Are you a good person?
Life comes at us hard. It's unfair. Do you ever wish you could have a "do-over"?
|
Deep down, who are you really? When you are alone and looking into your heart... When you have no other distractions... When you have only silence... Would your answer be "yes"? I can't say that about myself but I can say that you are not alone and I have some exciting news to share with you! |
|
Who is Christianity for Exactly?
Christianity is for Failures... Real Problems... The Hurting... The Guilty... The Disconnected... The Lonely...
Christianity is for All of Us and God Says Come to Me Right Now, Just As You Are!
How is that possible and why would any type of "super being" be interested in me? Come with me and I'll tell you more!
Why do I need to accept God's free gift of salvation?
Every human being has a deep aching inside that needs to be filled. We are plagued by the questions, “What is my purpose?” and “Why am I here?” We attempt to fill this hole in our hearts with accomplishments, financial gains, entertainment, relationships, drugs, alcohol, and “stuff”; but it is never enough. Someone will always have more. Someone will always be “better”. We have been hurt by others. Let down by those we have trusted. We cannot even live up to our own expectations. We know where our thoughts can go, just how deep our depravity truly is. We keep hidden inside the fact that we are failures and project an outer shell of perfection to the world. Why do we do this? The answer is we are broken. We are broken because we have lost our relationship with our Creator: God. God created us in His image and gave us a perfect life. A life without pain, suffering, sickness, or strife. However, man (Adam & Eve) disobeyed God and forever severed the relationship with Him. Man did not just sin once; we all continue to transgress against the laws of God. One day we will each stand before God and give an account of our lives. God is holy, righteous, and just. His judgement is true and the penalty for disobedience is eternal punishment. Hell is a real place. There is not one person who is wise enough, rich enough, or good enough to redeem themselves. All are lost. All are eternally damned. The good news is that God loves us so much that He provided a way for all of us to be redeemed and return to a perfect relationship with Him. What God offers us is the free gift of salvation through the Gospel: His only Son, Jesus.
[References: We are created in God’s image: Genesis 1:27; All have sinned: Genesis 8:21, Romans 3:23, Man sins against God’s laws: Psalms 51:4; Penalty for sin is death: Romans 6:23; Hell is a real place: Matthew 3:12, 25:41, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Luke 16:19-26, We must give an account before God: Romans 14:12; God’s judgement is righteous: Psalm 9:8; God desires that everyone be saved: 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9, God offers the free gift of salvation: Ephesians 2:8, John 3:16-17]
[References: We are created in God’s image: Genesis 1:27; All have sinned: Genesis 8:21, Romans 3:23, Man sins against God’s laws: Psalms 51:4; Penalty for sin is death: Romans 6:23; Hell is a real place: Matthew 3:12, 25:41, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Luke 16:19-26, We must give an account before God: Romans 14:12; God’s judgement is righteous: Psalm 9:8; God desires that everyone be saved: 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9, God offers the free gift of salvation: Ephesians 2:8, John 3:16-17]
How does a person accept salvation ("get saved" or become a Christian)?
To accept salvation all one needs to do is respond to the Gospel message of Jesus with faith. Briefly stated, the message is that God loves us so much, that He sent His only Son, Jesus, the prophesized Messiah of the Old Testament whom people were waiting for to redeem them from the Fall of humanity after Creation, who came to earth in the form of a man (both 100% man and 100% God), to die on a cross as an eternal sin offering for us. After His sacrifice, Jesus was buried and rose again three days later thereby conquering not only sin but also its penalty of death. He then ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us in which, upon His return, we and all of creation will be restored to live and reign forever with Him. If we confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ did truly do these things and believe in our hearts that He is Lord (meaning we want God to take complete control of our lives, change us into His image, and that Jesus is our King), then we are given the free gift of salvation.
There is no special prayer or words that are required. There are no special actions that need to take place. There is nothing that we can do to earn it--it is grace alone. In fact, even our faith comes from God! We can not make ourselves better or more acceptable to God first. There is no other way to obtain it except through Jesus. Once we accept God’s free gift, we are redeemed to a lasting relationship with Him. He sends His Holy Spirit to dwell within us who starts the work of sanctification in our lives and we begin to change into people who demonstrate Christ’s behavior to others. After this, we make a public declaration that we are pledging our lives to Jesus through the waters of baptism.
