How to have a relationship with God:

So you've read about God, Jesus, and the Bible. You've probably read the Gospel about Jesus' plan for connecting you to God and giving you something more to live for.

But what do you do with all this?

Simply reading about Jesus and God isn't enough. You have a choice to make. You have to decide what to do with the radical and far-reaching claims that the Bible makes about you, Jesus, and your relationship with God.

Let's review the heart of those claims:

First, the Bible tells us that God loves you, created you to know him personally, and He has a plan for your life. His love is revealed through His son, Jesus Christ. His plan is eternal life: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

Secondly, the Bible says that you (like every other human who's ever lived) are unable to know true peace because your sin has separated you from God.

But thirdly, (and this is the good news!) God still loves you, and wants you to know him and live a life that's in phase with his will. God sent his only son, Jesus, to become a human himself and pay the price for your sins. Death is where sin inevitably leads but Jesus died voluntarily in your place. When you believe that Jesus died for your sin, you’re freed from sin. The slate is wiped clean, and God chalks up your sin as "paid in full" by Jesus. The barrier that stood between you and God is gone.

We call this story "the Gospel," or Good News... because what could be better news than learning that God is inviting you into his family? So what is this choice that you have to make? It's simple: you have to choose whether or not to believe in Jesus' sacrifice for your sins. That means admitting that your sin keeps you from God, and that Jesus offers the way back home. That's all you have to do: accept this free gift from Jesus, no strings attached.

If you respond to Jesus' claims, we'd love to hear from you. Write to us at Oak Haven Church and tell us about it. If you've decided to believe in Jesus, we at Oak Haven Church want to be the first to welcome you to your new life and help you get started!

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