Why Jesus?

Relationship with God - Through Jesus Christ

Religion cannot restore our relationship with God again. No human ritual, deed, or sacrifice can provide payment or absolution for our sins. Not a single human being by his own efforts is able to measure up to the glory of God. God’s glory is His splendor, the outward display of His attributes. God desires that we share that splendor, yet our sin prohibits us from experiencing the richness of such a relationship. We might ask, “Why does an omnipotent and supreme God long for a relationship with imperfect, fallen human beings?”

  • God chooses us for a special purpose before creation (Ephesians 1:4-5). What God began in the past, He will accomplish and complete in the future. It is His purpose, through His Son Jesus Christ, to make us blameless, without a single blemish.

  • God considers us children of a Heavenly Father (2 Corinthians 6:18). When redeemed, we are again sealed into a special relationship with God. While sin can enslave us to the point of fear, believers in Jesus are adopted, receiving the same privileges as natural-born. Christians can approach God through an intimate relationship, even calling Him Father (Romans 8:16).

  • God values us as precious treasures, capable of honoring Him with our bodies and spirits. We were bought with a special price—“the precious blood of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:19).

It is God’s will to save us through His Son Jesus Christ, establishing an everlasting relationship with Him. Jesus Christ’s voluntary death on the cross provided delivering power, redeeming us. The divine purpose for Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection from the grave was man’s restoration and reconciliation, bringing life through the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).

A Personal Relationship with God

Picture the relationship that Jesus shared with His Heavenly Father. Jesus was the only begotten Son of the Father. The relationship the two shared while Jesus was on earth was unparalleled (John 1:14; 6:46; 1 John 4:9). Through Jesus Christ, we experience God’s presence, strengthening our relationship:

  • Love – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

  • Sacrifice – “...But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1–2).

  • Faithfulness – “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

  • Mercy – “...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:23–24).

  • Peace – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

  • Joy – “...We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1–2).

  • Eternity – “I [Jesus] give them eternal life, and they shall never perish...My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:28–30).

A personal relationship with God begins with knowing His Son Jesus Christ. Our earthly relationships change. You and I are destined for change. But Jesus is changeless. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When you draw near to Jesus Christ, you will be changed.

Before I pray for you, I'd like to lead you in a prayer, and I would encourage you to read this prayer aloud:

"Father, more than anything else I want to fulfill the purposes you made me for. I want you to use me anytime, anywhere, any place. I want my life to bring you pleasure. I want my heart to grow in worship. I want to learn to love you. I want to be used to build the fellowship between believers."

"Thank you for the privilege for being a part of your family. It's my heart's desire to become like Jesus. I will do whatever it takes to cause that to happen. Help me to discover my purpose for ministry and to use the gifts you've given to me to use for others. Help me to have a servant's heart. Father, I want to fulfill my mission on earth. Give me a burden for people who don't know you. I want to serve your purpose in my generation. And I want to be a part of what you're doing in the world. From this day forward, I want to build my life around your purposes. Lord, I ask for forgiveness for my sins. I want to receive you into my life not just as Savior, but Lord of my life. It’s in your precious name I pray this. Amen!”

As pastor of Living Hope Baptist Church, it is my sincerest hope that you prayed that prayer with me. Experiencing salvation through Jesus Christ is just the beginning. He promises you not just eternal life - John 3:16, but also abundant life right now. John 10:10.  We are here for you! 

Pastor, Troy DeFeo 

Getting Started

A Few Basics

We’ve put together a small package of teaching, devotionals and more.