Babe Ruth had hit 714 runs during his baseball career and was playing one of his last full major league games. It was the Braves against the Reds in Cincinnati. But the great Babe Ruth was no longer as agile as he had once been. He fumbled the ball and threw badly, and in one inning alone his errors were responsible for most of the five runs scored by Cincinnati. As the Babe walked off the field after the third out and headed toward the dugout, a crescendo of yelling and booing reached his ears. Just then a boy jumped over the railing onto the playing field. With tears streaming down his face, he threw his arms around the legs of his hero. Ruth didn't hesitate for one second. He picked up the boy, hugged him, and set him down on his feet, patting his head gently. The noise from the stands came to an abrupt halt. Suddenly there was no more booing. In fact, a hush fell over the entire park. In those brief moments, the fans saw two heros: Ruth, who in spite of his dismal day on the field could still care about a little boy; and the small boy, who cared about the feelings of another human being. Both had melted the hearts of the crowd (Ted Engstrom,The Persuit of Excellence, 1982, Zondervan).
Christmas 2000 is behind us, but hopefully we can carry the spirit of Christmas into and throughout the new year. I suggest as we make plans, perhaps resolutions, that caring be the underlying characteristic. When we care and follow through with caring acts, our lives are richer because of it. We ourselves are the major benefactors. Our lives are more full and meaningful. And others are blessed.
Who needs your caring acts the most? Is there someone with whom you have strained relations, that needs you to care, and know that you care? Don't bother with who is at fault. It is up to you to mend the fence. Perhaps you have approached your work as a chore. Why not see it as a way to help the company for which you work and to provide for a family you love? This will help you put your heart into the task at hand.
Speaking of the family, How much time do you spend together? Quality time does not replace quantity time. Your family is your primary responsibility. God has made it so. Husbands & wives need to make time for one another. Children and parents need to do the same. If you are one of the children, find ways to communicate your care for your parents and siblings.
The greatest caring act of all was God reaching out to our selfish, rebellious & sinful selves to show us that he loves us. He did this at the cost of his perfect Son being brutally killed and hung on a cross as the sacrifice for our sins. When our sins had us down and we were walking back to the dugout and our world was hissing & booing, God gave us a great big hug.
Through Jesus' sacrifice and victory over the grave, you too can have victory over death. By accepting what he has done, turning from your self-directed life to his Spirit-directed life, God will offer you a full and meaningful life here on earth and then take you home to live forever in a place he has prepared for you.
Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many rooms: If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:2-3 NIV). The Bible also says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23 NIV). Don't you think the new year is a good time to start the new life?
E. Stanley Jones once told of a boy in whose home he was visiting. The boy had lost his father. He said that the boy stood looking at a picture of his dad and the the boy said, "I wish father would step out of the picture."
Haven't there been times when you wished God would just step out of heaven and come to be with us and live with us and let us see him? Of course we know that God is here with us. He is all around us. God is everywhere. But in Jesus God did come in a form in which people could see him and get to know him better. In a sense he "stepped out of heaven" and came to dwell among us. It was not enough that the Word should become speech, however clear and convincing it may be. It had to become flesh. God's utterance had to become a human being -- not just a message but a Messenger, the Messenger being the message.
Some people see only God's anger or wrath. Others see only his love. To many people the wrath and anger of God seem inconsistent. He is a righteous God and must exert wrath upon evil but he is also a God who loves every person and his judgements are extended in love. It is sin that is judged. God wants the person to be free of judgement. Jesus, God in the flesh, came to help us understand this and to provide a way for us to receive full forgiveness of our sin.
The Bible says "God is love." Again, it says that God does not want anyone to perish, but he wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This is the reason for Christmas. This is why Jesus was born in Bethlehem. We sinful people needed an adequate sacrifice for our sins so that we might be freed from the penalty of sin. God provided a way.
In John 3:16, the gospel writer says, "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" (NIV).
God Gave His Son Because He Loves the World
Remember the title to this essay? Here is one "why" that God gave his Son. It is because he loves the world. Can't you imagine the surprise of the shepherds tending sheep? Suddenly the heavens opened and an angel appeared with the news of the Savior's birth! "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:10-12 NIV). Then other angels joined in praising God. If you have a Bible, read the full story in Luke 2. Somehow the shepherds lost interest in tending the sheep. After that experience, they would never be the same. Immediately they went into the town, remembering the angel's instructions. They searched for the Savior and found Jesus, Mary and Joseph. See how much God loves us? In spite of our sin, he took the initiative by sending his own Son to save us.
God Gave His Son That Those Who Believe in Him Would Not perish
Paul Harvey once told the following story: The wife and children in a particular family on Christmas morning went to church services. The husband would not go. He said, "I can't accept the Jesus story, that God came as a man. It doesn't make sense. While he was at home alone, he heard some thuds against the house. He went to investigate. He discovered that birds in the cold were flying into the landscape picture window. He saw them flopping in the snow. The man tried to entice them into the warm barn by strewing seed and bread crumbs to the barn, but the birds wouldn't go. He made a trail, by clearing the snow away. The birds still wouldn't go to the barn. He tried driving them, but this only scared them. They didn't understand that he was trying to help them. In frustration he said, "If only I could take the form of a bird, they wouldn't be afraid. They would understand. Then the Jesus story began to make sense.
