First, the Bible says that mankind has a problem, and that problem is called sin. Through the sin of one man, Adam, we are all sinners.   Every one of us has the problem of sin (Romans 3:23). And the Bible teaches us that there is a consequence to sin - sin separates us from a holy God (Habakkuk 1:13). There is a penalty for our sin - it is death.  (Romans 6:23) This death is not simply physical death but eternal separation from God, and that there is nothing that we ourselves can do to solve the problem of sin.

Second, the Bible says that there is a solution to the problem of sin, and that solution is the person of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). The Bible tells us that God loved us so much that he sent Jesus, His one and only Son, to die in our place (John 3:16). Jesus paid the penalty of your sin so that you would not have to be forever separated from God (I John 4:10). The Bible also tells us that Jesus is the only payment  for our sin (John 14:6).

Third, the Bible demands a decision. It is not enough to just know about Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for you. You must choose to put your trust in Christ alone, to receive this free gift of salvation that God offers (John 1:12).

All of us have the problem of sin. There is only one solution to the problem - the person of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for us. Every one of us must decide...

What will you do with Jesus Christ?

That is the question that every one of us must answer. The Bible says that the only way to get rid of our sin problem, our only way to be right with the Creator God is to accept His free gift of salvation given through His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

You must make a decision! What are your options?

There are only three possible answers to the question, "What will you do with Jesus Christ?"

• To say yes, to accept God's free gift of salvation by putting your trust in Jesus Christ.

• To say no, to reject God's offer of salvation. The Bible says that those who make this choice will spend eternity separated from God in a place called Hell.

• To say maybe, to try to put off the decision to a more convenient time. The Bible does say that God is patient, wanting everyone to come to the point of accepting His gift of salvation (II Peter 3:9). But none of us is promised that we will be here tomorrow, and because of this "x-factor" of death, trying to put off our decision by saying maybe automatically puts us in the "no" category.

So, in reality, there are only two answers to the question, "What will you do with Jesus Christ?" To accept His free gift of salvation or to reject that gift.

Let me ask you, "What have you done with Jesus Christ?" If you have never accepted God's offer of eternal life, I can think of no better time than right now (II Corinthians 6:2). If you would like to say yes to Christ, you can do it right now, wherever you are, whatever you are doing. Join me in our prayer room to talk to Him and invite Him into your life.

The invitation is open - you can accept the gift of salvation and get rid of the sin in your life. It doesn't matter what you're doing or what you've done. The offer is open to everyone.

If you would like to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ, right now, right where you are, you need only ask Him.

If you've come this far, you probably realize you're about to make the most important decision of your life. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He also said, "whoever comes to me I will never drive away." So if you ask Him, you will be accepted. The way believers talk to the Lord is through prayer. Your prayer should be your own, from your own heart to His.

If you're not in the habit of praying, though, you may need an example. An example of such a prayer may go something like this:

Father in Heaven, I know that I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Your Son Jesus died in my place, to pay the penalty for my sin, and rose again for my salvation. I want to turn from my sinful ways, so I now ask you, Lord Jesus, to come into my life as my Savior and my Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

The Bible says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." So if you have asked Him into your life, and believe He died to save you, you are a Christian, bound for Heaven.

The difficulties of living as a Christian in a sinful world are many. Therefore it is essential that you immediately seek other sincere, Bible-believing Christians to help you sustain your resolve. Both individual Christian friends and a solidly Bible-based Christian church are essential. If you have taken this all-important step, please... Let Us Know!

We would love to talk with you about your new life in Christ. Not only can we help you discover the true joy of walking with God, but we will help you connect with new friends here at Federated Church who will sit down with you and show you in the Bible how you can experience all that God has in store for you. You've taken the first step, now take the next and give us a call at (515) 967-2243 or at JeffS@bondurantfederatedchurch.org