God Loves You
Principle One: God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.
God created you. Not only that, he loves you so much that he wants you to know him now and spend eternity with him. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”1
Jesus came so that each of us could know and understand God in a personal way. Jesus alone can bring meaning and purpose to life.
What keeps us from knowing God? …
| Principle Two: All of us sin and our sin has separated us from God.
We sense that separation, that distance from God because of our sin. The Bible tells us that “All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way.”2 Deep down, our attitude may be one of active rebellion or passive indifference toward God and his ways, but it’s all evidence of what the Bible calls sin. The result of sin in our lives is death — spiritual separation from God.3 Although we may try to get close to God through our own effort, we inevitably fail.
How can we bridge this gulf?… |
This diagram shows the great gap that exists between us and God. The arrows illustrate how we might try to reach God through our own efforts. We may try to do good things in life, or earn God’s acceptance through a good life or a moral philosophy. But our good efforts are insufficient to cover up our sin.| Principle Three: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our sin. Through him we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our life.
We deserve to pay for our own sin. The problem is, the payment is death. So that we would not have to die separated from God, out of his love for us, Jesus Christ died in our place. On the cross, Jesus took all of our sin on himself and completely, fully paid for it. “For Christ also died for sins…the just for the unjust, so that he might bring us to God.”4 “…he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”5 Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, our sin doesn’t have to separate us from God any longer.
Jesus not only died for our sin, he rose from the dead.7 When he did, he proved beyond doubt that he can rightfully promise eternal life — that he is the Son of God and the only means by which we can know God. That is why Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one can come to the Father except through me.”8 Instead of trying harder to reach God, he tells us how we can begin a relationship with him right now. Jesus says, “Come to me.” “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me… out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”9 It was Jesus’ love for us that caused him to endure the cross. And he now invites us to come to him, that we might begin a personal relationship with God. Just knowing what Jesus has done for us and what he is offering us is not enough. To have a relationship with God, we need to welcome him into our life… |
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”6| Principle Four: We must individually accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
The Bible says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”10 We accept Jesus by faith. The Bible says, “God saved you by his special favour when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”11 Accepting Jesus means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, who he claimed to be, then inviting him to guide and direct our lives.12 Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.”13 And here is Jesus’ invitation. He said, “I’m standing at the door and I’m knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.”14 How will you respond to God’s invitation? Consider these two circles:
Which circle best represents your life? Which circle would you like to have represent your life? Begin a relationship with Jesus… (1) John 3:16 |
Self is on the throne
Jesus is outside the life
Decisions and actions are solely directed by self, often resulting in frustration
The person sees Jesus’ influence and direction in their lifeYou can receive Christ right now. Remember that Jesus says, “I’m standing at the door and I’m knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.”15 Would you like to respond to his invitation? Here’s how.
The precise words you use to commit yourself to God are not important. He knows the intentions of your heart. If you are unsure of what to pray, this might help you put it into words:
“Jesus, I want to know you. I want you to come into my life. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin so that I could be fully accepted by you. Only you can give me the power to change and become the person you created me to be. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life with God. I give my life to you. Please do with it as you wish. Amen.”
If you sincerely asked Jesus into your life just now, then he has come into your life as he promised. You have begun a personal relationship with God.
What follows is a lifelong journey of change and growth as you get to know God better through Bible reading, prayer and interaction with other Christians.
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I love it that our relationship with God is never dependent on anything that we could do to earn our way to Him, or think our way to Him, because we would fail at every point. He did it all!
Comment by MissDaisyAnne | September 27, 2008
MissDaisyAnne, thank you for your comment. If no one ever read anything but God Loves You on this blog I would still be happy. It’s our message to the world. When you believe this there is no reason for any of your problems to bother you. You just take all your problems to the Lord and don’t forget to leave them there. Doylene
Comment by dtbrents | September 27, 2008
Forgiveness is what the Lamb of God is all about. Where would we be, if our God was not a forgiving God. What a wonderful God we serve.
Before we discuss this top, let us look at a scenario that many of us may be familiar with. Can you recall holding your child in your arms for the first time? And the wonderful feelings you had of becoming a father for the first time. I do. I can also recall holding my son’s hands as he took his first steps, picking him up whenever he fell and hurt his knees.I can recall the silly stories I used to make up on the spot as he fell asleep.
That was many years ago and yet it seems like only yesterday. My son, Michael and his twin, Lydia are now 24 years old. Michael has left home.
