Gospel

     We are not on this planet by mere chance and the random mutations associated with evolution.

We are here by design. And our Designer not only made people, but He is the Creator of the entire universe. He spoke everything into existence and formed mankind in His own image. We were created by God to bring Him glory. To magnify who God is. Mankind was placed on the earth to steward, cultivate and fill it. We were given this amazing privilege to enjoy life, nature, and a relationship with our Creator. But the fall, or man’s sin against God has wrecked the original created order. The result of the fall or sin was seperation from God. On top of that, all of creation was subjected to a curse or futility (hence all the problems in the world) and is “groaning as in the pains of childbirth until the sons of God are revealed” (Roms 8:19). Who is this referring to, you might ask? These children are people like you and I who realize how lost we are and how impossible it is for us to be made right with God on our own. But because of God's rich mercy, He chooses to reveal Himself to and save from His wrath by offering forgiveness of their sins through His Son, Jesus Christ.

     You see, Jesus is the only One to ever satisfy God’s wrath against mankind for our sin. He is the messiah who God had ordained before eternity past to enter into time and wrap on flesh, live a perfect life and then willfully and obediently go to the cross and die in the place of all sinners (who will believe in Him) as a substitutionary atonement or a ransom and effectively absorb the wrath of God. It is because of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection that God’s grace can now be fully expressed and made available to sinners’ like you and me.

     John the Baptist said this of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” The difficult part about becoming a Christian is admitting that we are more lost and sinful than we ever imagined, but that, through Jesus, we are more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope. He asks us to become like little children and simply trust that His ways are best for us.

     Though we often try to make it harder than it really is by adding to His finished work on the cross, it’s as easy as A B C…

     A – Agree with God about your sin & turn from it. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 “The wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

     B – Believe that Jesus died for YOU and that He alone can change your heart from the inside out. The Bible says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.” Acts 16:31 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

     C – Call out to Jesus. Ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

     There are no magic words. God wants to hear your heart. But if you don’t know where to start in talking to him, here is a sample prayer: Dear God, I understand I am a sinner, but I believe Jesus died for my sins. I ask you to forgive me of my sins, and make me whole. I need You and accept Your gift of eternal life. From this day forward, I choose to follow You and Your will for my life. Please change my heart and make me into the person that YOU want me to be. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

     We live in a broken world. The good news is: Jesus came to this broken world and died for broken people like you and me!! Jesus alone is able to save you from your brokenness. He is an all-powerful rescuer who is coming to you right where you are.

     The key words in becoming a Christian are “repentance” and “faith.” Repentance simply means turning around… turning from your old life and turning your eyes towards Jesus Christ and His cross. Faith is just believing what God says He will do. God will help you repent and to trust in Him. Just ask. Is there anything that is keeping you from turning your life over to Him right now? If not, I encourage you to just start talking to Him. The Bible teaches us that He is very real, that He is present everywhere and can hear everything. So you can just talk openly to Him,  and ask Him to live in your heart… and He will! Some people explain it with this word picture. In every person’s heart there is a throne. Someone or something is ruling your life. (Usually it’s “self” but sometimes it’s a passion for another person or another thing.) Jesus Christ wants to be on that throne alone. And you alone can let Him have that place. He has done all the work necessary to rule our lives perfectly. He lived the perfect life that we couldn’t live. He died the death that we deserved to die because we have broken God’s laws. He paid the price for our sins that we owed but could not pay. He offered up Himself as a complete substitute in our place. He not only wants to be the Lord of your life, but also your best friend, your comforter, your guide, and your strength.