Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jesus, Matthew 11:28
Misrepresented, Yet Unchanging
The modern media landscape often portrays an image of Jesus that’s contrary to the essence of His teachings. He’s been boxed into labels, misquoted, and sometimes even used to further agendas that don’t align with His core message.
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Jesus, Mark 8:36
A Message of Love and Accountability
Jesus’ teachings revolved around two central themes: profound love and personal accountability. He embraced the outcasts, healed the sick, and loved the unlovable. Yet, He didn’t shy away from speaking about responsibility, repentance, and righteousness.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus, John 10:11
The Real Call of Jesus
Beyond the headlines and misrepresentations, Jesus offers an unchanging call: to repent and believe in Him. This isn’t a passive belief, but an active faith – one that transforms, rejuvenates, and provides an anchor in life’s storms.
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
Jesus, John 14:1
Find True Peace
In the midst of life’s chaos and uncertainty, the genuine teachings of Jesus offer a sanctuary of peace. As you peel back layers of how popular culture represents Christianity, you’ll discover the real Jesus of the Gospel. A Jesus who calls us to turn from our ways, trust in Him, and find unmatched peace that the world can’t offer.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jesus, Matthew 6:33
What do I do now?
Accepting Jesus as Lord is primarily a matter of personal faith and repentance. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:
- Understand the Gospel: Know that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ, God incarnate, died on the cross and rose again to pay the penalty for our sins, offering salvation as a free gift to those who trust in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Repent of Your Sins: This doesn’t mean simply feeling sorry for sins, but turning away from them and intending to live in obedience to God. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…” (Acts 3:19).
- Confess and Believe: Publicly and privately, confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. As Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- Pray to God: Speak to God directly. There is no formulaic prayer, but a simple prayer might go something like this:
- “Lord, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and was raised from the dead. I turn away from my sins and ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
- Find a Local Church: Seek out a solid Bible-believing church in your area. Joining a local community of believers will provide you with guidance, fellowship, and accountability. They can also help you understand more about baptism, a public declaration of your faith and commitment to Christ. Here at Highlands Community Church, we would love to meet with you and talk through your faith journey together. Reach out to us at pa*****@*********cc.com to set up some time to talk.
- Get Baptized: Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It’s a public proclamation of your faith in Jesus and your decision to follow Him. It signifies the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
- Commit to Obedience: Now that you have accepted Jesus as Lord, seek to grow in your relationship with Him. This means reading the Bible, praying regularly, participating in a local church, and striving to live a life pleasing to Him.
- Seek Discipleship: Find mature Christians who can mentor you in your faith journey. This is a process of learning, growing, and being held accountable in your walk with Christ.
- Share Your Faith: As you grow in your faith, look for opportunities to share the gospel with others. Your personal testimony can be a powerful tool in leading others to Christ.
Remember that salvation is an act of God’s grace, and no work on our part can earn it. It is a free gift given to us by faith. Your desire to accept Jesus is itself seen as a work of God’s Spirit in your heart. As you pursue this journey, always lean on God’s grace, mercy, and the guidance of His Word.
We invite you to join us at Highlands Community Church to dig deep into the Gospel, and your faith. Reach out to us today at pa*****@*********cc.com to set up some time to talk.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus, John 15:5