The human race has been messed up for a long time!

The first dysfunctional family was that of Adam and Eve. Created perfect, and walking in fellowship with God, these two had it made. Their home was literally Eden! But then they disobeyed God. In committing this first sin, they and all of their descendents (including you and me) were separated from God.

For Adam and Eve, the results were disastrous! Instead of living forever, they were sentenced to die--they and all of their progeny, including you and me. Also, the earth was cursed, so that work became frustrating and relationships became unfulfilling. In fact, one of Adam and Eve's own sons, Cain, killed his brother, Abel. The first family was dysfunctional!

But God promised a Savior, to pay the penalty for sin. That Savior was Jesus, whose name means Salvation. Jesus was God appearing in the flesh, which we just celebrated at Christmas time. When Jesus' sinless flesh was put to death on a cross, God pardoned everyone who entrusted their lives to Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead (which we celebrate at Easter) to demonstrate His victory over physical death, so that we may believe in eternal life.

No matter who you are, you have sinned, and are therefore headed for death and eternal punishment. But the Bible says that "If you confess [acknowledge] with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." No matter how disastrous your life may have been, no matter how offensive your sins against God and man, God is willing to forgive them if you put your faith in Jesus.

If you are ready to trust in Jesus and turn your life over to him, you can be saved by asking Him to save you. The words you say are not as important as the attitude of your heart. You might pray a prayer like this:

Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I realize I can't save myself. Please forgive my sins. I believe that you died in my place, and that God raised you up from the dead. Come into my heart and take control of my life. Help me to be the person You created me to be. Thank you for loving me enough to die in my place. Amen.

The next step is to read the Bible to find out what the New Life in Jesus is all about. I recommend beginning with the Gospel of John. Then, read the whole New Testament, and then the whole Bible from cover to cover. Each day, spend some time reading the Bible, God's word, so that you will grow in your understanding of His will for your life. Pray daily, bringing to God all of your concerns and asking Him for strength, understanding, and guidance.

Find a church that understands that the Bible is completely God's Word and completely trustworthy in all it says. We consider it our calling to make ourselves available to you as that kind of church.