WHO IS JESUS?
While several theological debates exist about who Jesus was (whether he was a simple carpenter or a prophet sent from God) we believe that he is the Son of God, sent to the world to deliver us from sin and death by offering an alternative way of life, a ‘Kingdom-centric’ ideology.
The Bible records that Jesus spent a period of about 33 years on earth, with only the last three of these dedicated to his ministry of salvation. Yet, more than two thousand years on, the impact of those three years is being felt immeasurably, with hundreds of thousands (maybe even millions) added to the Christian faith every year.
Jesus was born into a simple family in the town of Bethlehem in Judea (now Palestine). While the Bible records that his birth was the result of what is known in Christian circles as ‘The Immaculate Conception’(his mother Mary, a virgin, becoming pregnant by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), he was brought up in Nazareth, with Joseph, a carpenter, as his recognised father. During his ministry, Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and stood against the injustices of the teachers of the Law. He taught a message of love, peace, restoration and truth. But Jesus was more than a teacher, a political activist, a preacher, or a healer.
Far more than just an ordinary person, he was the Son of God, born of a human mother through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. He is The Christ (The Messiah) Matthew 4:42.
Where is Jesus now?
Though he ascended to heaven at the end of his earthly mission, Jesus is presently everywhere because he lives in the hearts and minds of the people who have invited him to do so. He is a truly international citizen, equally well-known and adored in Asia and Africa as he is in Europe and the Americas.
Why do we need Jesus?
We have all fallen short of the required standard, with each of us having repeatedly done things that are wrong – things that have caused hurt to others, or have hurt God. As well as damaging our lives and the lives of people around us, these wrong things (which the Bible calls ‘sins’) separated us from the love of God. Jesus, a perfect sacrifice because he knew know sin, paid the required price by giving himself in exchange for our sins.
Because sin separates us from God we needed someone to bridge the gap. As Jesus lived amongst us for a time, he understands how we feel and why we do the things we do. Being ‘one with God’, he was able to be that link between us and our Creator. Jesus became the price for our salvation, accepting a cruel and painful death on a cross, with only criminals for company.
Salvation was purchased when he rose from the dead two mornings after, and through his death and resurrection, he set us free from the power of sin, giving us his Holy Spirit to help us live in ways pleasing to God. It was through his humiliation, suffering, and death on the cross that Jesus overcame sin and death and won for us our salvation.
We desire for you to do more than take our word for it, and to investigate for yourself who Jesus really is.
[/tab]
[tab title=”Knowing Jesus”]The Christian journey begins with the acceptance that we have sinned and are incapable of attaining righteousness on our own: “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NIV.We must then place our trust in Jesus Christ by repenting of our sins and asking him to forgive us and cleanse us of our unrighteousness: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23.
How to give your life to Christ:
1. Admit you are a sinner in need of forgiveness
2. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave
3. Through prayer, confess that Jesus is the only way to God and commit to live for him for the rest of your life.
The bible says: “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
Not ready to receive Jesus Christ? Ask your questions by clicking here
I am ready to receive Jesus Christ – What to Pray
Dear Lord Jesus,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the grave to give me life eternal. I know you are the only way to God. So now I want to put aside my disobedient ways and start living for you. I now invite you to come into my heart and life. Please forgive me, change my life, and show me how to know you better. In your name I pray. Amen
[/tab][tab title=”What Next?”]
Starting a relationship with Jesus is like beginning any other new relationship – once we have asked Jesus to be part of our lives, we need to spend time getting to know him and learning about him. Joining his family, the church, will help. Try visiting your local church, or contact COGIWatford – you will be welcomed to your new life and your new family with open arms.
Join A Cell group
Cell Groups is the method via which we connect and grow together in smaller settings than our main church services.
A Cell Group is any group of people who come together in an informal and friendly setting to impart the life of Christ on one another through Fellowship, Discipleship and Support. Our primary purpose is to develop meaningful and purposeful relationships whilst growing together.
[tab title=”A Daily Walk”]
Starting a relationship with Jesus is a bit like beginning any other new relationship – once we have asked Jesus to be part of our lives, we need to spend time getting to know him and learning about him. Joining his family, the church, will help. Try visiting your local church, or contact COGI Watford– you will be welcomed to your new life and your new family with open arms. Below are daily passages in the bible you can have a read through to encourage and help in building a relationship with Jesus Christ.
[/tab] [/tabs]