifices of lambs and goats to make payment for their sins.

Second, some good news.

After thousands of years of sacrifices, God provided a better way. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ,

as the perfect Lamb. Jesus was both fully God and fully human. As God, he’s perfect in every way.

As a human, he knows what it’s like to be us. He experienced the same temptations we

experience, and he represents us before God at all times. He died on the cross for us (see

Matthew 27:32–61). Proving he had power over all sin and death, he didn’t stay dead. After three

days he was raised to life again (see Matthew 28). Because he was without fault and sin, he was

the perfect sacrifice—a sacrifice so complete that it’s powerful enough to forgive all your sins—past,

present and future (see Hebrews 10:17–18).

Jesus paid the penalty we deserve for our sins. In exchange, he gives us his righteousness. In

other words, when God sees us, he doesn’t see our sin any more; he sees Jesus’ holiness, which

has been given to us (see 2 Corinthians 5:17–21).

So, what’s Christianity?

Simply put, Christianity is aligning yourself with Christ.

<><It’s admitting that you have sinned and that your sin is really

offensive to God (see Psalm 53:3).

<><It’s recognizing that there’s nothing you can do to pay for

your sins (see Romans 3:23).

<><It’s confessing your sins to God. Even though he already knows

them, he wants you to confess them—to come to grips with

them (see 1 John 1:9).

<><It’s following him—getting to know him, reading his Word and

doing your best to follow him daily (see Romans 12:1–2).

So, what’s next?

If you’d like to become a follower of Christ and enjoy friendship with

God, here’s a great way to get started . . .

Pray.

Here’s a prayer that can help you give your life to Jesus:

"God, I realize that I am not perfect. I see that I am a sinner, and that I need repentance. Please wash my sins away, by the blood of your son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sin and rose on the third day. Thank you that you defeated sin so that I don't have to suffer. I commit my life to you, and I ask that you mold me into a person useful for your ministry. Thank you so much! In Christ's name, Amen."

Read.

Spend some regular time getting to know God better. Read some of God’s Word each day. Spend some time thinking about

what you read and talking with God. Tell him about your day, the things you’re learning, the things

that frustrate you and the things that you’re excited about. As a true friend, he cares about you

and your life.

Don’t go it alone.

The Christian life isn’t meant to be lived alone. Spend time with other Christians. Get involved in

a church or youth group that loves God and wants you to know him better.

Remember . . .

Above all else, remember that God’s friendship with you is permanent. Sure, there will be times

when you make mistakes. You’ll fail, you’ll sin and you’ll even feel guilty. There will be times when

you disappoint yourself and others. In those moments, though, remember that God is your constant

companion. He remains your proud friend, loving Father and faithful Savior. He’ll never leave

you; he’ll never forsake you. He promises you that (see Romans 8:28-29).

My Testimony

I grew up in a Christian home. My mom, dad, brother, and Grandma were all saved. I kind of had that normal story you hear from Christians: I was saved at 6 years old, baptized at 7 years old, and have been a good Christian girl all of my life.
But, that wasn't my story.
My life was not exactly "good" and "Christian". I was living in a pit of sins that kept trying to drown me every time I attempted to crawl out of it. Sure, I said I was saved. But deep in my heart, it was just to be part of the family. I didn't really lay down my life before God, or surrender myself to the Lord. I didn't let go of my selfish ways, or my lying tongue that was controlling my life. My sinful, human nature was controlling me instead of Christ.
On a Sunday night in May of 2006, God broke my heart. I felt so empty, like something had been ripped out of me. I searched my Bible ravenously, trying to find what I was missing.
The next day, it was the start of revival week at my church. We had a special speaker, and God spoke through that man right to my heart. I wept, I had joy, I had a longing in my heart to just let it all go.
I walked up to the front with our pastor. He asked me if I new God loved me and died for my sins, and I said yes. He asked me if I was ready to surrender my life to God, to be his servant for life, and I said yes. He asked me if I was sorry for my sins, and ready to be born again into Christ's family. I said yes.
We prayed together, and I had the biggest breakthrough of my life.
Ever since that day, May 21, 2006, God has changed my life for good. He has become my Healer, my Redeemer, my Savior, my Love, my Friend, my Shepherd, and my God.
He can be yours, too.

Psalm 30

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction,
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.