Dota 2
34 beoordelingen
Why (and how) to give your heart to Jesus
Door Man of God
Why (and how) to give your heart to Jesus
This guide is a long-standing work in progress.

You've probably noticed that we live in dark times. Day by day, news headlines get more concerning and our earth faces numerous ongoing challenges and tragedies affecting billions of people worldwide. More people than ever feel disconnected from others and share a growing disappointment toward the world they live in. Why are young people especially, getting unhappier despite the numerous advancements to civilization? I'll give you a hint, it's not politics!

I wrote this guide specifically for gamers, as we often immerse ourselves in virtual worlds to escape the reality we are dissatisfied with. There is good news though! Accepting Jesus into our hearts can provide real everlasting peace and direction and make every aspect of life, even gaming, more fulfilling. Read on to find out how this is all possible.
4
4
3
   
Prijs
Toevoegen aan favorieten
Toegevoegd aan favorieten
Verwijderen uit favorieten
Why give your heart to Jesus?
Every single human-being on earth craves 3 things:

1. Good path in life
2. Truth
3. Experience

In the bible, Jesus literally says "I am the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

That is, Jesus is literally our path, the truth all humans seek and the life (experience) we desire. This sounds crazy to a lot of people, but only if you don't bother to give it any further thought whatsoever. Let's keep reading to learn more.

How many of your own thoughts are original? That is, they are truly your own ideas and feelings. Not experiences passed down by friends, family and others you listen or look up to. If you think about it, you'll likely realise we all stand on the shoulders of more knowledgeable and experienced people. Very little about the thoughts and feelings we have are those we're responsible for all on our own. We read books, learn from others in school, watch videos online and of course play games! It's our interaction with all of these things that shape our ideas.

But back in 30AD there was born a man who by the age of 30 was solving problems no one knew how to and he even healed the sick and wounded. His name is Jesus. Today, almost 2000 years later there are billions of people that owe Jesus their very lives. He has healed their pain, sickness, depression and become a permanent antidote to people's despair.

He can and does all of these things still today. He can and wants to do them for you too.
The Rise of Global Tradgedies
The world has witnessed a series of horrific and devastating events, especially in the last few years. Increasing frequency of natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires have caused massive destruction. For instance, the Australian bushfires in 2019-2020 burned millions of acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and killed or displaced nearly three billion animals. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, leading to millions of deaths and global economic hardship.

Serious social and moral conflicts have also occurred such as the war in Ukraine and genocide in Palestine. Starvation in Afghanistan, the Syrian migration crisis, civil war in Haiti and New Caledonia and the Rohingyan genocides. All these tragedies, particularly avoidable - have affected the world in numerous negative ways also dividing people onto two sides.

These tragedies have left many feeling lost and hopeless. More people than ever are playing games now and for good reason! But while video games can provide a necessary and even healthy distraction, they cannot offer the deep, lasting peace that all of us seek in our daily lives. This is where the teachings of Jesus can make a significant difference. Jesus offers a sense of hope and purpose that transcends the fleeting nature of entertainment, be it games, television, movies, music or otherwise.
The Movement Toward Selfish Hedonism
Alongside increasing daily problems there has been a noticeable decline and erosion of moral, social and conservative values. More people are pursuing selfish, self-serving hedonism, focusing on personal pleasure and material gain rather than meaningful, altruistic living. This shift is evident in various aspects of life, from the way we consume media to our interactions on social media platforms. People are more angry, disappointed, depressed and otherwise dissatisfied with the world in general.

Even our amazing and entertaining games are becoming more shallow and hollow. Many also reinforce negative values that contribute to the overall decline in moral and ethical standards. Whilst games that are made with passion, regardless of the topic can teach us strong and important lessons about ourselves and others. No one can argue that gaming as a whole has become less about storytelling and more about an escape from the problems the world is facing.
Why Accepting Jesus Matters
1. Finding True Purpose and Meaning
Accepting Jesus provides a sense of purpose that goes beyond personal gratification and short-lived enjoyment in games. Jesus teaches that our lives have meaning when we serve purposes greater than ourselves and learn to love things other than ourselves. He also reminds us that true enjoyment comes from doing good deeds, not from self-indulgence. For those of us who love games, this can be a transformative shift in perspective. Instead of seeking fulfilment in virtual achievements, we find deeper satisfaction in helping others and living according to God's will.

2. A Source of Unwavering Hope
In times of global crisis, Jesus offers a steadfast source of hope. The teachings of Jesus emphasize love, compassion, and forgiveness, providing comfort during difficult times. When faced with personal or collective tragedies, having faith in Jesus can help gamers navigate these challenges with resilience and grace.

