HOW TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST INTO YOUR LIFE
"For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?" Matthew 16:26
Regardless of where you're at today or where you've been, you're reading this for a reason. I hope it's because you're searching for some peace in your life.
Maybe you're tired of the same old "day in & day out" without having anything really special that you can look back on or look forward to. Maybe you feel that you're living your life for "things" and "people" or you feel you’re missing the real purpose of life?
Nobody is perfect! - You maybe thinking, "Oh yeah, I've seen how Christians can act!" You may have seen TV preachers constantly asking for your money, you may have a Christian neighbor who borrowed something from you and never returned it, or you may have been cut off on the freeway by some guy with a little chrome fish on his car.
Yes, it's true! Christians make mistakes too! We are not any better or different than you, except that we have a relationship with God and so can you. Read on and find out how!
Put simply: Having a relationship with God means, He forgives us for the bad and stupid things we do. It means, that His love for us is greater than anything you could've done in your past life. God exists. He's real! He cares about you! He loves you!
Jesus is real! - You've heard about Jesus, you've probably been handed a tract or two. You may have been to Church before or gone to Sunday school when you were a kid.
God isn't some cosmic killjoy bent on making people's lives miserable. Ever since Adam & Eve ate the apple, this whole world has been cursed, and all of us along with it. God didn't want it that way, but that was man's choice. God always gives us the freedom to choose. But God loves us so much that He's provided a way out to everyone who wants it. The way to eternal life is through His son Jesus Christ.
Jesus paid the price for you and I. Jesus paid the way for all of mankind, by dying for ALL of our sins when they put Him upon that cross. A perfect man without any sin, no flaws, completely innocent and He allowed Himself to be killed in our place.
Where do you go from here? - Read and follow these the three R's:
Realize that you're a sinner and that you're not perfect. This should be easy but it’s not. For example: Just like someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs or any other sin, they do not think they have a problem until it is to late and sometimes not even then. Sometimes they fool themselves into believing they're "not a bad person" so they can continue will their addictions / sins. The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). It also says "There is no one righteous, not one" (Romans 3:10).
Repent of your sin – Make a real commitment to turn around 180 degrees. Come as you are and confess your sins to Jesus and leave your old, tired life behind. True repentance means not looking back, but allowing Jesus to be the Lord and Savior over your life. Peter said "repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38).
Receive Jesus as your Lord & Savior – Give control of your life to Jesus. The Bible says: "That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).
If you would like Jesus to come into your life, pray out loud the following prayer:
"Father in heaven, I admit that I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe you sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross of Calvary for my sins and that He rose from the dead on the third day. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and give me the power to live for You all the days of my life...In Jesus Name, Amen."
If you prayed this prayer, then the Bible says you have become a "New creation in Christ, old things have passed away and all things have become new." Now that you have given your life over to Jesus, you will need to get a bible and read it every day. You also need to find a church that believes in the Bible (the word of God) and the power of the Holy Spirit. Please email us and let us know of your decision to follow Jesus Christ. You can leave your name and address so we can send you materials that will help you in your new life in Him.
That's the easy part – if you've done that sincerely, then welcome to the Kingdom of God. You've just received something that no one can take away from you. Eternal salvation from hell which is separation from God forever. You've just become a part of the politically incorrect minority.
If that's the easy part, what's the hard part?
Well life as a Christian is not easy – not at all! The right choices in life are usually harder to make than the wrong ones. It's always easier to get into trouble than to stay out of trouble. For one thing, the "world" will reject you. You'll be made fun of, called names by some of the friends who knew the "old" you and don't understand the "new" you. You'll face opposition from those who want you to join in their misery because after all, misery loves company.
Jesus said that those who follow Him must take up their cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Let me tell you bro, that cross gets heavy at times. I look up to heaven at least each week and wish God would take me home, but it's all in His time and I continue to press on to do the right things. Sometimes you fall down, sometimes you backslide, sometimes you don't feel like being a Christian any more – but God is there with you at those times to pick you back up and keep walking with you. He never leaves you, even in your darkest hour when all you can think of is hopelessness and death. He's there, every year, every week, every day, hour and minute of your life…
Whether you said that prayer or not , please keep reading:
We all know Jesus was a real man who existed. Even the demons believe that! The question is: Are you going to continue to weather the storms of life alone, or will you allow God?
The scriptures state, "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord" (Philippians 2:10,11).
Everyone will end up finding out who Jesus is sooner or later. Don't wait until it’s to late! To receive Jesus, pray to Him right now! Let Him know in your own words that you are a sinner, that you repent and that you want Him to be Lord of your life. He's waiting…
If you've done that sincerely, then welcome to the Kingdom of God. You've just received something that no one can take away from you. Eternal salvation from hell, which is separation from God forever.
Look up to heaven everyday and thank God for sending His Son Jesus Christ to earth, so I can have that relationship with Him forever. God never leaves you, even in your darkest hours; He's there, every year, every week, every day, hour and minute of your life…
Now hook up with a bible teaching church, fellowship with other Christens and serve God!
God will keep your faith strong, by reading His word. The scriptures say "for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
Get a Bible, if you cannot afford one, visit your local Christian church and they will give you one. Or you can contact us by clicking here and request a Bible.
If going to a Church is a big step for you, feel free to contact us about joining our weekly bible study. Sometimes that is a way of acclimating you to the word of God, and fellowship.
Now what should I do?
Next, get plugged into a bible teaching church. Attend several, until you find one you like. There are even outreach churches and ministries that are designed specifically for bikers. If you would like some suggestions please contact us and we would be happy to assist you in finding a church.
Once you have the understanding:
Find a ministry to serve in. Here at Bikers For Christ Alabama South East, we serve God by, helping street kids & the homeless, helping out other bikers on the road, going to hospitals to pray for the sick, minister to the kids in Juvenile Hall, fellowshipping with other bikers, toy runs and much more.
There are a lot of motorcycle ministries out there. Check them out. Most important, allow God to direct you to a ministry, pray about it. You can also check out the International Bikers for Christ web site, they have links to other motorcycle ministries.
You may consider joining Bikers for Christ Alabama South East.
Just like finding the right church, it's important to find the right ministry. Some motorcycle ministries (M/M) are more casual – others are more hardcore. Some are "churchy" while others still are more motorcycle oriented. Some have strict policies, bylaws and discipline. Others are more relaxed. Find one that you'll be comfortable serving in. Remember to always pray before you act and the Lord will lead you.
May God bless you as you live and ride for Him!
Adapted from the International BFC site.