Seeking God?

Many people spend their lifetime seeking peace, happiness, fulfilment, security... when all you need to do is simply seek out a God that offers all of this, and more! God offers us a love that crosses all boundaries and breaks all barriers -- God offered us his own son!

Beth Moore once said that she could comprehend laying her own life down for another person, but could not, under any circumstances, lay the life of her own child down. That's just how much love we have for our own child! I couldn't have expressed my own feelings any better.

With that in mind, the understanding that God sacrificed his very own child for us is quite overwhelming. And no matter what translation you read scripture in, the message is the same for each of us: God loves us with an endless sort of love that crosses all barriers. A love, that as humans, we would never be able to match. His love forgives. His love renews. His love purifies. His love saves. His love gives us peace. If you believe in him, you will never die, but have everlasting life -- not here on earth, but in heaven. There is, in fact ... no greater love.

So, really -- why did God allow his own child to die on the cross? Glad you asked.


Imagine this: let's say that we were to get a blank sheet of paper and make a "diagram*" with God's name at the very top of it. Then, draw a straight line down from God's name, about 5 or 6 inches. Now -- let's select the names of two people that have lived (or currently live) lives that are Godly and holy -- how about Billy Graham, and Mother Theresa. Place them somewhere on that line where you think they would fall under God. Now add your name wherever you think represents how close you are to God. We would probably place ourselves pretty close to the bottom of the line.









So ... are you wondering how we can "bridge the gap" between us and God? Well, it's through Jesus. God sent us Jesus to take all the weight of our sins so we wouldn't have to. Jesus is what gets us to God... So, when we add him to the "diagram*," you can see how much easier it is for us to get to God with Jesus than without!

If you are seeking God, and haven't received Christ into your heart, might I invite you to do so today? Here? Now? Among friends? And then, let me know either in my comments section or by email that you have made the choice to follow Jesus. I would love to celebrate with you this life changing decision.

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So ... you want to take this step ... what now?

1) First, you need to understand and acknowledge that God loves you more than anyone on this planet could, and he wants you to have life -- not just any ol' life, but rather, life that is eternal.

2) Next, you need to understand and acknowledge that you are a sinner -- in fact, we all have sinned, and we all fall short of God's glory... it's not just you! ("...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24)

3) Then, you need to acknowledge that because of God's ultimate sacrifice that I mentioned above -- the death of his son, Jesus Christ -- the "gap" between us as sinners, and our Holy God, has been "bridged." Jesus did this for us when he died on the cross for our sins. He took the ultimate punishment so that we would never have to face that. Jesus is the only way to God. ("For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men." 1 Timothy 2:5-6a and "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6)

4) Finally, you need to accept this gift. Simply, pray and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and then, ask him to come and live in your heart. It may sound confusing or difficult, but it's not. Just let go of your burdens and sins ... turn away and repent from them ... give God the bad in your life, and allow him to replace it with beauty and freedom. And for heaven's sake, don't carry your burdens back with you. Leave them with God!

Here's a prayer of salvation you can pray if you don't know what to say:

Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. Forgive my sin. Cleanse me now with your blood. Come into my heart and save my soul right now. I give you my life, and I receive you now as my Savior, my Lord, and my God. I am Yours forever, and I will serve you and follow you the rest of my life. Amen.

Yay!!! From this moment on, you are a child of God. You belong to Him, and you no longer belong to this world or to the enemy. It won't be an easy road, as Satan will tempt you from every angle, but it will be rewarding! That, I promise!

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But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That 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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:8-13


*Diagram from Bill Hybels, Just Walk Across the Room