Is it possible to have a relationship with God?

Yes, absolutely! God very much wants to have a relationship with us, and that is precisely why Jesus came to earth. God loves you and has a plan for your life... and afterlife.

Is that what "born again" means?

Jesus first used the term "born again" when talking to Nicodemous, an influential guy in Israel at the time, who was asking Jesus if He was who He claimed to be. Jesus explained to him that "no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (see John 3:3).

This term can be confusing, and even Nicodemous didn't understand at first: "How can a man be born when he is old?", Nicodemous asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" (see John 3:4)

Jesus used the term "born again" to refer to a change in our lives. All of us have done things that we know are wrong, and that is something we call (or rather God calls) sin - a willful disobedience to God. Everyone in the world is a sinner and needs God's forgiveness. Everyone needs to be reconciled with God, which is what "born again" means. Romans 3:23 says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Why does it matter if I sin or don't know God?

The Bible tells us that there are consequences for our sinful thoughts and actions. Romans 6:23a says "For the wages of sin is death...."

Death meaning Hell, which is eternal separation from God. That is a harsh and final punishment. On our own we are without hope because no matter how hard we try, our human nature leads to sin, and to the ultimate consequences of our sin - death.

So there is hope?

Absolutely, and it is found in Jesus. We can receive a pardon from our due punishment because Romans 6:23b says: "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Life instead of death? But how can that be?

The gift referred to in Romans 6:23b is Jesus Christ. He paid the penalty of death by dying on a cross in our place. Jesus has given us hope! John 3:16-17 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him."

God loves each one of us so much that He sent His Son to take our place and pay the penalty of all sin so that He can have a relationship with us. It doesn't matter what you've done, how bad of a person you are, or how unforgivable you may feel - God still loves you and is waiting for you to accept His forgiveness.

But I'm a good person, so isn't that enough to get me into Heaven when I die?

The Bible teaches that human endeavor falls short of God's perfection. Even those we consider saintly examples, such as Billy Graham or Mother Theresa, have openly confessed that they struggle with sin. No matter how good you might think you are, and may be, the fact remains that we are still separated from God and can't get into Heaven unless we accept Jesus. Jesus said: "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Why should I live for God?

This life is simply too hard to go through alone, without God, without hope. It is common sense, really. A child would not choose to do without a parent, a student would not choose to do without a teacher, a soldier would not choose to do without a General, and a sick person would not choose to do without a physician… so why would you choose to face life and eternity without God?

Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century mathematician and philosopher had the right idea when he concluded that faith sometimes resembles a wager. He explained to his friends "If I believe in God and life after death and you do not, and if there is no God, we both lose when we die. However, if there is a God, you still lose and I gain everything."

If I decide I want to live for God, what can I do about it?

All you have to do is confess that you are a sinner, that you want and need God's plan for your life, and accept that Jesus took your place when He died on the cross - He paid the penalty. Romans 10:9 says "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

If you are not quite sure what to say to God or how to pray, you can say something like this:

I prayed that prayer… now what?

If you have made a decision to accept Jesus and would like more information on living the Christian life, or would just like to talk to someone, you can contact the pastor at 226-1383 or by e-mail at dblakely@bethel.ca.

Now that I'm a Christian, what happens if I mess up and make mistakes?

It's not a question of "if", but "when". We all make mistakes. Remember that God loves us and will forgive us if we ask him. Ask God to forgive you, then forgive yourself and move on. Always remember that Christians are not perfect, just forgiven. Don't give up! It will be worth it in the end.

What are some other Christian websites I can check out to learn more about God?

Visit www.crosssearch.com, www.gospelcom.net or any of the other links throughout this site.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 8 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.