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If you would like to know more about God, you are at the right place! First of all, are you aware that God loves you, created you, wants a relationship with you on this earth, to ultimately spend eternity in heaven with you? Yet to do this, God wants us to first get right with Him by doing just one thing, and that one thing is to ask Him into our hearts. Why? Because He created us and He loves us. God holds the great gift of eternal life and He offers it to us freely. Because we live in a fallen world, a world full of uncertainty and disappointments, we often fail to recognize that God is always waiting for us to look to Him for guidance and for support. Often, the fast pace of life, the distractions and confusion of this world, and or the guilt over the mistakes in our lives drive us away from a merciful, gracious, and loving God. Sadly enough, most of us know very little about God and His great love for us. For most of us, the little we actually do know about God, we have only heard from others, others that may not truly know God themselves. How often do we hear leaders and or the media refer to God in disrespectful ways? How often do people act like they know God, but do not? Look at what the Holy Bible says about some who claim to know God, but do not, "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him..." Titus 1:16 Instead of the world looking to God for answers, we continue to stumble our way through the life Governments are in disarray as they seek answers to today's problems with mere temporary solutions instead of relying on the power of God. And the church is often in its own world asleep, or dealing with its own challenges. We look to this world for solutions that can only be answered by God. Most people are in despair and or dealing with apathy. As the world changes daily, we are left with more questions than ever before. How often do we feel powerless like there is no hope? Yet in all of this chaos, there is one thing that never changes, the one who has all the answers to this world's problems- it is God and His written Holy Word, the Holy Bible. So, how much do you really know about God? Is the God you know an unapproachable and or condemning God? Is the God you know a stranger or your friend? Do you know God as loving, full of mercy and full of grace? Are you filled with lasting inner peace and understanding, or do you walk around with many questions? Maybe you are carrying the weight of your guilt over mistakes you have made in the past? Maybe you feel God has wronged you somehow. Or maybe you are simply too tired to even think about God. We have questions that simply cannot be answered with the things of this world, yet we stubbornly continue to seek answers from where there are none. Have you ever wondered why there is so much pain and suffering in our world, or why there is little hope? Have you ever asked yourself, what is my purpose in life? If I was to die today, where would I go? Does anyone really care? The answer to these questions are all in the Bible. There is a hope, there is a promise and there is an answer. And the answer is found in Jesus Christ. What do we know about God, about the one who wrote the Holy Bible? In the Holy Bible, in the book of John 1:1-4, God says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” Guess who God was speaking about? Going further.... To go on further with this reading, it is helpful to know a few things about God and ourselves. Now this may be difficult to read, but are you aware that everyone is born with a sin nature, and God does not like any sin? Are you aware that according to the Bible, we have all sinned and all fall short of God's glory? God’s Word calls us to be perfect, and yet no one in this world is perfect. Do you know that our sins actually keep us away from a Holy and Righteous God and also from experiencing God's full blessings? Blessings that He so freely wants to give us. Because our sins separate us from God, we often think He is not really there and does not really listen to us or love us. Have you ever felt like that? There is both "Bad News" and "Good News" in the Bible. But before we can value the "Good News" in the Bible, we must first understand the consequence of the "Bad News" This may again be difficult to hear, but the Bible states that the punishment of any sin is eternal Hell. Without God's forgiveness of our sins there is only separation, condemnation, judgment, wrath and Hell. This is the "Bad News", but rest assured there is also the "Good News" to come. The "Bad News", is that without God's forgiveness there is no Heaven. Whether a small sin like a lie, or a larger sin like murder, all sin is viewed and punishable the same way by God. On Judgment day all sin is punishable with eternal life in Hell. What could possibly be worse than that? "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God "will give to each person according to what he has done". Romans 2:5-6 Now that you have heard the "Bad News, here is the best news of all, getting right with God is about grace and grace alone! And grace is about getting something we do not deserve! You may be thinking, I am a good person, I have not killed anyone. You may not of killed anyone, but the Bible states that if you have ever lied you are in trouble like a murderer. How many of us are really 100% good like God calls us to be? We often think of ourselves as certainly doing more good things than bad. Yet the challenge we find when we read the Bible is that God calls us to be perfect, and who is? How many people do you know that are perfect? Even as good as some are, who has ever obeyed all of the 10 commandments, at all times? Look what Jesus said to this rich young ruler. "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No-one is good-- except God alone. You know the commandments: `Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" Mark 10:17 And those were just 6 out 10 commandments. We have all sinned. How often do we place other things before God? That's the first commandment! How often do we use God's name in vain? How often do we exaggerate things just a little to make a point? How often have we withheld the entire truth from a certain matter? How often have we taken something that truly does not belong to us? How often do we become our own judge? How about being jealous of something your friend has or has done? The list goes on and on. