postlaestadianrevival

God made us for fellowship with him. God desires a relationship with us just like we want to have a relationship with our children.

God's offer to us is stated in the bible in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life." God's gift is eternal (Romans 6:23). We don't work for it and we can't buy it, for gifts are not earned nor are they purchased. Rather gifts are for receiving. The gift of eternal life is ours once we receive it.

Since God's gift is eternal, He is preparing a permanent home in heaven with Christ for us. Jesus said "And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:3) he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of all creation,so wherever he is has to be the best place.

This new life, however, does not begin when we die. It actually begins when we open our lives to Jesus Christ. Jesus said "I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly." Abundant life is something God has made possible for us through His Son. Often we think that eternal life begins in heaven, however, God has prepared a wonderful life for us here. This abundant life is ours as we walk daily with him.

The one hindrance to my relationship with God is sin. God cannot fellowship with sin. If he allowed it in heaven, it wouldn't be heaven anymore. I am a sinner. I am a sinner by nature, which means I was born that way. (Example, no one has to teach a child how to lie, it comes naturally.) I also am a sinner by choice. When given a choice of good and evil I have chosen evil.

God saw that we could not solve our sin problem., so he supplied a way. His answer is Jesus. Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the light, no one comes to the Father except through me". (John 14:6)

Jesus became man, and because He did not sin He did not have to die. Only those who sin must die. Jesus allowed himself to be nailed to the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. "For Christ suffered once for sin, the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18 ) Christ is the only provision for our sins that God made. There is salvation in no other.
(Not your grandma, not your church, not any action you can take). Just Jesus.

It is imperative that you receive Him. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."

The choice to receive Him and the abundant life He promises is mine. No one can do it for me. It is between me and God. Before I knew Christ was moving away from Him. The day I received Him, I turned toward Him. In the bible this is called repentance.

I must also be willing to give him control of my life. He certainly knows better than I what is best. My trust must be in Him and in Him alone for eternal life.

Have you received Him as your Lord and Savior? God is a gentleman. He doesn't come in unless He is asked. By praying the following prayer of commitment, or one like it you can receive Christ.
GOD, I KNOW THAT I HAVE SINNED. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. I KNOW THAT CHRIST DIED FOR MY SINS. I ALSO KNOW THAT HE AROSE FROM THE DEAD AND WANTS TO BE A PART OF MY LIFE. I INVITE HIM INTO MY LIFE AND RECEIVE YOUR GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE. MY DESIRE IS TO LIVE FOR YOU AND SERVE YOU. I KNOW YOU ARE PREPARING ME A PLACE IN HEAVEN AND THAT I WILL BE THERE WITH YOU. THANK YOUR FOR THAT WONDERFUL HOPE. AMEN.

If you prayed that prayer the angels in heaven are rejoicing over you right now. Welcome to the family of God, brother or sister!