Becoming Friends with God

Do you want to begin a friendship with God but do not know how to start?  Many people think that it is complicated to become friends with God. (A bit like becoming friends with the president after you are searched by the secret service and had a thorough background check of all your past mistakes and every move you have made since junior high school!)  The good news is that getting started in a friendship with God is simple.  Can you remember the word "G.O.C.A.T."?  This simple acronym stands for five things you need to know to begin a friendship with God.

G. Stands for the truth that God is deeply in love with you. 

The Bible tells us in the Book of First John chapter 3, verse 1 that "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"  Did you know that God even has a tattoo with your name on it?  He does!  The Old Testament Book of Isaiah in the 49th chapter and verse 16 God says, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands"  God loves you and has created you so that you and He could be friends forever.

O. Stands for the fact that Our sin has created a block between us and God.

The bible tells us that all of us have sinned.  In the New Testament Book of Romans chapter 3, verse 23 we are reminded that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." 

Many people think that sin is when you do bad stuff but sin is much deeper than that.  Sin is more than what you do, it is actually the state of your being.  Sin means that as a whole, the human race has rejected God's love and chosen to go its own way.  We have turned our noses up at God's love and tried to find peace in other things.  This makes us feel free and independent for awhile but eventually it catches up to us.  An emptiness creeps in and we begin to wonder if there is something more to life. 

You have probably already reached this place.  That is why you are seeking a relationship with God.  Your sin has created a gap between you and the God who loves you.   Even while you were off doing your own thing, God has been faithful to you from the beginning.  Elsewhere in the Book of Romans, chapter 5 and verse 8 we are told that "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us." 

A lot of people think that they have to become good enough for God.  The really great news is that God has grace for you and He has made a way to make you right with Himself!  You do not have to become "good enough"!  And you are most definitely not too bad!

C. Stands for the wonderful news that Christ is God's answer for our sin problem. 

You cannot make yourself good enough for God so He sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the price for your sin.  This is what Christian people are referring to when they talk about the "gospel".   You see, there is a punishment for sin.  Just like if you were caught speeding by the police you would receive a ticket.  Or, if you cheated on your taxes you would be penalized.  There is also a punishment for sin.  The great news is that by dying on the cross, Jesus took our punishment!   We make heros out of people who step in front of speeding trains to save a child.  We admire firefighters who risk their lives to rescue people trapped in burning buildings.  Listen, Jesus did that for the entire human race!  He has rescued us! 

The Bible says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Now, here's the rub...

A. Stands for the fact that you need to Accept Him and what He has done for you. 

It would be so nice if we could get our friends into Heaven by just wishing them in.  It does not work that way.  God wants a personal friendship with each one of us so following Him is not a group decision, it is a personal one.  The New Testament Book of Acts chapter 2, verse 21 says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  If you would like to begin a friendship with God you simply need to thank Him for His love, confess the fact that you have sinned and then accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers.  God is waiting and ready to receive you the moment that you do this.  Oh dear friend, please accept Jesus Christ today.  Can you think of one good reason why you would not want to begin this friendship right now?! 

What about the "T"?  What does that stand for?

T. Stands for "testimony". 

This is important because it shows you that God is actively at work today in our world.  He is not just in the Bible.  He is working right now in your life and in the lives of all your family and friends.  If you have a friend who is a Christian, go ahead and ask them about what God has done in their lives recently.  If they genuinely know God, they will be able to tell you something really cool that they have experienced.  Their story will encourage you to place your trust in Jesus and begin this forever friendship with Him.  If you want to hear a story or if you have more questions, please give the New River Church office a call.  You can reach us at (860) 648-2970.