** It's IN CHRIST !!!

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for (Ephesians 1:11 MSG).

'A personal relationship with God begins with an event Jesus called a new birth (John 3:3). WHEN we are born spiritually into God's family we become His children and members of His spiritual kingdom.

To begin this personal relationship, take these steps:

Admit your need. We come into this world physically alive but spiritually dead - missing out on the quality of life for which God made us. The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), "there is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10), and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). THEREFORE, we need a Savior.

REALISE what God has done for you. GOD loved us enough to send His own Son into this world to rescue us from the devastating effects of our sin (John 1:1-14, 3:16). JESUS died in our place, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. WITH one sacrifice (because He is God's Son), He paid for the least - and the worst - of our sins.

PERSONALLY believe and receive God's gift. NO one is saved by trying to be good. WE are saved by trusting in Christ. THE Bible says, "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

THE actual words we say to God to receive this gift may vary. WHAT is important is that we believe Him enough to be able to say something similar to the following:

God, I know I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, and that He rose from dead to prove it. Now I accept Your offer of full forgiveness and eternal life. I accept Jesus as Your gift for my salvation.

IF this is the honest (sincere/earnest) expression of your heart, you have entered into a personal relationship with God !

We encourage you to start attending a good Bible-teaching church and to let a pastor know of your decision' - RBC Ministries.


** Also, you may read 'A Christian's Growth' !! IT is encouragingly documented in the NOVEMBER 2011 postings of this Blog. Cheers.k.