I can recall him beginning to become independent, developing his own circle of friends amongst the other police kids in the barracks. Trying to talk to him about the importance of family devotion nights, was not getting nowhere. He would rather be with his friends than attend family devotions. Worst of all, I can recall the morning after one of our ‘talks’. He called by phone to tell me he was moving out to try his hand in life. It wouldn’t have been so bad if he hadn’t made it sound so obvious that, he didn’t want anything to do with me ever again and that, as far as he was concerned, I was dead.
Sometimes when I think back, it’s hard not to feel hurt, anger and outrage at the son, after all we had done for him.
Jesus told a very similar story, recorded in the book of Luke, chapter 15. The shock in Jesus’ story is that God is the father, and we are all like the son. The Bible says that God made us, to enjoy a relationship with him, but that we have become self-centred, and ignore him.
The son in the Bible story had a whale of a time for a while, but soon fell on hard times. When he reached rock-bottom, not even earning enough to feed himself, he thought he’d go back to his father, and ask if he could be a servant there. On the way home, his Dad spotted him…
Let’s pause there for a moment, remembering how we felt a moment ago. Rejected and hurt. How would we respond at this point?
…Well, the father ran to his son; ran, and embraced him. Not only did he take him back into his house, but he showered him with good things and completely released him. It was like he’d never left.
The Lamb of God was illustrating one of God’s key characteristics. We’ve all ignored God; we’re all self-centred and believe that we are better off on our on and yet if we ask God, he will forgive us and accept us into a relationship with himself.
The Lord’s Prayer says we should also forgive one another, as we are forgiven. If God, who is perfect, can forgive us, who are we to be above forgiving others? May God bless you all.
John
Comment by john | October 13, 2008
Doylene,
I know you have an interest in eschatology because of a couple comments you have left at my site. You know though, I think the aspect of the gospel being preached all the way to the end is the most important aspect of eschatology. Unfortunately, it is most often overlooked as people get wrapped up in timelines and all that. I believe you have a definite strength in keeping the importance of God’s love at the forefront of the conversation…God Bless you.
Gene
Comment by gboyd | October 14, 2008
This is a wonderful post Doylene. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I appreciate all visitors & comments.
Comment by Kimberly | October 15, 2008
thank you for your comment on my blog. Words of wisdom
Comment by mrsmiller85 | December 11, 2008
thank you for your message god bless,,hugs mlb
Comment by meanlittleboy | October 2, 2009
But then I finally decided to go for it. ,
Comment by Pol48 | October 11, 2009
Just read a press release about the new GLO Bible digital bible. It has a pretty impressive interface and demo- http://www.bibleglo.com any one else tried it?
Comment by Jim Struber | October 12, 2009
Countless sites receive paths to their content from variables passed to the swf object as parameters. ,
Comment by Alex39 | October 23, 2009
God Loves You!
Thank You…. It Is Mine Prayer Lots People agree with me with mine Prayers in Jesus Christ Name
The Bible says, “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”
Please pray for financial miracle Blessing from Heaven … for Work & Good pay for each Family Live on Same road I Live on.
I Pray for Prayers for Your Finances Blessing from Heaven. Only God in Heaven can Do, Bless Mine Hubby, Son & I. & rest of mine Family’s. Bless Finances Blessing from God, for each family That Live on Same road I Live on, I Pray for the ones who do not know Jesus as Their Saver, Will get saved in the Blood of Jesus Christ. I Do pray In Jesus Name, For Young Children’s, Teens, Young Adults. That live on the same rode I Live on, For Peace, Love, Joy, & Learn To Forgive there Self, & Others In Jesus Name… I Pray For Each School Age To stay In school, In Jesus Christ Name… I Do love U Jesus Christ in heaven What You is going Do, Bless You Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ name I Pray. Father In heaven you Get All the Praise & Glory, & Honor Amen. Praise God.
God Bless Jews. & USA. In God I trust
The Great Purpose: Jesus’ earthly life was devoted to one great purpose—doing the Father’s will, living the human life religiously and by faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6… “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:15
Pray For Israel & Jews… Bless Pray For Israel & Jews, Pray for US
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Please Pray for Street Bullies In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
I’M RAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase “A family that prays together stays together”? The concept is true – a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them.
Prayers for Justice and Peace
You Have Got To Pray & Walk In Love! Encourager When You Think Of Me…Pray For Me!
I am thinking about you right now…so I am praying for you. In Jesus Christ I pray. Amen
Comment by prayerwarrior | November 10, 2009