Does God have a plan for my life?
Certainly! God says over an over in the Bible that "he knows the plans I have for you..." (Jeremiah 29.11). God's plans for your life are for you to grow, prosper, live with Him, and walk by faith.
However, God's plans do not always guarantee happiness, but they do promise everlasting hope and joy. Believe today that God created you with a purpose and plan and that He wants you to be apart of the wonderful journey called "life!"
See: Romans 8.28-30, 1 Corinthians 2.7, 2 Corinthians 4.16-18, Ephesians 1.11-14
How do I become a Christian?
To become a Christian one must simply believe by faith that Christ died for their sins, choose to live for God, and accept Jesus' love freely.
Accepting Christ means giving Jesus your whole heart. Hold nothing back. You might even pray something like: "Dear Jesus, I have sinned against you. Come now into my heart. I receive your grace. I receive your love. I want to live for you forever. Come and be my God, my best friend, and my Lord. Amen."
See: Romans 3.23, 6.23, 5.8, 10:9-13, John 10.10, 14.6, 3.16
I feel guilty because I have sinned. What can I do?
As humans, we are going to sin, mess up, choose our own way. God knows this. And thought it does hurt God's heart, He is waiting to forgive and forget our sins. 1 John 1.9 says this, "if we confess our sins (to God and others) God is faithful to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness."
In other words, when you sin, tell God want you did! (you might also find a trusted friend to share this with.) After you share, know that Jesus has already forgiven you. If you still carry guilt -- it's not coming from God - but from you and from the enemy, the devil, who wants you to feel bad about what you have done.
Accepting Jesus' forgiveness of our sins allows us to walk with our heads straight, our hearts clean, and our hands ready to serve the Lord!
See: Psalm 103.3-4, Matthew 6.14, Acts 13.38, Ephesians 1.7, Luke 17.4, Colossians 3.13
How do I grow in my relationship with the Lord?
There are many ways to grow but here are just a few to get you thinking:
1. Read your Bible each day.
2. Pray by talking to God.
3. Attend a local church and hang with a youth group.
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up and help you grow.
5. Eat beef. (just kidding...)
6. Keep a journal of the answers to pray, and the joys in your life.
7. Memorize scripture.
8. Serve others. Attend mission trips or service projects.
9. Seek out and ask your pastor, or youth leader, to help.
10. Attend Midwinters, summer camps or other events that will pump you up!
I feel called to ministry. What can I do?
First, let me say, "praise God!" God's call upon your life is not only exciting but life-changing. Just the indication that you are reading this confirms to me that the call is genuine.
The FIRST place to start is with prayer. Ask the Lord to confirm this call in your life. Then, if you are willing, ask the Lord to use your life to bless and serve others.
As Christians, we are all called to service; but some are called to a "special service" called ordination. Youth ministry, missions, worship leading, Christian education are also particular ways in which people are called.
The SECOND place to go is to your parents, pastor and youth director. Let them know that you are sensing a call upon your life. Not everyone will be as excited as you are but keep your chin up...God will guide you!
The THIRD place is to do some reading and research. Not only in Scripture - to learn about the call of Ruth, Samuel, David, Mary, Jesus, and his 12 disciples (just to name a few!); but also in some very valuable online links. Check out http://www.isgodcallingyou.org *which is really cool...) and then also http://www.gbhem.org/ordmin2.html for starters. Also, don't forget about our event called Discovery Zone, linked to this web page.
Blessings to you and may God continue to bless and confirm His call upon your heart!
Ok, now that I am a Christian...What are the characteristics of one who follows Jesus?
According to a book entitled "Passing on the Faith", there are 10 Characteristics of Committed Youth. This will give you something for which to strive.
1. Trusting in a personal Christ
2. Understanding and live in grace
3. Hang with God daily
4. Maintain high morals
5. Become a leader in the youth group or church
6. Love others
7. Accept authority (parents, teachers, leaders)
8. Be positive
9. Attend worship
10. Serve others
