Are you READY FOR GOD?
God loves you and wants to live with you forever! The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Son of God Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).
But here’s the problem: Our sin separates us from God's blessings and God's joy and peace. We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The eighth commandment says 'do not bear false witness' which means do not lie. Have you ever told a lie? What do you call someone who has told a lie? A liar. The first two commandments talk about honoring God. Have you ever disrespected God? What do you call someone who ignores or disrespects God? The second commandment says 'do not take God's name in vain' which means do not speak of God in a disrespectful way? Have you ever said 'God d*** it!'? The Bible says you are guilty of blasphemy, which is very serious. The fourth commandment says 'honor your father and mother'. Have you disrespected your mother or father? This is a very serous sin. The sixth commandment says 'do not commit adultery' which means to cheat on your partner. Jesus said 'whoever lusts or fantasizes about having sex with somebody else has already committed adultery in the heart. Have you ever done that? Then you are an adulterer of the heart. The seventh commandment says 'do not steal'. Have you ever taken something that didn't belong to you, no matter the value? What do you call someone who takes something that doesn't belong to you? A thief. The Bible says 'love your neighbor as yourself.' Have you ever had an opportunity to help someone and didn't? What do you call that kind of person? Indifferent? A jerk?
This is why the Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is eternal death, unending separation from God (Romans 6:23).
The good news...
God sent His Son to take away all of your sins! "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus wipes away our record of sins and gives us the gift of eternal life so that we can live with God for eternity. Receiving eternal life is also called receiving salvation.
Would you like to begin your relationship with God and receive eternal life?
We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s gift (called grace) when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. If you want to be SAVED from eternal separation from God and saved from your sin, all you have to do is A.) acknowledge you are a sinner, B.) believe that Christ died for your sins, and C.) confess your sins and ask His forgiveness (called mercy). D.) decide to turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty.
We suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:
“Dear Lord Jesus,
I know I am a sinner, and I need you. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead.
I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. I confess my sins and decide to turn from them. Thank you for forgiveness and for the awesome gift of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Did you pray this prayer? If so, you are SAVED! Heaven-bound! Please let Kevin know at antioch.methodist@mchsi.com.
Also, go to the page titled: Now what? What is the next step?
Sincerely,
Kevin Cawley,
Pastor of Antioch United Methodist Church
