Spiritual Help

What can make a difference in my life?

Most people live their entire lives without ever knowing "WHY."  They exist year after year with no idea of why they live or God's purpose for their lives.  The most basic question a person can ask is, "What is the meaning of life?" 

Everyone wants to be happy. 

People try many ways:

• ...Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions.
• ...Some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure.
• ...Some look for happiness by gaining prestige and power.

But real happiness comes from understanding my purpose in life.

Why am I here?

1. God made me to love me!
   We were created to enjoy a personal relationship with God and to all of the rest of God's creation! This makes us special! If we do not have this relationship there is a void in our life that nothing else can fill.
2. When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose for our lives, it produces tremendous benefits in our lives:
   • Clear conscience (Romans 8:1)
   • Life and peace (Romans 8:6)
   • Help with weakness (Romans 8:26)
   • Purpose (Romans 8:28)
   • Confidence (Romans 8:31)
   • Security (Romans 8:39)
   • Power and strength (Philippians 4:13)
   • Fulfillment (Philippians 4:19)
   • Freedom (John 8:32,36) 

What's the problem?

1. Man has a natural desire to be boss and ignore God's principles for living. The Bible calls this attitude sin.
   • "All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6)
   • "If we say that we never sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refuse to accept the truth." (1 John 1:8)
2. Sin breaks our close relationship with God. It causes us to fear God and try to live our lives outside of His will.
   • "The trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God." (Isaiah 59:2)
   • "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
3. When our relationship to God is not right, it causes problems in every area of our lives- marriage, career, relationships, finances, etc.
4. When people have problems, they often try many different ways of coping before turning to God.
   • "There are ways that seem right to man, but they only end in death." (Proverbs 16:25)
5. Even when we know that our deepest need is God, we often try wrong ways of getting to know Him.
   • "My mother was a Christian, so..."
   • "It doesn't matter what you believe, just be sincere."
   • "I'll give up all my bad habits."
   • "I'll work real hard and earn it."
   • "I'll be religious and go to church."

What's the solution?

Jesus has already taken care of your sin problem! God did this for us because He loves us and wants us to know Him.

• "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
• Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
• "God is on one side and all people are on the other side, and Christ Jesus is between them to bring them together, by giving His life for all mankind." (1 Timothy 2:5)
• "God commended his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

God has already done his part to restore our relationship to Him. He took the initiative. Now He waits for each of us to individually accept what he has done for us.

What does God want me to do?

1. Admit that God has not been first place in your life and ask Him to forgive your sins.
2. Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that he rose again on Easter, and is alive today.
3. Accept God's free gift of salvation. Don't try to earn it.
4. Invite Jesus Christ to come into your life and be the director ("Lord") of your life.
   • "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
   • "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

If you are ready to accept God's free gift of salvation, simply pray a prayer like the one below with true sincerity from your heart:

"Dear Lord,
thank you for making me and loving me, even when I've ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and I'm sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me, and conquered sin and death when he arose from the dead. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on.

Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation and believe that you have given me eternal life. Please help me to grow now as a Christian.

In Jesus' name, Amen"

How do I grow as a Christian?

When you become a Christian, you are like a newborn baby.

Just as a baby needs nourishment to grow, you need to be fed spiritually to grow in your Christian walk and to begin to see a difference in your life. 1 Peter 2:2,3 says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

1. Tell someone about your decision. This will help you to get started in your Christian walk.
2. Read the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God and in the Holy Scriptures we are told how to live.
3. Pray. Some reasons to pray are to praise and thank God, to repent of your sins, to avoid temptation, to pray for others, and to pray for your own needs.
4. Fellowship with others who have also placed their faith in Jesus.  Attending church is the best way to meet and fellowship with other believers.  You are always welcome at Agape Baptist Church! 
5. Be baptized. Baptism is not what saves you, but it's an outward sign of your faith.  A public profession of this faith shows that you are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 

To speak to our pastor, Doctor Roger Mardis, or one of our pastor/counselors, please call (256) 574-5992 or e-mail us.