3. Promoting Positive Values
The teachings of Jesus promote values that counteract the rising tide of selfish hedonism. Jesus encourages us to love our neighbors, show kindness, and practice humility. By accepting Jesus, gamers can embody these positive values in their daily lives, influencing their interactions both online and offline. Seriously, wouldn't we all like less toxicity in our gaming communities?

4. Building a Supportive Community
Whilst the most important thing is accepting Jesus. Christianity offers a sense of belonging and community that so many gamers naturally seek. Churches and Christian groups provide support, fellowship and a sense of family. This kind of community can be especially beneficial for people who love multiplayer games where you interact with others regularly. Furthermore, this is especially helpful for those who spend a great deal of their time in videogames, isolated from others.
Real Examples of Transformation
Around the world millions of people have experienced profound transformations after accepting Jesus into their hearts. Every day, more people wake up to accept the free gift that Jesus Christ offers. You can find their testimonies on Youtube, in the news and newspapers, in churches and on the radio. There are millions of examples of people who are dissatisfied of what modern culture offers them and whom are looking for a "counter-culture" and return to traditional values.

Jesus is this counter-culture. Millions of people have already shared their testimonies of what Jesus has done for them, to others and embraced a life they never even knew existed.
Natural Obstacles to Faith
1. Fear of Rejection
Some of us might fear that accepting Jesus will lead to rejection from our current friends, family and communities. We think people will judge us or think we're brainwashed, even though we have not only a right but a responsibility to seek truth and knowledge. However, it's important to remember that true friends will respect and support our decisions. Moreover, the new sense of community found in Christian circles can provide additional and greater support and companionship. The world is populated with literally billions of followers in Jesus Christ and hundreds of thousands of churches all over the world. Worldwide, believers in Christ share a common theme of family and friendship.

2. Balancing Faith and Gaming
Accepting Jesus does not mean giving up gaming at all. Instead, it means approaching gaming with a new perspective. Gamers can still enjoy their favorite hobbies while incorporating positive values, exemplary kindness and avoiding content that is clearly partly responsible for a decline in social, moral and ethical standards. This balance leads to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle, many more friends and a renewed perspective on life. Think of it as 'switching gears'.

3. Scepticism and Doubt
It's natural to have doubts and questions about faith. Faith is an extremely complicated topic that has to be experienced to be understood. It is not something that can merely be described in words or a dictionary. The bible states "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1-6) Exploring all your questions including faith, through prayer, reading the Bible, and talking to knowledgeable Christians can help anyone understand the teachings of Jesus more deeply. Faith is a journey, and it's okay to take time to explore and grow. For example, it can take many years to fully understand the importance of faith and prayer, but everything begins with a single step.
The Bottom Line
In a world plagued by tragedies and a shift towards selfish hedonism, accepting Jesus into one's heart can provide a beacon of hope and a source of true fulfilment. For those of us who love games, and who often seek escape in virtual worlds, Jesus offers a lasting sense of purpose and peace that transcends the temporary satisfaction of gaming. By embracing the teachings of Jesus, we can and will find meaning, build more supportive communities and promote positive values in their lives and the world around us.

Thank you for your time reading.

‘May the LORD bless you
and keep you;
may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you
and give you peace.’
(Numbers 6:24-26)

The next section is about how to give your heart to Jesus.
How To Give Your Heart To Jesus
If you've read this far, you might as well keep reading to learn how to actually do something about all of this and accept Jesus into your heart and life. Accepting and receiving His gift of salvation is a deeply personal and transformative decision. It involves recognizing your need for Jesus, learning and understanding the reasons for His sacrifice and committing to follow Him.

It sounds like a lot and I won't lie. It is a lot. However, think for a moment on all the other billions of people who have already done this themselves. Clearly it isn't an impossible, or even pointless task. So let's just keep reading to learn more.

1. Start Just By Acknowledging Your Need for Salvation
The Bible, God's word says "Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory" (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from God, and the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Recognizing that you need forgiveness and acknowledging your sins is the first step toward accepting Jesus. This is also a first step in beginning to love outwards and not inwards. Try as we might, we all struggle with our sins. Sin is the rudeness you've shown others. The things you've taken that don't belong to you. All the lies you've told. The times you stepped on others. The anger you feel for those you haven't yet forgiven. Sin is terrible and each person who hasn't accepted Jesus carries their sin with them. It is the worst burden a human can bear, but the good news is we don't have to bear it at all. When you acknowledge your need to be free of these sins, you can then understand why you need the saving only Jesus can provide from the death all sins cause.