Accepting salvation is not a guarantee of a better life here on earth but we can have the assurance of His promises. Jesus stands as our eternal advocate before the Father. He has prepared a new home for us in heaven. Heaven is a real place. We can now live without fear for our full confidence is in Him as He has never lost one person who has been given to Him. We have the peace of knowing that when we die, we will be present with Him but while we remain on earth, we have the joy of knowing that we are His selected embassadors who are to go out and tell others about the Good News we have just received. We are now part of new family that is made up all different types of people of many races and cultures who have also accepted Christ. We no longer have to do life alone!
[References: Saved by faith: Ephesians 2:8; Hear the Gospel: Ephesians 1:13; Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ: Acts 16:30-31, John 1:12, 3:16, 5:24; Confess Christ is Lord and was raised from the dead: Romans 10:9-10; Jesus is the only way: John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Jesus is our sin offering: 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:3-4, Hebrews 10; Christ rose from the dead: 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, Christ is our advocate: 1 John 2:1; Christ has prepared a place for us: John 14:1-3; Heaven is real: Philippians 3:20-21, John 14:2, Revelation 5:9-13; We can never be separated from Him: John 10:28, John 6:39; Absent from the body is present with the Lord: 2 Corinthians 5:8]
There is no special prayer or words that are required. There are no special actions that need to take place. There is nothing that we can do to earn it--it is grace alone. In fact, even our faith comes from God! We can not make ourselves better or more acceptable to God first. There is no other way to obtain it except through Jesus. Once we accept God’s free gift, we are redeemed to a lasting relationship with Him. He sends His Holy Spirit to dwell within us who starts the work of sanctification in our lives and we begin to change into people who demonstrate Christ’s behavior to others. After this, we make a public declaration that we are pledging our lives to Jesus through the waters of baptism.
Accepting salvation is not a guarantee of a better life here on earth but we can have the assurance of His promises. Jesus stands as our eternal advocate before the Father. He has prepared a new home for us in heaven. Heaven is a real place. We can now live without fear for our full confidence is in Him as He has never lost one person who has been given to Him. We have the peace of knowing that when we die, we will be present with Him but while we remain on earth, we have the joy of knowing that we are His selected embassadors who are to go out and tell others about the Good News we have just received. We are now part of new family that is made up all different types of people of many races and cultures who have also accepted Christ. We no longer have to do life alone!
[References: Saved by faith: Ephesians 2:8; Hear the Gospel: Ephesians 1:13; Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ: Acts 16:30-31, John 1:12, 3:16, 5:24; Confess Christ is Lord and was raised from the dead: Romans 10:9-10; Jesus is the only way: John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Jesus is our sin offering: 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:3-4, Hebrews 10; Christ rose from the dead: 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, Christ is our advocate: 1 John 2:1; Christ has prepared a place for us: John 14:1-3; Heaven is real: Philippians 3:20-21, John 14:2, Revelation 5:9-13; We can never be separated from Him: John 10:28, John 6:39; Absent from the body is present with the Lord: 2 Corinthians 5:8]
Is Jesus The Only Way?
The answer is YES. However, YOU must decide for yourelf who Jesus really is....
“Narrow-minded”, “intolerant”, “bigoted”, and “hate filled speech”, these are all common words ascribed to Christians who spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You have but to mention the name of Jesus to instantly evoke hostile responses. Perhaps that is because Jesus Himself said, “Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” (Luke 12:51, NET) However, Peter urges the Christian to always have a ready defense for what they believe. (1 Peter 3:15) To quote C.S. Lewis, “We are faced, then, with a frightening alternative. This man [Jesus] we are talking about either was (and is) just what He said [God] or else a lunatic, or something worse [liar].” Jesus makes a multitude of claims about Himself. He says: “…I am God’s Son” (John 10:36, NIV), "I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I AM!" (John 8:58, NET), “I am the bread of life…” (John 6:35), "I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NET), “I am the good shepherd…” (John 10:11, 14), “I am the true vine…” (John 15:1), “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die…” (John 11:25, NLT), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6), “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved…” (John 10:9) and “I am the living one. I died, but look--I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:18, NLT).
