How to Accept Jesus
How to Accept Jesus
Sometimes Christians can use weird language.
What does it mean to "accept Jesus," or "ask God into your heart"? Pastor Brent explains and breaks it down into three main ideas:
Admit you need saving,
Believe Jesus can save you,
Ask Jesus to save you.
That's it. If you said a prayer like this, that's a big deal! Let us know by sending a quick email to Pastor Brent, and we'd love to cheer you on and get you connected with more resources.
Am I Ready to Be a Christian?
Am I Ready to Be a Christian?
Maybe you're not quite ready to say that prayer. That's ok!
Just like a skateboarder hesitant to take the plunge into a skatepark, at some point you have to decide if you're really ready to dive in or not.
The decision to follow Jesus is a big one--something you probably shouldn't rush or default to out of guilt or pressure.
If you're wrestling with some of that, these points from Pastor Joe may be helpful.
Should I get baptized?
Should I get baptized?
If Christianity is new to you, baptism probably seems really weird. Why would you agree to getting dunked in a lake or a tank in front of a bunch of people?
Is the water magical?
Does baptism make you a Christian?
Do you have to get baptized?
What if you already were baptized as a baby?
Those are totally natural and fair questions. Pastor Andy gives some helpful info in this video.
How can I get started reading the Bible?
How can I get started reading the Bible?
The Bible is a big book. It can be intimidating knowing where to start, and most people would admit there are sections that can be very hard to understand.
So, if you've never read the Bible before, where should you start? What translation is best for beginners? What is a realistic habit to form for reading it on a regular basis?
Cynthia shares some helpful tips in this video. And if you're looking for a specific structure to try, check out our church's Bible reading plan through the YouVersion app.
How do I pray?
How do I pray?
God never intended for prayer to be hard or awkward, but it just... is, isn't it? Prayer often ends up feeling like something we "should" do, and many Christians end up feeling guilty for not having as robust of a prayer life as they wish they had.
If prayer is hard for you, you're not alone. In this video, Jana reminds us it doesn't have to be so awkward and forced. Just say:
Thank you.
Sorry.
Please.
How should I talk to my friends about Jesus?
How should I talk to my friends about Jesus?
Once you've accepted Jesus and have started to make some of these changes, your life probably will look different. Your friends and family may ask what has changed. Or maybe you're very excited about your newfound faith and can't wait to share this good news with those around you.
That's a great instinct, but there are also some wise things to consider before diving in head-first with talking about Jesus anywhere and everywhere to anyone who will listen.
Nasser reminds us the importance of:
Sincerity,
Humility,
Curiosity.
What's next?
After you have some of these basics covered, the next thing we recommend is to find a local church where you can experience community. We were never meant to go through this alone. You will have questions, and we all want friends who understand us.
If you live locally in Wichita, we'd be honored to have you visit Ridgepoint.
But even more than that, we want you to find the best church for you.
If you live far away or we're not quite your style, that's fine! Keep visiting churches until you find one that fits your needs and will help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.
If you live locally in Wichita, we'd be honored to have you visit Ridgepoint.
But even more than that, we want you to find the best church for you.
If you live far away or we're not quite your style, that's fine! Keep visiting churches until you find one that fits your needs and will help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.