Have you ever wondered if there was more to this life than what you've experienced? Are we just destined to grow up, meet someone, and live out our days pursuing a dream of our choosing? What about after we die – is there life beyond the grave?
The Bible has many things to say about the reason for our existence. Jesus Christ, who many consider as being the most influential person in history, told us that there is life after death. He spoke of a place called heaven, where everyone who puts their trust in Him will go when they die. It is a place of peace, joy and love. It is also a place of great beauty. Jesus said that He was the way, the truth, and the life. He said that no one could come to God without placing their trust in Him (John 14:6).
God desires to have a relationship with every one of us. The Scripture says that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Though we may not realize it, we are separated from God because of our disobedience. God is holy and we are not, and we desperately need His forgiveness.
This is why Jesus died on the cross. He, who knew no sin, died for the sins of the whole world to make us right with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Then He rose from the dead. He truly is alive and He has power to change our lives.
Jesus wants to save us from hell and take us to heaven. He desires to give us a new life here on earth. When we ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins and when we surrender to His Lordship, we find great freedom and we begin a wonderful relationship with God the Father, who loves us.
When a person lives for God, he or she finds a great sense of significance and purpose. This person understands that they have a destiny to fulfill. When an individual chooses to serve the Lord, they find joy, contentment, peace, and unconditional love.
Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble, but He also said to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Life here on earth can be confusing and difficult, but as we draw near to Jesus, we find that He helps us in every circumstance. The Lord is faithful to His own. He will give us His peace and comfort, and He will ultimately bring victory out of our defeat.
You may have read literature like this before. And it may be your tendency to want to disregard what you are reading. Let me ask you to reconsider. Perhaps you don't believe that Jesus is who He said He was, but have you ever taken the time to read what He said? I would encourage you to read through the gospel of John. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. He will if you sincerely want to know Him.
If you are ready to ask Christ into your life, then pray the prayer on the following page. It is not some magical mantra. It is a simple prayer, where you can invite Christ to be your Lord and Savior.
Dear God,
I realize that I'm a sinner. I am sorry for my disobedience to You. I thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I ask You to forgive me. Jesus, I believe that You rose from the dead and I choose to follow You all the days of my life. I declare that You are my Lord and Savior. I thank You that I have a home in heaven. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer from your heart, know that you are now a member of God's family. Here is a list of things that will help you to get started in your new relationship with Christ.
Read the Bible – Start in the New Testament.
Pray – Prayer is talking and listening to God. Thank Him for His blessings and ask Him to work in Your life and in the lives of others.
When you fall, know that if you ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you (1 John 1:9).
Go to church regularly – Find a congregation where the Bible is taught in a clear and compassionate way.
Tell others of your newfound faith in Christ – Make it your aim to faithfully tell others about the Lord.
© Copyright 2010 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
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