John 3:16 “For God loves the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Why do we need Jesus?
When sin entered the world, we became separated from God. God loves us, and desires to have a relationship with us, but he cannot allow sin in His presence. Knowing there is nothing good enough that we could do to make amends, God sent Jesus – His only Son – to die for us.
The Greek word in The New Testament that is translated into English as “sin” is hamartia. It is an archery term that literally means missing the target. The target, of course, would be perfection. Anything short of living a perfect life separates us from God.
If you (like me) have ever:
† Told a lie
† Stole something (Even something little)
† Thought impure thoughts about someone
Romans 3:23 tells us: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Death refers to spiritual death, and eternal separation from God. The “free gift” means exactly that. There is nothing we can do, other than receive the gift that Jesus offers us.
Romans 5:8, tells us how much God loves us: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Great, now I know I am a sinner and God loves me, now what do I do?
Romans 10:13 says: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
And,
Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
So, how exactly, do I do this?
There are no magical words. It is simply communication from your heart to God. Pray something like:
Dear Lord,
I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry and I repent. I ask you to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you. I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you.
Amen
What now?
If you would like more information, or if you prayed this prayer or something like it and accepted Jesus Christ, the angel’s in Heaven are celebrating. Please email me at chadhudson@faithwriters.net. I can help get you information, find a church in your area, or simply chat with you.
God Bless,
Chad
2 responses so far ↓
John // August 30, 2008 at 7:33 pm |
Take a good, long hard look at this page and make sure you are ready for the big trip at the end of life.
Who you vote for in the election this fall between John McCain and Barak Obama is VERY secondary to any desicion you might make about Jesus!
He rocks!
Chad Hudson // September 1, 2008 at 10:34 pm |
John-
There may never have been words spoken more truly.
It seems sometimes as if our lives are based on decisions solely made in the moment, like we can dictate our future by insignificant decisions we make.
God has a plan. When Jesus died, we look back at Peter, and question how? How can someone so close to the fact can make a decision so perceptibly horrible. But, if we step back and realize, there is Someone with a greater plan, and we submit and follow He will take care of us.
There is only ONE ACTION in our life that is eternally immediate that we must face. And, that question is whether or not we accept Jesus as our best friend. If we accept Him as our Savior.
Regrettably, for a lot of people that means decisions like picking between Obama and McCain. Or, between right and wrong tomorrow and crucifying ourselves.
You are absolutely right in your comment about focusing on the One that truly matters.
Let me be absolutely clear on this point. It does not matter whom you vote for. It does not matter what you have done. It does not matter how badly you think you have screwed up…or not.
I have not lived, nor do I live a life of perfection. In fact, there is little chance – no, sorry – there is no chance that I will. I screw up.
But, there is someone who can change that. It is not Barack Obama, or John McCain. Neither of them have the power to free me from the burden of my indiscretions.
Jesus, however, has the ability to forgive. And, He will. No matter what you have done, no matter how horrible you think you may have screwed up. I promise you, if you ask Him, he will forgive you. That is the ONLY decision you can make that will matter.