Maybe you're curious about Jesus. Maybe you grew up in church and drifted away, or you're carrying something heavy and wondering if God cares. Wherever you're starting from, you're welcome here.
God made you and loves you
You aren't an accident. God created you to know Him, and He loves you more than you can imagine.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
Sin separates us from God
All of us have turned away from God and gone our own way, in what we've done and what we've left undone. The Bible calls this sin, and its result is separation from God.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
Jesus came to bring us back
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He lived the perfect life we couldn't, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Salvation is a gift you receive
You can't earn God's forgiveness. It's a gift, received by turning from your sin and trusting in Jesus.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9
Talk to God
You don't need special words; God knows your heart. If you're ready, you can tell Him in your own words that you're sorry for your sin, that you believe Jesus died and rose again for you, and that you want to follow Him as your Lord. If you'd like, you could pray something like this:
“Lord Jesus, I know I've sinned and I can't fix it on my own. Thank You for dying on the cross for me and rising again. I turn from my sin and trust You as my Savior and Lord. Help me follow You. Amen.”
If you just prayed for the first time, we'd love to know and to pray for you. Tell us here.
Your first steps
- Find a church family. Following Jesus isn't meant to be done alone. Find a church near you, and tell the pastor you're new to faith.
- Read the Bible. Start with the Gospel of John. Our guide How to Start Reading the Bible will help.
- Pray every day. Prayer is simply talking with God. See How to Pray.
- Be baptized. Jesus calls His followers to be baptized. Ask a pastor at your new church about taking this step.
- Keep growing. Listen to trusted Bible teaching from our online ministries, and read what we believe.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17