2. Understand And Believe in Jesus’ Sacrifice
Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He also rose from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Believing in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection is crucial for salvation. Why? Because it signifies our knowledge that nothing is impossible for God, even triumph over death. This step helps us understand that God has the means to do anything. As we start to understand how magnificent God is, we can better understand him and his purpose for us.

Confess Your Sins
This step is one of the most tough. Admitting your sins to God in prayer is no small feat. It takes true honesty and humility to confess all of the things you have done wrong in your life, to yourself, to God and to others. To many it might not seem like much when we discuss this step but have you ever tried it? Going back through your past and all the sins and things you aren't proud of and did wrong and confessing and admitting responsibility for your part in all of them. It can be a painful process. We can rejoice though right after as we are instantly brought into God's fellowship again, see (1 John 5:14). This confession is an important part of repentance, which means turning away from sin and continuing to live now knowing that each and every single one of them, no matter how serious, are all now forgiven by God.

Ask For God's Forgiveness
Pray to God, asking Him to forgive your sins. Be sure to express your honest belief in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. This prayer can be simple and heartfelt, like this:
“Dear God, I know I have sinned and need your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”
It's that simple. These words are a powerful testament and God promises to hear all prayers. (Psalm 139:4, 1 John 5:14–15, 1 Peter 3:12)

Invite Jesus Into Your Heart
Love is not about forcing anyone to do anything. God never forces himself on anyone and all have a choice to accept or reject him. Invite Jesus to be the Lord of your life. This means surrendering control to Him and committing to follow His teachings. It’s not just about a one-time prayer but about a lifelong relationship with Jesus. With this you can grow to be excited about your new life and the guidance you will get from God and your new friends in Christ Jesus. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Bible says “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Living As A Follower Of Jesus
1. Read the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word and a guide for living a life that pleases Him. Start reading the New Testament, especially the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), to learn more about Jesus’ life and teachings. Remember this promise from the Bible "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16) You can start by doing daily devotionals or pick up the bible and simply start from the beginning. To better understand Jesus and his role in your life, you could start by completing the New Testament before the Old Testament.

2. Pray Regularly
Prayer is a way to communicate with God. It doesn’t have to be formal or complicated. Talk to God about your thoughts, worries, and thankfulness. Prayer helps you grow closer to Him and strengthens your faith. You will find a new type of peace when praying and you can do it any time any place. God hears every single one of these prayers, both the spoken and unspoken. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27).

3. Join a Christian Community
Find a local church or Christian group where you can worship, learn, and grow with other believers. Being part of a community provides support, encouragement and accountability. You can find dozens of Discord groups, communities even here on Steam, fellow Christian gamers and new friends in churches and all over the world. Enjoy spending time with your new friends and family and don't forget to give the glory to God! It's all thanks to Him!

4. Live Out Your Faith
Following Jesus means letting His teachings influence your actions and decisions. Show love, kindness and compassion to others. Share your faith and the hope you’ve found in Jesus with those around you in your testimony. You will experience a newfound peace, positivity and grace that you have never known. This is a new life where there is no room or reason for despair, ever. For some their lives change dramatically and instantly, for others it's a bit slower. God's pace is different for all of us.
Trust The Assurance Of Your Salvation
The Bible assures us that if we confess our sins and believe in Jesus, we are saved (Romans 10:9-10). Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Trust in God’s promise and rest in His grace. There is no climbing to God and nothing we can give to Him who has everything, except giving our Sin. God desperately wants to be a part of our lives but we have to let him be a part of it.

Grow in Faith
Salvation is the beginning of a new life in Christ. Continue to grow in your relationship with Him through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers. This growth will deepen your faith and strengthen your commitment to Jesus. As you grow to understand God and Jesus more, his grace will continue to change and improve your life in many ways. You will witness miracles and a transformation of not only your life but those around you. Keep playing videogames! In all of your hobbies experience the new perspective that Jesus has given you!

By following these steps, you can accept Jesus into your heart and begin a new, fulfilling life as His follower. It’s a journey of faith that brings hope, peace, and purpose. If any of this sounds too good to be true, or too "wishy-washy", just hop on over to Youtube and search for "Christian testimonies". You will find millions of personal testimonies to listen to about how God has changed people's lives in ways entirely unique and personal to them.

God is love and true love doesn't force itself on anyone. Accept and believe that God can do anything, so you may understand only if you let him.
6 opmerkingen
O'Connell 12 okt om 6:38 
Blessed be God forever
Sergei Kalashnikov 28 jun om 11:01 
Amen
BikerBunBunn 27 jun om 22:05 
Amen
Mercury 25 jun om 14:39 
Amen.
NIx 22 jun om 12:29 
Amen
buVorg 21 jun om 22:54 
amen