Know God?

Do you know God?

Did you know that God, the creator of heaven and earth and everything in it, also made a way for us to have eternal life in heaven with Him? Many are unaware of this. They go about life thinking that God is some magical figure that lives in the sky; someone to cry to when things go wrong and someone to blame when troubles arise. They believe in a god that fits neatly in their pocket, one that is no bigger than their imagination. However, this is not the God of the Bible.

The way to get to know God and who He is, is by reading the Bible. The 66 books contained in the Bible are filled with God's words, written down by people he chose and divinely empowered to complete the task he set before them. The Old Testament books tell us of the creation of the earth and everything in it, to the beginnings of God's chosen people, the Israelites (Jews), and follows them and their triumphs and troubles. In the New Testament we learn that God's love for us is so strong and pure that He not only wants to save the Jewish people, but ALL people from the punishment of our sins (the things we do wrong against God and other people). God chose to save us by sending His Son to earth as a helpless, little baby. That baby would grow up and give His life to save us. The whole book weaves a beautiful picture, from beginning to end, of God's ultimate plan – salvation to all through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

In the book of John, chapter 3, verses 16 – 21 (John 3:16-21) it is explained like this:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. (ESV)

God is holy and righteous, but we aren't. Our sin, separates us from God.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (ESV)

(Notice that the verse above says, “all have sinned”, not a few have sinned, but all. You're not alone here, we're all in the same boat. That's why we need a savior.)

There is a price to be paid for all sin. Just like in our court systems today, there is a penalty, or price that must be paid for wrong doing.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (ESV)

But imagine if you were standing before the judge as he is about to sentence you for the wrong you've done, lying, cheating, stealing, adultery and so on, and all of a sudden a man steps up and says “I will pay the price he owes”. You would be amazed. That just doesn't happen. But it did. Jesus paid the price for us when he died on the cross and rose again over 2000 years ago.

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (ESV)

God's plan is so simple. If we repent, or turn away, from our sins, and confess that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior we will be saved.

Romans 10:13 everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (ESV)

Romans 10:9-10 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (ESV)

Finally, as the verse above explains, pray a simple prayer to God. The words don't need to be flowery or precise, just talk to Him, He'll hear you. Thank Him for dying on the cross to save you. Tell him that you believe that He died and rose again. Acknowledge your sins and ask for forgiveness for them. Thank Him and accept the incredible free gift He has given you.

But hold on, it doesn't stop there. Acknowledging that you are now a child of God is a life long walk in a new direction. Here are a few things to point you in the right direction:

• Get a good bible and read it daily – God talks to us through His word (the Bible)
• Pray – praying is how we talk to God
• Attend a Bible believing church
• Avoid things that tempt you to sin
• Share your faith with others

If you'd like more information about Jesus Christ, please contact us

or contact the pastors at your local church. We'd love to hear from you.