Therefore, if you want to call yourself a Christian, then you must decide who Jesus really is. If a Christian is willing to comprise on the testimony of the Gospel, then they must ascribe to the fact that Jesus was not really the Son of the Most High but rather a “lunatic” or a “liar” who set out to deceive man and received a righteous punishment for His deception on the cross. Jesus leaves no room for parley, no room for open debate. To amenably advocate for an “all paths lead to God” viewpoint is harmful and deceptive not only to those who believe in Christ but also to those who are yet to know Him. Lastly, Paul provides a stern warning to evangelists in Galatians 1:8, “But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell!”
So dear friend, it is through the words of Jesus Christ Himself that I share this message with you. It is tempting in our zeal and love for those who don't yet know Christ to compromise certain Biblical issues in an attempt to find common ground with unbelievers. However, because we truly love you, there can be no comprise, only the Truth of Jesus Christ-- the very Gospel Himself, can provide salvation.
Reference
Lewis, C. S. (2001). Mere Christianity: A revised and amplified edition, with a new introduction, of the three books, Broadcast talks, Christian behaviour, and Beyond personality. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
“Narrow-minded”, “intolerant”, “bigoted”, and “hate filled speech”, these are all common words ascribed to Christians who spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You have but to mention the name of Jesus to instantly evoke hostile responses. Perhaps that is because Jesus Himself said, “Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” (Luke 12:51, NET) However, Peter urges the Christian to always have a ready defense for what they believe. (1 Peter 3:15) To quote C.S. Lewis, “We are faced, then, with a frightening alternative. This man [Jesus] we are talking about either was (and is) just what He said [God] or else a lunatic, or something worse [liar].” Jesus makes a multitude of claims about Himself. He says: “…I am God’s Son” (John 10:36, NIV), "I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I AM!" (John 8:58, NET), “I am the bread of life…” (John 6:35), "I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NET), “I am the good shepherd…” (John 10:11, 14), “I am the true vine…” (John 15:1), “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die…” (John 11:25, NLT), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6), “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved…” (John 10:9) and “I am the living one. I died, but look--I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:18, NLT).
Therefore, if you want to call yourself a Christian, then you must decide who Jesus really is. If a Christian is willing to comprise on the testimony of the Gospel, then they must ascribe to the fact that Jesus was not really the Son of the Most High but rather a “lunatic” or a “liar” who set out to deceive man and received a righteous punishment for His deception on the cross. Jesus leaves no room for parley, no room for open debate. To amenably advocate for an “all paths lead to God” viewpoint is harmful and deceptive not only to those who believe in Christ but also to those who are yet to know Him. Lastly, Paul provides a stern warning to evangelists in Galatians 1:8, “But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell!”
So dear friend, it is through the words of Jesus Christ Himself that I share this message with you. It is tempting in our zeal and love for those who don't yet know Christ to compromise certain Biblical issues in an attempt to find common ground with unbelievers. However, because we truly love you, there can be no comprise, only the Truth of Jesus Christ-- the very Gospel Himself, can provide salvation.
Reference
Lewis, C. S. (2001). Mere Christianity: A revised and amplified edition, with a new introduction, of the three books, Broadcast talks, Christian behaviour, and Beyond personality. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
A suggested way that you can ask Jesus into your heart right now...
*A special prayer or the person sharing the message with you doesn't save you... Only Jesus saves you
|
Steps to Peace With God is an evangelism tract created by Bill Graham Evangelistic Association . By clicking on tract you will be taken to the PeaceWithGod.net website.
|
What now? Whether you've said yes or not yet...
Find a Bible believing, Gospel preaching church in your area where you can surround yourself with fellow believers. Is it really necessary to attend a church? YES Why? Because Christians are the church. It is imperative that you continue growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and that you share what you have learned with others. The Bible has many passages about meeting together such as Hebrews 10:25 "not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." and Romans 10:17 " Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." We become stronger through community with one another.
In the meantime, if you are not sure of where to start on your journey, you may want to "visit" a church that live streams services such as @ http://waterschurch.tv (Waters Church is not affiliated with nor does it endorse my website content).
However, just being in an online church campus is not where the story ends. God has provided many churches with great communities of believers right where you live, who want to meet you, just as you are right now!
In the meantime, if you are not sure of where to start on your journey, you may want to "visit" a church that live streams services such as @ http://waterschurch.tv (Waters Church is not affiliated with nor does it endorse my website content).
However, just being in an online church campus is not where the story ends. God has provided many churches with great communities of believers right where you live, who want to meet you, just as you are right now!