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Did you know that you can be sure of such an important issue as heaven? It's almost too good to be true, isn't it? But it is! That's why the message about Jesus is called
"Good News". Many people celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter
every year without really knowing the true meaning of these important
days.
If you're like most people there are times in your life when you begin to realize that there must be more to life than just earning a pay cheque, chasing success, taking kids to their next soccer practice or living for the weekends. Perhaps you have even grown up going to church, but haven't really found the answers you were looking for. You've still been searching for more. Well, the true answers are not found in the latest edition of National Enquirer, MacLeans or the Wall Street Journal. It's found in the Bible.
If you are asking questions and are looking for more, then you are a spiritual seeker. And you know what? It's good to be a seeker because Jesus showed how most seekers end up finding what they are looking for - lasting peace with God. You see, the Good News about Christianity is that it helps you not only deal with your future (heaven) but it also adds so much to your present life, too. Jesus said,
"I have come that you might have life - life to the
full!" (Jn. 10:10). Notice He didn't say I came that you might have religion. Or even boring church services! He said I came that you might have life! I've come that you might have joy, fullfillment and a sense of lasting significance. Unfortunately, many people mistake religion - going to church, being a good person, trying to work your way to heaven - for a true, meaningful relationship with Christ.
Our Need
The Bible teaches that because of our sin (Rom.
3:23) we are all separated from God and deeply in need of His forgiveness. This was the purpose of Jesus' death on Good Friday. If you think about it, there's really nothing all that "good" or appealing about Jesus harsh death on a Roman cross. What is "good" about this "bad" event are the results that came from it on Easter Sunday. Now the truth of the matter is that Jesus died because of our sins. We don't like to think of ourselves as sinners, but that's exactly what the Bible says. It says "there's no one without sin, no not one"
(Rom. 3:10) and that "all we like sheep have gone astray and He laid on Him (Jesus) the sin of us all" (Isa.
53:7). In other words, the peaceful relationship we want with God was only made possible by the death of Christ. The cross of Christ is like our "Fixed Link" to God. What Jesus did for us was truly amazing, wasn't it? He did it because of his undying love for us. This is why
Jn. 3:16 perhaps the most familiar verse in the Bible says,
"For God so loved the world
that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes
in Him will not perish but have everlasting life". Notice it says that whoever believes. When Jesus talked about believing He was talking about a sincere trust and dependence upon God in your life. It was a committed trust in Christ alone to forgive your sins and to be your personal Lord and Savior.
Starting Over
In order to begin a new relationship with the God who created you and wants to forgive you and fill your life with His joy, you need to invite the Lord into your life. Christian author Nicky Gumbel suggests that we can invite God into our lives by saying a simple prayer that includes 3 helpful words:
"Sorry", "Thank You" and "Please". In short, we are to say:
- Sorry to God for neglecting Him with our lives and for the sins we've committed against God and others;
- Thank You to God for sending His Son Jesus into the world to suffer and die for us and to show us the way to the Father;
- Please Holy Spirit come into our hearts and give us the strength and desire we need to begin changing our habits, attitudes and behavior to live God-honoring lives.
If you've felt led to say this prayer, you have not only just made the most important decision you will ever make but you are beginning the most exciting, joy-filled adventure of your life. For anyone who has come to newfound faith in the Lord, there's nothing like the adventure of developing your daily relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible says in 2 Cor. 5:17 that, "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!". As you begin this new life, there are some very important STEPS you must take to as you learn to walk in God's Way. Please read on further about these "steps".
STEPS FOR GROWING YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST
Study God's Word Every Day - Studying God's Word shows Christians
how to be obedient to God as you read it, remember it, and relate it to
life.
Take Time to Pray Daily - Spending time in prayer will provide for your needs, produce a change in your perspective, and perserve and protect you through every situation.
Experience the Joy of Worship - We experience the joy of worship when we prepare our hearts to encounter God, praise God for who He is, and present ourselves for His service.
Participate with Other Christians - Fellowship with other Christians is important because it provides believers encouragement, exhortation and empowerment to live the Christian life.
Share Your Faith with Others - When we share our faith with others, God's love is spread, lives are changed, and the lost saved.
...Let Hillside help
you take your
First Step or learn more on
Getting Connected!
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