Who is Jesus?

Why do I need Him?

The Bible is really just one story — the story of God and His love for His people. Because we are all sinners, we are separated from God who is perfect and Holy. Therefore, God sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins. To be restored in our relationship with God, we must admit our sins and ask God's forgiveness through Jesus. Without Jesus, we are eternally separated from God. It's that simple — your relationship with Jesus is the most important one in your life.

God is Holy

God has always existed, even before time began (Psalm 90:2). He is the creator of everything (Genesis 1). Among all creation, man has a unique place because God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27). He has a special love for us, His special creation.
God's character is flawless. He is holy — perfect in every way. Because of His holiness, He is also a God of justice. He alone will judge injustice and wrongs. God sees the hearts and minds of all men; no one can hide from God (Psalm 139: 1-4).

Man is Sinful

God does not force us to love Him. From the very beginning, God gave His people free will. We can choose Him or we can choose to live without Him. And from the very beginning with Adam and Eve, His people have sinned (Genesis 3).
The Bible is clear - we are all sinners. We all fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). The "righteousness" of man is like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6).
Because of sin, we live in a difficult world. Our world is full of decay, destruction and death (2 Timothy 3:1-5). This is not the world God intended, and it is not what He wants for the people He loves.

Jesus paid the price

Jesus is the divine Son of God and also God Himself (Mark 1:1). Because He is God, He has always existed (Colossians 1:16). In His mercy, Jesus humbled Himself by coming to the earth in human form. While on earth, he was both fully God and fully man. He grew up in a Jewish home, had hunger and thirst, enjoyed time with friends, and felt pain and suffering. 
The purpose of Jesus' coming to earth was to make an eternal payment (atonement) for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He was and is holy and sinless. Jesus did not deserve to die on the cross — He chose to die on the cross because of His love for His people (John 10:17-18).
Through His death and resurrection, our relationship with God can be restored. That is, we can be saved from the consequences of sin (salvation). The gift of salvation is available to everyone. This is the "Good News" of the Bible! Whoever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life with God in heaven (John 3:16).
On the third day after His death, Jesus rose into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father (Mark 16:19). He has prepared a place in heaven for those who believe in Him (John 14:1-3).

RECEIVING SALVATION

Salvation requires us to humble ourselves before God by admitting our sinfulness. There is no good in us apart from God.We must put our faith and trust in Jesus in order to be saved from the consequences of our sin. In this way, we become Christians — followers of Christ. Salvation is both simple and profound.
When we are saved, we are made holy in God's eyes (justification). Our place in heaven in secured in the moment we are saved. Our past, present and future sins are completely forgiven. Although the consequences of our sin have been removed through Jesus' death on the cross, we will still struggle with sin as long as we are on earth. God continues to work in us through His Holy Spirit to transform our mind, will, behaviors and affections (sanctification). One of the marks of a Christian is the fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These attributes are not necessary for our salvation; they are a result of our salvation.

What's next?

Let's celebrate!

If you have put your faith in Jesus, we want to celebrate with you! Every Sunday morning near the end of the worship service is a time of invitation — we welcome you to come forward to share the wonderful news of your salvation.

Baptism

Becoming a follower of Christ means making public your profession of faith through baptism. Baptism is not required for your salvation. Rather, it is a public profession that you have put your faith in Jesus.

About Baptism

Join the church

Another way to make your profession of faith public is to join a local church body. Joining a church means committing to a community of believers — growing in your own faith while encouraging and serving others.

About Church Membership

Serve in the church

God has equipped each of us with unique talents and gifts to be used to serve His kingdom on earth. Together, we become the body of Christ, the church. And just like our physical bodies, the church functions best when its parts — its people — are working together. There are so many areas at Central where we could use your gifts and talents.

Find a place to serve

Need Prayer?

We are a praying church - let us know how we can pray for you today! Your requests are kept private to our prayer team and staff, who would be honored to pray for you. What a great truth to know that we can take our concerns and burdens straight to God. He hears all of our prayers.

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Find a Bible Study

Are you ready to learn more about God? Consider joining a Bible study at Central — we have options available for every age and stage of life!

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