Everyone wants to be happy.
Most people live their entire lives without ever knowing "why?" The most basic question a person can ask is, "What is the meaning of my life?" People try to find happiness in many different ways: by acquiring possessions, by experiencing pleasures, by accumulating wealth, enrolling in self-help programs, and trying various religions. None of these will bring lasting satisfaction. Real happiness comes through understanding my
purpose in life.
Why am I here?
God made me to love and be loved. God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him, and He created us to enjoy life.
So what's the problem?
Our lives are filled with many activities such as business, travel, relationships, money, recreation, social and home life ... activities that can leave us exhausted and asking "Isn't there more to life than this?" And it is so easy to run through life ignoring God, isn't it? The truth of the matter is: God has a plan and purpose for each of our individual lives. But who wants someone else telling them what to do? We all have a natural desire to ignore God's principles for living and call our own shots. The Bible calls this attitude
sin.
Who does it?
The Bible teaches us that
all have sinned.
"If we say that we never sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refuse to accept the truth." 1 John 1:8
What is it?
To sin is to
miss the mark.
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23
What does it do?
Our sin separates us from God.
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God." Isaiah 59:2
Here's how some people try to achieve eternal life:
Salvation by
believing there is a God.
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." James 2:19
Salvation by
trying to live a good life.
"For is is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
Salvation by
heritage.
"My mother was a Christian so I should be ok."
Salvation by
sincerity.
"It doesn't matter what you believe, just be sincere."
Salvation by
subtraction.
"I'll give up all my bad habits."
WE WILL NEVER BE "GOOD ENOUGH" ON OUR OWN!
What's the solution?
The Bible says that the opportunity to become a Christian is an absolutely free gift that God gives to us. This gift is what the Bible calls grace. Grace is often defined as God's unmerited favor.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinithians 5:21
Jesus is the only way to God.
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me." John 14:6
Jesus died in our place.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Jesus arose from the dead.
"Jesus died for our sins...He was buried...He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures...He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred..." 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
What should I do?
The fundamental issue here is belief. What you must do is
believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that He rose again, and is alive today.
If you believe in Him, that's great! Now what you have to do is receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Here's how you do that:
Repent of your sins. When we repent, we turn away from sin and turn toward Jesus Christ.
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Acts 3:19
Ask Jesus to come into your life and be the director/boss.
"Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in." Revelation 3:20
Acknowledge that Jesus has first place in your life. (confession is the willingness to say aloud what you believe in your heart)
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10: 32,33
Identify with Jesus death and resurrection through baptism.
"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:3,4
Where are you in your relationship with God? Do you believe that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness? Do you believe that Jesus is God's son, sent to pay the price for mankind's sin debt? Do you believe He died and rose again?
What have you done with Jesus? If you want to be right with God, forgiven and clean, you can pray this simple prayer. If you mean it, you will live forever with God!
Dear God, thank you for loving me and sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. I know that I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I am sorry for my past sins, and I ask you to forgive me. Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I believe you are the son of God. I open the door of my heart and invite you to come into my life. I realize that there is nothing I can do to earn my salvation, and I place my complete trust in you alone for eternal life. In obedience to you, I will be baptized to show my love for you. Thank you for coming into my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior that is great! Please
let us know so we can be praying for you and help you in your new relationship with Him.
