Come Back Home

9 steps to take

There are moments in life that jar us awake—moments that shake us to the core and remind us how fragile life truly is. The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk has been one of those moments for many.

Maybe you’ve been away from church for years. Maybe you drifted slowly, or maybe you stormed out and never looked back. Perhaps decades ago someone in the church wounded you, or maybe you were simply running from the faith of your parents.

But now, in the shadow of tragedy, something inside you is stirring. You’re asking eternal questions again. You’re remembering how short life is and how quickly it can be taken. Friend, don’t ignore that tug on your heart. That’s not coincidence. That is God calling you home.

The Bible declares: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). None of us knows the day or the hour. Charlie didn’t. You don’t. I don’t. What matters is not how long you live, but whether you are right with the Lord when your time comes.

So where do you start? How do you rebuild a faith that’s been neglected—or maybe never built at all?

Let me offer a clear, simple path back to God:

1. Start with the Word of God

Don’t run to self-help books. Don’t drown yourself in endless podcasts. Go straight to the source. I would recommend you begin in the Gospel of John. It was written “that you might believe.” Read about Jesus—His life, His miracles, His compassion, His sacrifice. Read slowly. Take notes. Write down your questions. Remember what Paul told Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

2. Make Sure you Understand the Gospel

The Gospel is not complicated. It is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–8). He is real. He really did die for you. He really did conquer death. And because of His sacrifice, forgiveness is possible. You don’t have to live chained to guilt, shame, or fear.

3. Be Honest in Prayer

Prayer isn’t about polished words—it’s about a relationship and pouring out your heart. Speak to God honestly. Thank God for sparing your life. Confess where you’ve strayed. Ask for strength to stay the course! If you’ve been away for years, don’t pretend with God. He already knows. Pray like David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

4. Start Good Habits

Set aside 10–15 minutes each day to read the Bible. Start small, but be consistent. Again, John’s Gospel was written “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). As you read, ask two questions:

• What does this teach me about God?

• What does this teach me about myself and what I must do?

5. Return to the Church

Christianity was never designed to be lived alone. Find a faithful congregation that teaches the Bible without compromise—not watered down, not entertainment-driven, but the truth of God’s Word. Not a made-made religion, but His church! Come together to worship and praise Him. You need a church family that will encourage you, challenge you, and walk with you. Hebrews 10:25 warns us not to neglect assembling together. If it means going forward and repenting of a life of sin have the humility to do that—and embrace the forgiveness that comes with that!

6. Obey the Gospel!

If you’ve never obeyed the Gospel, now is the time. Jesus taught that faith must lead to repentance, confession, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4). That’s how you move from death to life—how you are clothed with Christ.

And if you’ve already done that but wandered away, then repent and return. God promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

7. Surround Yourself with Truth-Tellers

Don’t settle for shallow friendships. Seek out faithful Christians who will encourage you, study with you, and hold you accountable. Walk with people who will love you enough to tell you the truth, even when it hurts. It may mean you have to leave some of your old friends behind, but hopefully your new life with impact them to change as well. Find individuals who will help you grow and who will love on you, even during the hard times! Start having coffee and sharing meals with these people!!

8. Live Transformed

Coming back isn’t about warming a pew—it’s about following Jesus daily. That means daily surrender, taking up your cross, and following Him (Luke 9:23). It means walking away from sin, even when the world celebrates it. Will you immediately get it right and live perfectly from now on? Not likely. But try every day to be more Christ-like. When you fail, admit it and then turn back to Him! Living transformed means shining your light so that others see Christ in you (Luke 9:23).

9. Go Make Disciples

The Gospel was never meant to stop with you. Once you’ve obeyed the truth, share it. Teach it. Live it out loud. Jesus gave the Great Commission so that others could find the same hope you’ve found.

Friend, don’t waste this moment. Don’t let the stirring in your heart fade back into the noise of everyday life. Tragedies like this remind us that eternity is only a breath away. But the Gospel reminds us that in Christ, eternity is secure.

Today can be the day you come home. Open your Bible. Fall to your knees. Reach out to faithful Christians who will walk beside you. And above all, obey the Lord while you still have time.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2).