According to the Bible, until a seeker comes to terms with Jesus, he or she hasn't dealt with the issue that's most important in starting a relationship with God. 

Consider this reality: Jesus is the most influential person in history. A poor itinerant preacher, the son of a carpenter but also the Son of God, changed the entire course of world history.

How can any serious spiritual search overlook Him? For example, today's date is based on a reckoning that hinges on Jesus' life. Because of Him, people were moved to split world history into two eras — "before Him" and "after Him" (B.C. and A.D.).

4.  How will you respond to Jesus?

It's not enough to intellectually agree with Jesus' claims. If you read the Bible and recognize Jesus as the true Son of God, a man who walked the earth, lived a perfect life, died, and rose again from the dead, you must choose to cross the line of faith and receive Him. This is a once-for-all decision. A "process" follows, but you have to start by inviting Him into your life and accepting that He paid the debt you owe for your sin but could never pay yourself.

Salvation in Jesus is a totally free gift, and receiving it is as easy as saying, "Jesus, I acknowledge my sin and Your payment for it on the cross. I now ask You to be my forgiver and my God." But you must respond personally and deliberately, or the gift will remain unopened and unenjoyed.

Some Practical Help

Keeping in mind the above questions, here are some practical ideas to guide you in your spiritual search:

Ask God to reveal Himself if you're not sure He's there.

Read the Bible — start with the New Testament books of John, Acts, and Romans. Covenant will give you one if you need one (call 876-2212).

Talk to people who display a genuine relationship with God — those who obviously love Him and who live by a different set of principles.

Spend time in nature, observing and experiencing God's creation.

Question things everybody seems to take for granted — be a lover of truth.