God does not want anyone to suffer. He does not want anyone to be eternally separated from him. He created humanity in his image for fellowship. But man is a stuborn creature. Man himself has broken off this fellowship. God has provided a way for it to be restored, but he will not force anyone.
All who receive the Son receive the Father. None will perish who trust in Jesus Christ. The Babe in Bethlehem was more than just a babe. He was the Savior -- the Redeemer for mankind. In him, God took our form that we might understand and that we would trust him for our eternal safety.
God Gave His Son That Those Who Believe in Him Would Have Eternal Life
The Babe in Bethlehem was not merely the way for an escape from destruction, but the giver of life. When Jesus became a man, he spoke of himself as the Bread of Life and as the Water of Life. He also spoke of himself as the Vine and his followers as the branches. The branch is dependent on the vine for its life.
If we are to have life eternal and be restored to fellowship with God, it must be through a trusting faith in Jesus Christ, whose fleshly birthdate we celebrate this season.
Later, the wise men of old brought gifts in honor of this new-born King. May we exercise the wisdom of giving ourselves to him, claiming Jesus as King of our lives.
Need help? Feel free to share with me your questions and concerns about trusting Jesus. Just go to the Contact Us page of this website and enter your comments. Don't worry, I have no list asking anyone for support. I will not be asking for money. The Christian should become a part of a local church and help support the ministries of that church. Now is the time to take that step.
--Don
The following report was supposedly submitted to an insurance company:
"I am writing in response to your request for additional information. In block number three of the accident reporting form, I put "poor planning " as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more and I trust that the following details are sufficient.
"I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working along on the roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my work, I discovered that I had about 500 pounds of bricks left over. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley, which fortunately was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.
"Securing the rope at the ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tightly to assure a slow descent of the 500 pounds of bricks. You will note in block number 11 of the accident reporting form that I weigh 135 pounds. Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building.
"In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down. This explains the fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep in the pulley. Fortunately, by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain.
"At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground - and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel now weighed about 50 pounds. I refer you again to my weight in block number 11. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building.
"In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles and lacerations of my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell onto the pile of bricks and, fortunately, only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the bricks in pain, unable to move, and watching the barrel six stories above - I again lost my presence of mind.
"I let go of the rope!"
Do you have days like that, or days of which the incident report reminds you? Days when "everything" goes wrong, or days when the load of the world seems heavier that you can bear? Many people are walking around with the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Even Christians often fail to turn their burdens over to the Father. I Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Jesus admonished some religionists who laid heavy burdens of the law upon the shoulders of the people. Their yoke was heavy and their burdens hard to bear. To his listeners Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30)
If you will let him, God the Father will lift the burden of lostness (after death what? and purpose in living). He will also remove the burdens in connection with relationships, work, expectations and other areas of your life. In their place, he will give you meaning and purpose for life in the here and now -- and he will provide for your eternal security.
Feel free to explore this further through input on the Contact Us page of this website. Take care. God loves you.
Don't worry, I won't ask for funds. I encourage you to support the ministries of your local church.
-- Don
Loneliness strikes people of all ages, but I think older people are more susceptible to it. As we get older, we begin to lose friends, relatives, children and spouses. We also may live great distances from those who once were close to us, and not be able to visit because of physical or financial reasons. We lose track of friends and relatives and don't know where they live, or even if they are still alive.
Adding to the feeling of loneliness may be the loss of our sense of worth. We can't do what we used to do. Some may have time on their hands without an outlet for meaningful contribution to others. With the feeling of loneliness may be the sense of guilt in not allowing God to freely us us.
Do you feel lonely? When do you most often feel lonely? Elderly widows and widowers have told me that the most difficult times for them are evenings and holidays, as well as birthdays and anniversaries. That's when they miss their mates the most. They had enjoyed their company as they chatted in the evenings and as they celebrated special days together.
The lack of attention by others may not be intentional -- yet it may be. Others, even close relatives, may get so busy with their own lives and families that they forget the mutual need to spend time together. Or, they may forget to call & keep putting off writting letters. They may care very much, but that doesn't help you. Also they miss the blessing they would receive by spending time with you.
Let me suggest a few things for those times when loneliness strikes, or to stave off loneliness altogether.
When loneliness strikes, the first thing you should do is go to the Father.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus was lonely, he went to the Father. He treasured the times alone in communication with the Father.
Our God knows all about you. He is aware of your feelings and needs. The Bible says, "Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). In communicating with God, you need a two-way conversation going. Through reading the Bible, God speaks to you. In prayer, primarily, you speak to God. With the two-way conversation in place, his Spirit is able to communicate with your spirit and the Father will make you aware of his love and ability to comfort.
When loneliness strikes, reach out to assist others.
