God's Purpose for You: Peace and Abundant Life.
Since God planned for us to have peace and the abundant life right now, why are most people not having this experience?
The Bible Says:
"...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"...I have come that they my have life and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10b
Our Problem is: Separation from God.
The Bible Says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus or Lord." Romans 6:23
God created us in His own image to have an abundant life, but He did not make us a robots to automatically love and obey Him. He gave us a will and a freedom of choice.
We choose to disobey God and go our own way. We make this choice daily, the results are separation from God !
Our attempts to close this separation don't work.
The Bible Says:
"There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Isaiah 59:2
Through the ages, individuals have tried to bridge the gap without success by doing many things like: church membership, baptism, good morals, and doing good deeds. It is clear there is only one solution.
God's Remedy: The Cross.
The Bible Says:
"....God is on one side and all the people are on the other side, and Christ Jesus, Himself man, is between them to bring them together . . . " 1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also has suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God"....Peter 3:18a
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ dies for us." Romans 5:8
Jesus is the only answer to our problem. He died on the cross and rose from the grave, paying the penalty for our sins and closing that gap that is between God and us.
Your Response Must be:Trust Christ to Save Your Life.
The Bible Says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he will with Me." Revelation 3:20
"....if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
Is there any reason why you cannot ask Jesus into your life right now?
How to receive Jesus Now
1. Admit you have a need (I am a sinner).
2. Be willing to turn away from your sin. (repent)
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus to come into your life so you will no longer be separated from Him, but have eternal life with Him as your Savior and Lord.
What to Pray
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name I pray this, Amen.
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