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:8-9 The Holy Bible tells us no one can earn or buy their way into heaven by doing good things. Did you know the Holy Bible clearly states that good "moral" people will not get into heaven? The Bible clearly says that you cannot earn your way into heaven by doing good, or by keeping score of the good things you have done. You simply cannot buy Heaven. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no-one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10 Do you know that simply going to church or a Christian school will not make you right with God, will not save you from Hell? Now that you have heard the bad news, here is the best news of all. Getting right with God is about the grace, grace that comes through faith! Ready for the solution to our sin problem? The "Good News" is that there is a permanent God given solution to our sin problem, and that solution is Jesus! You see, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins on the cross. The actual payment that God required from us was paid for us, by Jesus. The Bible says that God will forgive those who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Personal Lord and Savior. This simple task along with asking God to forgive us of our sins, keeps us from God's wrath, the wrath that we rightfully deserve for our sins. God showed His mercy and love in giving us His one and only son as a sacrifice for us! The Bible tells us that there is only one God and only one way to God. "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6. That means Jesus is the only way to get right with God. Through Jesus, God forgives 100% of our past, present and even our future sins, making us right with Him. All of this is possible by placing our faith and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
In John 3:16, the Bible speaks about Jesus Christ as our only Lord and Savior and the only true effective way to get right with God. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” What God can love us so much, and care for us so much that He would send His own son to be sacrificed in our place. What God demonstrates His Holy and Righteous mighty power by loving us with His never ending love, mercy, and grace? God says, come as you are and I will take your burdens and wash you clean forever! Do you want to be saved? God will meet you where you are. He is faithful. By asking God to forgive your sins and by placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (instead of the things of this world), you can be cleansed from your past, present, and future sins and receive eternal life (instead of hell). Yes, you can be made right with God and forgiven by just believing in the gift that God gave us. The gift of Jesus is the gift of grace, provided through the atoning sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ, on the cross. If you would like God's solution to your sin problem, if you want the mystery of God which is Jesus, if you want purpose and peace then you can receive Jesus right now (right where you are) by simply praying this life changing prayer below: "Dear God, I turn away from my sins and ask you to forgive me. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is your Son. I believe that He died and rose from the dead as the final atoning sacrifice for my sins, that I may have eternal life through Him. Jesus, I ask you into my life as my Lord and Savior forever. In Jesus name, Amen!" "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." Romans 10:9 If you have prayed this life changing prayer and believe in your heart, that Jesus Christ died and rose from the cross for your sins, you are saved! Yes, you are born again and a new creation! The old is gone, the new is forever! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17. Congratulations! Many things happen immediately when you are saved. You are a new creation when you place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ (instead of this world). Congratulations!!! Many wonderful things begin to happen when you give your live to Jesus. To name a few: 1) You are washed clean of sin and made righteous with God forever, giving you the assurance of your salvation! 2) The Holy Spirit dwells in your heart forever giving you direction and discernment in life. 3) You are given access to a Holy and Righteous God, through prayer, through Jesus. Again, If you have just given your heart to Jesus, congratulations! Amen! Please email us and let us know at testimony@c28.com After receiving Jesus into your heart, check this out below. You can begin by thanking God and praising Him for His love for you and for saving you right now. Because you are now saved, you need to learn more about this God who just saved you, who loves you more than anyone else can, and who will never leave you nor forsake you. "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" Deuteronomy 31:8 The work God has now begun in your life will never stop even if you mess up a million times. Jesus allows you to ask for forgiveness and approach God's throne of grace. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6 Please also know that being a born again believer does not make you perfect, that is why God gives us Jesus. Believers are people saved by the atoning work of the cross which is a great miracle, but understand that believers are also a work in progress. Believers are always under construction and also under grace! Being saved from our sins is not a license to sin. The same Holy Spirit that sealed your soul when you gave your live to Jesus and now dwells in your heart for eternity to bless you is the very same Holy Spirit that grieves when we sin. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30 God saved you because He has great plans for you! God wants you to seek Him so He can show himself to you. To show you the wonderful plans He has for your new life. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "..." Jeremiah 29:11-14 The Holy Bible is written by God! God's word is written by God. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16 The Holy Bible has 2 parts. The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible contains 66 books and was written by 42 authors inspired by God Himself. The best book to read first in the New Testament is the book of "John" in the Bible. The book of "John" is the gospel story of Jesus. When you read God's word you learn about your God, because the words in the Holy Bible are the inspired words of God himself. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 Find a real good Bible teaching church. Ask God in prayer right now to lead you and direct you to attend a good Bible teaching church as you begin your relationship with Jesus (maybe it is the one you are already in?) Finding a good bible teaching church that will feed you spiritually is not easy. Not all churches actually preach the gospel and teach from the Holy Bible like they should, therefore leaving you spiritually hungry. If you do not understand things while at your church, or if Jesus Christ is not preached at every service, you are most likely at the wrong church. Go and find a church where Jesus Christ is preached every week! A good national nondenominational church system catering especially for new believers is called Calvary Chapel http://www.calvarychapel.com/ They have multiple Calvary churches in just about every town. But please know that all Calvary Chapels are not all the same. Check out a few churches before you decide. Pray and ask God to help you chose correctly. You can check everything you are taught against scripture from the Holy Bible. God wants you to have life and to have it to the full! This requires learning God's word correctly "Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Make sure everything you are taught is accurate and comes from the Holy Bible alone. "...for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 The Holy Bible is complete and not lacking. We cannot ad anything to it or take away from it. "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Revelation 22:18-19 Join a weekly Bible study. Learning about God once a week at church is great but will not be enough to fill you each week. Check to see if your church has a weekly Bible study and sign up. If they do not, consider joining an excellent weekly nondenominational Bible study called "Bible Study Fellowship International" http://www.bsfinternational.org A weekly Bible study will be essential in your new growth as a new believer. At BSF International they will also be able to direct you to a good bible teaching church if you do not already have one. Learning God's word and purpose for your life will be extremely beneficial and will help you yield great fruit in your life. Finding a real good church and a good weekly Bible study will bless you beyond your dreams. Once you give your life to Jesus, the enemy can attack you and begin to discourage you. Do not be discouraged if things go crazy when you accept Jesus Christ into your heart, and some people even get upset with you."Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Matthew 5:11 When you first give your life to Christ, Satan who is the king of lies will try to distract you and move you away from God when trials come your way. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There are countless benefits to being a new believer. Born again believers are filled and marked with God's Holy Spirit forever. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit," Ephesians 1:13 The Holy Spirit's will be with you wherever you are, forever. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 The Holy Spirit will teach you and guide you in the way of the Lord. Jesus said "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:25-26 Reading God's word daily and being in prayer daily are highly rewarding and will bless your life on earth greatly. "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11 The assurance of your salvation is found in the Holy Bible. Assurance of Salvation. "... God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life... 1 John 5:11-12 Assurance of Answered Prayer. "...Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete... John 16:24 Assurance of Victory, over Temptation "...No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it... 1 Corinthians 10:13 Assurance of Forgiveness ...If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness... 1 John 1:9 God will never leave you. ... Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you... Hebrews 13:5 God created you and has great plans for you. ...For I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future... Jeremiah 29:11 An easy way to remember how to pray is by remembering and using the acronym A.C.T.S. Adoration of God Confession of sins Thankful for His blessings Supplication-prayers for others and yourself Why we share the gospel, the "Good News" of Jesus! We share the "Good News" because the Holy Bible tells us to in the "The Great Commission" "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus wants us to share His grace with everyone and gave us sense of urgency for those that do not know the Lord "Do you not say, `Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35 Why share the gospel? Because if we do not share the gospel who will? "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:14-17 We are saved by grace to do good works, so we can help others. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no-one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10
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