New Life?
What's life all about? Why am I here? What's the point? Is there a God? If so, can I know Him? All of us have asked these questions at some time in our lives. Sadly, many people never find the answers. Someone once said that we are all created with a "God-shaped hole" in our hearts. We can search the world over for meaning, purpose, redemption and truth, but we'll never be filled until we put God first in our lives.
So, what's the difference between a life without God and a life with God? What does God think of us? Is the outcome of our lives really going to change if we put God first? To find the answers to those questions, you have to go to God's Word, the Bible. The Bible is God's "love letter" to every person. Here's what it says:
God loves us.
"God is love." 1 John 4:8
Did you know that the God who made the universe loves you? He does! He knows everything about you, even the number of hairs on your head. He loves you so much that He wants you to be His child!
Everyone sins. Sin separates us from God.
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
Everyone of us has done wrong things -- forgetting God, being selfish, etc. The Bible calls those things "sin." God says that you and I have sinned. Our sin keeps us away from God's great love for us.
Christ died for us.
"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
So God sent His Son, Jesus, to show how much He loves you. Did you know that Jesus took the punishment for your sin? He did! Jesus died on the cross so that your sins can be forgiven.
Be sorry for our sins. Believe in Jesus.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." Acts 16:31
Do you know that God is ready to forgive you right now? He is! If you admit that you've done wrong things (sinned), and if you believe that Jesus died for you, God will forgive all your sin. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out." Acts 3:19
Welcome to the family!
"To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
Do you know that when God forgives you, you become His child? Yes! God wants you to be in His family!
New life? Eternal life!
"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Do you know that when you become a part of God's family, God gives you an awesome gift -- eternal life? This means Jesus will be with you now and forever!
Talk to God.
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6
You can talk to God any time in your own words. He is always listening. Talking to God is called praying. You can pray out loud or just with your thoughts.
Get to know God better.
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11
God gave us a wonderful book, the Bible, that tells us about God and what He wants us to do. A good place to start reading is the Gospel of Mark, one of four books about the life of Jesus.
Tell others about your faith in Jesus.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
Other people can learn that God loves them when you show love and tell what you know about Jesus.
Live in a way that pleases God.
"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15
Making Jesus Lord of your life is not just something you say, it's what you do--for life!
If you have made a decision to follow Jesus Christ and make Him your Savior and Lord, we would like to know about it. If you still have questions, call us or any local bible-believing church for help finding answers. Our phone number at New Life Church is (225) 766-4103. Our email address is: contact@newlifechurchofbr.org.