EXPLORING FAITH: Considering Christianity?   Here’s some practical advice to help you get started:
1. Investigate the Bible- It’s the bestselling book of all time for a reason.  It’s different than most books.  It’s a collection of 66 books and letters transcribed over a period of 1,500 years.  Instead of starting at the beginning, start with Jesus.  Try reading the Gospel of John, a history of the life of Jesus Christ, written expressly by one of Christ’s closest followers as an explanation for people exploring faith in Jesus.
2. Inquire of Jesus- Jesus himself said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  (Matthew 11:28)   Another time he proclaimed, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened “(Luke 11:9-10).    The application is plain - if you are exploring Christianity, you must do more than approach from a philosophical or historical viewpoint - it is an approach to the person of Jesus Christ himself.
3. Interrelate with a Church- God meant for us to live in relationship.  The Church, although flawed, is God’s plan for people to heal together, grow together, and serve together in the world.   Finding a family of believers to belong to is a vital step in the maturity of any healthy, growing Christian.

How Do You Initiate A Relationship With God?
There is no magic prayer that saves you.  It’s simple faith in Jesus.  If you’re having trouble finding the words to say, however, here’s a sample prayer of a person responding to the grace of Jesus in simple faith.   Declare this with heart speaking as well as your mouth:

"Heavenly Father, I want to know you.  I acknowledge that my life is hopelessly broken and sinful apart from You and I need forgiveness and restoration.  I confess faith in Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.  I believe that when He died on the cross for the sins of mankind, He died for me.  I receive the hope and healing that comes through Him and I ask for the Holy Spirit to fill my life and teach me how to live."