Know Him?
So, you are asking the question, “How do I receive the gift of Life offered by Christ?”
Well let me break it down quickly in a few simple components
#1 We have a Problem.
Our problem is the word the Bible uses, “Sin”.
Sin is an archery term which means to miss the mark.
Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
So, if the mark is perfection. We come up short. We know this, we know that we do a lot of things that are wrong. Those things we do are evidence of the problem with our nature.
Another way to see “sin” is that it is our Rebellion against the ways of God. That sin, that rebellion, has alienated us from God and it has consequences.
Romans 6:23 says that “For the wages of sin is death …”
So, that’s a pretty big problem. We aren’t just talking physical death, but eternal death and separation from God awaits us after this life if our state of rebellion isn’t dealt with.
Since the way I miss the mark is that I come up short, then I’ll never be good enough alone to reach God’s standard.
But there is Good News …
#2 God’s Provision
God has made provision for our short fall
It starts with God –
Romans 5:8 says “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 2:4 says, “… God’s kindness intended to lead you to repentance”
It starts with God
It goes through the Cross
There was only one way to redeem us from the penalty of our sin
Hebrews 9:22 says “ … without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”
1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”
It starts with God, goes through the cross
To the heart of man
We have a choice to make regarding Christ’s sacrifice as payment for our sin.
1 John 1:9 says, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
Romans 10:9,10 says, “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raise him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth resulting in salvation.”
Jesus is waiting for you to receive this offer of his Grace by Faith.
Revelation 3:20 says, “See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me.”
So, can I really believe this is for me, and is there more?
With God there is always what we need, and More …
#3 God’s Promise
A Relationship with God
John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, he gave the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name”
We become part of the family, when we believe in him and receive his offer
New Life
2 Corinthians 5:17 “therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
That’s great news, a fresh start and new life. But what about today and tomorrow
Strength for Life
2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness”
Because he loves me, because of his own reputation, he will give me everything I need to live and live the way he desires
And then for the day after tomorrow …
Eternal Life
Remember that Romans 6:23 states that “the wages of sin is death …” but it doesn’t stop there it continues, “… but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Wow, a child of God, a fresh start, strength for every day, and hope for tomorrow, that IS Good News and it is FOR all who believe so, will you receive it?
#4 A Simple Prayer
Will you say a simple pray with me? There is no magic in the words, they must come from a heart and mind that believe, but this will help you do what Romans 10:9 says and confess with your mouth that you understand our sin, and express a desire for Christ to be Lord. You can express that desire in faith with a simple prayer like this … pray with me
“Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am separated from God by my sin. Please forgive me of my sin and come into my life. I believe that you died and rose again for me. I want you to be in control as Lord of my life. I give myself to you, help me to live for you. IN Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”
If you just prayed, we celebrate with you the greatest decision in your life. Please email us at first.mixon@gmail.com and tell us about your decision so we can follow up now with your new life in Christ.