The purpose of our billboards and website is to help guide those who are interested in pursuing more information about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Our website lists churches of kindred heart and mind regarding this vital issue, and it is our sincere hope that you will contact any of these churches and dialogue with its pastors and people.
In just a few brief words, I will attempt to explain how to start a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Good News about Jesus Christ
The Bible teaches that all have sinned (Romans 2:23) and that sin separates the sinner from relationship with God. (Romans 6:23 and Isaiah 59:2). God is holy, which means He is without sin, and cannot tolerate its presence. The Bible also teaches that God is just, and must maintain justice for the universe. To ignore or overlook sin would be unjust. At the same time, God is declared to be love. He is compassionate and deeply concerned for humanity. This poses a dilemma, upholding justice and at the same time seeking to dispense mercy.
This problem was resolved when He became human through Jesus Christ. By becoming human, He is able to identify with us in all our weakness. But even more, He identified with our sin by taking our sins upon Himself and suffering the full wrath of justice. The Bible boldly declares that "God made Him who knew no sin, to become sin, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) Incredibly, Jesus, of His own choice, placed Himself under the sentence of death and received our penalty.
What God requires of us now is not good works or religious activity to compensate for our sins. Instead, He requires that we believe Him and surrender our life and will to Him as both Savior and Lord. "But to as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name." (John 1:12) To receive Him is to give Him the ultimate leadership in our lives. It is to turn from our independence and yield to His authority. The result is becoming a new creation, where old things pass away and all things become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
It is impossible to completely cover such a grand topic as this in such a short essay. Our prayer is that you will take the next step in seeking God for yourself. As churches in the Magic Valley, we offer our sincere help in any way we can. God bless you as you open your heart to God.