Receive God's Gift of Life

God's Plan and Love for You

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). This verse is a powerful reminder of God's loving intentions towards us. He doesn't plan our downfall or delight in our struggles. Instead, He has a future filled with hope specifically designed for each of us.

Psalm 139:16 says, Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. This verse reveals that God is intimately aware of our existence from its very inception. He knows us completely and has a purpose for each day of our lives.

The Ultimate Expression of Love

In Romans 5:6-8, we find a profound expression of God's love: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. These verses encapsulate the core of the Christian faith. Christ's death was not for the perfect or the righteous; it was for the imperfect, the broken, the 'ungodly.' This act of love was not conditional on our actions or our worthiness. It was a gift, freely given.

1 John 4:9-10 further illuminates this truth: This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. God's initiative in sending Jesus was motivated by love, and through Jesus, we find life.

A Relationship Not Earned, But Given

One of the most beautiful aspects of this relationship with God is that it is not something we must earn. Our culture often tells us that we must work for everything we receive, but in the case of our relationship with God, the work has already been done by Jesus. His death on the cross took away our sins and bridged the gap between humanity and God, enabling us to have peace with Him.

This gift of grace means that no matter who you are, what you've done, or where you've been, you are invited into a relationship with God. It's not about following a list of rules or trying to be good enough; it's about accepting this incredible gift of love and starting a journey with God at your side.

Invitation to a Life-Changing Relationship

If you've never considered the possibility of a personal relationship with God, or if you've been hesitant to believe that He could care for you, let these truths sink into your heart. You are known, loved, and called by a God who has gone to great lengths to show His love for you.

Jesus is for you. He always has been, and He always will be. In Him, you will find hope, peace, and a love that never fails. This is the invitation of the Gospel – an invitation to a life-transforming, everlasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

As you reflect on these truths, may you find comfort and joy in the knowledge that you are deeply loved and valued by God. He is waiting with open arms, ready to start or continue this journey with you.

How to Receive Eternal Life

Discovering God's Love and Plan for You

First and foremost, it's wonderful to know that God deeply loves you and has a beautiful plan for your life. The Bible tells us in John 3:16, For 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. This isn’t just a broad statement; it's a personal invitation to you. God desires a relationship with you and wants to offer you peace, purpose, and eternal life.

Understanding Our Need

We all face a common challenge – it's called sin, and it separates us from God. It's not just about the wrong things we do, but it's a condition that affects us all. Romans 3:23 says, ... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This sin creates a gap between us and God, disrupting the peace and life He wants to give us.

Embracing God’s Solution – The Cross

In His great love, God provided a solution to our sin problem. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bridge that gap. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, taking the punishment we deserved. Romans 5:8 tells us, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can have forgiveness and be reconciled with God.

Making the Decision to Follow Christ

Now, it's your turn to respond. To start this relationship with God, you need to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. This means believing in Him and inviting Him into your life. John 1:12 says, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. If you're ready, you can take this step through prayer. It's not about the specific words you say but the sincerity of your heart. 

You can pray something like this:

"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."

Remember, this is just the beginning of a wonderful journey of faith and a growing relationship with God. It's about taking steps each day to know Him better, understanding His love for you, and how you can live out His purpose for your life.

If you prayed this prayer, please call our church office so we can welcome you into God's family and provide resources that will help you grow in your faith.  Call or text:  (209) 213-2253‬