Next Steps: Learning to Tell Your God StoryНамуна

The moment everything changed!

We know through God’s Word that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and allow Him to live in our hearts and rule in our lives that in an instant, the old life is gone and dead and there is a new and abundant life given to us through Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17)! This choice is one of the defining moments of a Christians life and is literally life changing. It’s also the topic of today’s plan and Bible scripture.

A lot of Christians remember this choice as a hallmark moment of their faith journey. Here are some questions to consider about your come-to-Jesus moment:

1. When did you give your life to Christ?
2. When did you wholeheartedly decide to turn from Christ?
3. Where were you?
4. Who/what did God use to get you there? (A pastor, parent, friend, sermon at church, Bible study, etc.)
5. What changed in you and in your heart?

“Come-to-Jesus moments” happen in many ways and at all different stages of life and no two are exactly the same. For the Apostle Paul it happened on the road to Damascus, but for you it might have happened in the quiet of your house or in a Sunday School classroom. However, in that moment, no matter where you are, when that choice to follow Jesus is made there are some awesome free gifts given to you by our gracious God, and every one of these things is true for people who have chosen to follow Jesus!

1. You receive the Holy Spirit (God’s presence lives in you!) (Ephesians 1:13-14)
2. You are adopted into God’s royal family (Romans 8:15-17)
3. You receive the gift of eternal life (1 John 5:11-12)
4. You are totally forgiven and made righteous in God’s sight in the past, present, and future (Romans 5:1)

When you commit to following Jesus and you allow Him to rule in your life, you also make a commitment to turn from all the sin in your life. This might mean seeking help to heal an addiction, talking with a mentor about sexual boundaries, or just making a commitment to honor Jesus in every moment and in every relationship. Turning from sin is one of the ways we honor and worship God, but it also begins to set us apart from other “worldly” things. This doesn’t mean you should reject the friends who haven’t made this decision yet, but instead, your life and the way you live should be an example and inspiration to them of the good work Christ has done in you!

Today’s Challenge: Again, grab that pen and paper or device and dump your thoughts on when, where, who, how you came to know Jesus. Summarize your “come-to-Jesus” moment! Ask yourself if there are any sins that you aren’t actively turning away from; how can you begin that process today?

If you came across this plan and you haven’t yet confessed with your mouth and believed within your heart that Jesus is your Savior, we want to encourage you to choose this moment as the moment everything changes! Christ Himself may have led you to this plan and may be calling you to Him today. If you’re ready, pray this prayer and accept Jesus today!

Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross and rose again from the dead. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord, for saving me and for answering my prayer. Amen!