God created us with purpose, to be in relationship with Him and to enjoy all the fullness of life with Him.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
What does God desire you to know in the first part of the verse? (God loves us.)
What does God want to give you? (Eternal life)
John 10:10 - The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
What type of life does Jesus want to give you on earth? (Abundant life)
What do you think would be some inner characteristics of this full, abundant life that Jesus wants to give you? (Purpose, impact, meaning, peace, joy, love & acceptance)
Do you think everyone you know is experiencing this abundant life? Keep reading to see what the Bible says about what prevents it.
We have a problem we can’t fix on our own.
Romans 3:23 - “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
What is humanity’s problem? (All have sinned.)
What is sin?(Like an arrow missing its target, we fall short of God’s intent for us. All of us have done what we should not do and left undone what we should have done.)
What is the result of sin? (We are separated from God; we seem far from him - a chasm exists between us and God.)
Romans 6:23 - “The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.
Wages are what we earn by our actions. What do we earn by our sin? (Death)
There are two types of death. What are they? (Physical & spiritual)
Our sin separates us from God for eternity, unless somehow, we are released from paying the price for it.
Hebrews 9:27 - “…people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”
What happens after we die? (We face judgment for the sins we commit.)
This looks bleak for us. What are some ways you or others you know have tried to get to God’s side? (Examples: going to church, praying, helping people)
God sees the hopeless situation we’re in and provides a way out.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Can our best efforts bridge the separation between us and God? (No, we are saved by grace, which is undeserving love. Good works are not enough.)
The Cross: We can’t build a bridge to God, but Jesus Christ is God’s bridge to us. Romans 5:8 - “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
How did God show He loves us even though we’re sinners? (Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin.)
1 Peter 3:18 - “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”
Why is Jesus dying on the Cross and rising again such good news for us? (It allows us to be with God now on Earth and forever in Heaven because Jesus conquered both our sin and death by dying and rising again. That is the Christian gospel!)
Each of us needs to respond to what God is offering us. John 1:12 - “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”
How does one become a child of God? (By believing and receiving Jesus, trusting in his sacrifice as the payment for your own personal sin.)
Revelation 3:20 - “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
What is Jesus trying to show here, when he offers to come in and eat with us? (That he longs to have a personal relationship with us.)
Turn from your Sin and Accept Jesus - As Simple as A-B-C Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and ask God to forgive you and help you turn from sin. Believe Jesus died for you and rose again, conquering sin and death. Commit your life to following Jesus, putting your total trust in Him and giving Him decision-making authority as Lord of your life.
Talk to Jesus Right Now You can talk to Jesus right now to receive Him. You can repeat after me or put this in your own words: “Father God, I know that I am a sinner and that I need You to forgive me. I know that Your Son Jesus died a painful death and rose again so that my sins could be washed clean. Thank you. I want to make You the Lord of my life, and I will trust and follow You. Everything I have is Yours now. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”
If you have prayed this prayer, you have been restored in your relationship with God. You are His son or daughter. If you have made this decision to receive Jesus and desire to walk with God, please stop by The Ladder to share your decision with a staff member and receive a Bible - It will be your roadmap for this new adventure with Jesus.
The Adventure Ahead Walking with Jesus in this new life means you are a disciple. A disciple is someone who:
Follows Jesus
Is being changed by Jesus
Is on mission with Jesus
4 steps forward:
Tell someone about your decision.
Read your Bible. Reading the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament is a great way to get to know Jesus.
Pray. Share your heart, share your thoughts with God, and take time to listen to Him talk to you.
Gather with other people who love and follow Jesus, so you can learn from them and encourage one another.