Dear friend, Let me make this as simple as I can. We all desperately need to connect with the God who created us. Living in constant fellowship with God is what we were created to experience. This God connection begins as we receive the free gift of God. This God connection grows as we allow the God who made us - to lead us each day! In fact, if you are desirous of having this God connection it is because God himself is calling you by His Spirit. Allow me to share a simple Bible based explanation…

All of us have had moments of running from the God that created us. It is natural that we do that. The Bible calls this "sin." Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This sin has caused our fellowship with God to be broken and severed.

But our God connection can be eternally restored in a single moment.1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Yes, God is willing to forgive us no matter what we have done and restore a wonderful fellowship with him.

Yes, God loves us and wants us to have personal fellowship with Him. He desires to give us a new life that is filled with hope, joy, and purpose. John 10:10 says, "I have come that you may have life, and have it to the fullest."

This gift of salvation is definitely a gift! God allowed His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrated His own great love for us in this: While we were still in a hopeless sinful condition, Christ died for us." Yes, Jesus himself paid the price for our forgiveness!

You cannot earn this gift or even work hard enough to get it. It is only received as a gift. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - and certainly not by your good works, which would ultimately cause you to boast."

Receiving this gift of God is recognized by simple verbal acceptance. Romans 10:9 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."

Right now you may be feeling a tug in your heart to accept this great gift. You may sincerely desire to have a relationship with God and have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Do not put it off. Call out to God right now! You may want to pray a prayer like the one below…

"Dear God, I feel a strong desire to know you! I really want life. I want to know that I am here on this earth for a purpose. I want to connect with You! There are many things in my heart and mind that are very messed up… I know I am a sinner. I need your forgiveness. Forgive me. I believe Jesus died to forgive me of my sins. I now accept Your offer of eternal life. Thank You for forgiving all my sin. Thank you for my new life. Thank you for desiring to know and fellowship with me. I realize that you are the God who made me, thus from this day forward, I ask you to direct my life. I accept you according to the Word of God! And this prayer is prayed in the mighty name of Jesus Christ… amen."

If you prayed this prayer and meant it with your own heart… you have received the gift! Congratulations! Welcome to the best gift of your life! Now share your decision with a Christian friend or pastor today. If you are looking for a church home, contact us at Grace Church and we'll be happy to talk with you further.

Your decision to accept Christ also means that you are also given an eternal home in Heaven. That's a lot to be thankful for! You need to take some practical steps to grow strong spiritually: read the Bible, pray, and link yourself with a vibrant "Bible teaching" church. We at Grace Church would like to hear from you and share in your acceptance of God into your life. Please write me at:

Pastor Ken Lash
Grace Church
2320 Sleepy Hill Rd
Lakeland, FL 33810

If you have a need for counseling of any kind (pastoral, professional, marital), please call the church office at 853-9279 to make an appointment.

Grace Church
2320 Sleepy Hill Road - Lakeland, Florida 33810
Tel (863) 853-9279 - Fax (863) 815-0889