Exploring Jesus?
Welcome to the expedition! As one exploring the possibility of following Jesus and becoming a part of the church, we are here to serve you. For us here at Bethesda, it is still amazingly mind-blowing to all of us that God desires a personal relationship with us, even in spite of us. But that is why we call it Good News. We have found in Jesus forgiveness of our wrongdoings and the ability to live each day through his love and grace. This amazing gift is available to you as well.
Yes, God desires an intimate, personal relationship with you also. Through the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God provides a way for you to experience God’s incredible love, like we have.
There are two bible verses that we all cherish at GBMBC. The first is found in the Gospel of John, Chapter 3 and verse 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him might have eternal life.” We believe that God’s love for us is so great that God gave himself to us and for us in Jesus, God’s son, that every barrier between us and God might be removed. Salvation restores our relationship with God on earth and secures our relationship with God eternally. That’s good news, but it is just beginning.
The second verse is also found in the Gospel of John, Chapter 10 and verse 10: “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” Not only does God offer you eternal life in heaven, Jesus promises you abundant life (the fullness of life) as his disciple as you experience God’s incredible love for you on earth. As a result, we can become partners with God in the work of reconciling the rest of creation with God and we can live in the power of God’s Spirit with love, joy, peace and hope.
The fact that we human being can have an personal, intimate relationship with Almighty God, both now and forever, is GOOD NEWS! What a gift! But this gift of eternal life and abundant life cannot be yours unless you willingly accept it.
Want to Follow Jesus?
If you are interested in following Jesus, you can begin right now. There is no exact formula or special prayer that must be prayed. Just have an honest conversation with God: admit your faults, failures, and wrongdoings (i.e. sins) and acknowledge your need for a Savior; tell God that you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son and accept the God’s gift of forgiveness (i.e. faith); and confess Jesus as Lord of your life and commit to living a life of following Jesus and serving others.
Will you have that honest conversation with God? Did you have an honest conversation with God? If you did, right now you have the promises that only God provides: abundant life on earth and the assurance of eternal life in heaven! Trust God. Praise God!
Questions?
If you are interested in following Jesus, we encourage you to learn more about him in the Bible. The Gospel of John is a great place to start. But don’t do it alone. Feel free to tell us about your interest and your questions. For additional information, questions, or concerns about accepting Jesus Christ or joining the church, please feel free to contact our Senior Pastor, Rev. David W. Watkins, III at PastorDWW3@gbmbc.org or our Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Rev. Veronica Johnson at VJohnson@gbmbc.org or call us at 773.373.3188.
May God’s blessings be upon you in your journey of faith.
