Are you at a place where you have some foundational knowledge of the Bible's message of salvation?    Do you have a basic understanding of Jesus' life, death, and ressurrection and are you ready to surrender your life over to His leading and service?   That decision is the greatest decision that you will ever do!   The following is a simple step-by-step plan of how to decide to make Christ your Lord

1.  First and foremost, you need to know and experience the foundational truth that you are made in God's image (Genesis 1) and are loved unconditionally by Him!

2.  However, the Bible also states that every person that God has created in His image has disobeyed, rebelled, and fallen away from God.   This is what the Bible refers to as sin.     And because of our sin, one grave consequence is that we are now separated from God Who is completely holy and without evil or falsehood of any kind.  "All people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. "                             Romans 3:23

3.  And God, being loving and JUST in nature, states that the  penalty for our sin is death.     " The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. "    Romans 6:23

4.   But not only is God just, He is also scandelously merciful!   (Read chapter 15 of Luke's account of Jesus' life).    And in His mercy God has provided a way out from under His just judgment.   The penalty for our sin was paid by God Himself through Jesus Christ's death on the cross!   Jesus died in our place taking the judgment for sin upon HImself.    And we can be completely forgiven and acquitted of all guilt if we will receive and trust in His loving sacrifice.
" But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."      Romans 5:8

5.  Our response to what God has done is all important.    God tells us that our response must be one of repentance if we are to be forgiven and enter into a healed relationship with Him.   Repentance means switching allegiance and loyalty.   It requires a change of heart that leads to a turning from sin and all that displeases God.   If we repent of our sin, and trust Jesus Christ as our Lord (The Authority over our lives) and Savior, we will be saved from God's just judgment on our sins!    " For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. "     Romans 10:13

"  . . .  if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.   For with the heart one believes and is made righteousness (without sin), and with the mouth confession is made unto   salvation "     Romans 10:9,10

When you sincerely respond with trust in Jesus' sacrificial death and merciful gift of forgiveness, an amazing miracle occurs!    Jesus, through the powerful work of His Spirit, gives you a new heart!    A new disposition and orientation at the core of who you are!      You become a "new creation" born anew spiritually in    Jesus Christ!

Growing in knowledge, understanding, and obedience to the way of life God lays out in the Bible is essential for your spiritual growth and relationship with God.   Here are some ways that you can grow as a Christian:

1.  Be baptized.      Baptism is an act of obedience which identifies you as a follower of Christ.        Acts 8:35-40

2.  Read and study the Bible.    It is especially helpful to join a small group in order to study with other believers.    The Bible will answer many of life's questions and teach you how to live the kind of life that is pleasing to God and beneficial for you at the same time.

" Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

" Be diligent to present yourself to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."                     2 Timothy 2:15