Just as the Father assures us of his presence and comforts us, we are able to befriend others and comfort them. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says that God the Father "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (NIV). In so doing, our loneliness also will dissipate.
Through intercessory prayer, you can develop a whole prayer ministry. Be a good listener as others tell you of their hurts and joys. Keep track of the needs and blessings about which you hear and read. Make a list of them. Have regular times to take these to the Father. God really does hear and answer your prayers. Remember to praise God for who he is.
When loneliness strikes, take a closer look for the friends around you.
Attend church, including Sunday School (Bible study class). It is in the small groups of these classes that you will really get to know people and make friends. It doesn't matter how young or how old you are. These classes generally plan social activities as well and you are welcome to participate. And, who knows, the pastor may have just the words you are in need of.
Friends are not always people with whom we see eye to eye on issues. What family members always agree on everything? They are people who care about you. Treasure their friendship and allow them to think differently and be different from you. Caring friends allow this of one another.
When Loneliness strikes, get involved in meaningful or enjoyable activities.
Volunteers are always needed at church and community service organizations. Hospitals use volunteers from teenagers to the elderly. Find a hobby. What would you really enjoy doing? Sew, cross-stitch, woodwork, write, fish, collect things? Use your imagination. Set out to learn new skills. You are not too old, or too young. Life can become exciting again and you'll be too busy to be lonely.
A starting point in dealing with loneliness is to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, his Son. He will accept you just as you are. First, you must recognize your own sinfulness and unworthiness (no matter how good you have tried to be). Accept the fact that God loves you and wants you to have a full and meaningful life. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly came to earth to live among the people. Jesus lived a perfect life and was qualified to pay the penalty for our sins, as he had none of his own. God allowed him to "take our sins upon him" and impute to us his righteousness. If you accept what Jesus has done for you, and let him have control of your life, you will be able to stand before God as righteous (not your righteousness, but that of Jesus). Life will take on new meaning. The Holy Spirit will come to live within you, and the "Friend that sticks closer than a brother" will always be with you. To top it all off, when you die (that happens to all of us) your body will be burried, but you will go to live with the Lord in heaven forever. The other option isn't a pretty one.
Make an appointment with the pastor of a Baptist or other evangelical church. The pastor will be happy to help you with your decision.
Well, how about it? All you have to do is talk to God and do what I mentioned above. God understands you. You don't have to use flowery language. Just talk to him as to a friend. Ask him to save you and he will. Here's a verse to remember: "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" (John 3:16 NIV).
Sometimes you may feel a strong desire, perhaps the urging of our Father, to involve yourself in a particular type of ministry outreach, but you do not believe you have the personnel, physical or financial resources to do so. My wife and I served for 20 years as home missionaries, now called North American missionaries. Early on I adopted a motto, Do what you got'ta do with what you got'ta do it with. This was taken from a more grammatically correct statement of a minister I heard many years previously. He was saying that if God prompts you to do something, He knows what resources you have and what resources are available. Don't be discouraged because you cannot see the way clearly.
If God impresses you to get involved in something that requires resources beyond those of which you are aware, first consider what is available. 1) Personnel Resources: What about your training and abilities? Who else could work with you and fill the gaps in your competence? 2) Physical Resources: Does this project or ministry require a place in which to meet (home, church, school, library, park, etc.)? 3) Financial Resources (your own, others who would contribute, church, etc.): Perhaps the church would sponsor the project and assist with some leadership or personnel assistance. When you see what is available, it may still appear that you have come up short. Do what you got'ta do with what you got'ta do it with. If it is of the Lord, He will honor your faith. Needed resources perhaps will come from unexpected places. People you minister to will also become involved.
I recall helping to start a church in a mobile chapel (a single-wide mobile home made into a chapel) on a plot of land. This was after follow-up on several Backyard Bible Clubs and meeting in temporary locations. In one end of the chapel (one room) were the nursery and preschool children. A short hall with restrooms separated that section from the worship area. The worship area was divided into three parts by curtains. All the children, grades 1-6, met in one part. The youth, grades 7-12, met in the middle part. All the adults met in the 3rd part. The curtains were pulled back for worship services.
The church outgrew the mobile unit. With the help of churches, the denomination's state convention, and the Home Mission Board, a church building with a worship center, classrooms and church office space was built. A full-time pastor was called. The church is only five miles from Camp David, the president's retreat. Camp David and Ft. Ritchie personnel provided some of the leadership. The bulk of the congregation was made up of residents in the area. Do what you got'ta do with what you got'ta do it with.
After we retired (not from ministry, but from employment in the ministry) and moved to Texas, I noticed that there were 41 homes in this development. Women often invite one another to visit, perhaps for tea or coffee, and get acquainted. Men wave at one another but often do not know each other. I wondered how to break through this. The motto, Do what you got'ta do with what you got'ta do it with, came to mind. So I wondered, "What do I have?" I had built a woodworking shop in the back yard and plumbed and air conditioned it. So I thought, "I have a woodworking shop. That is a natural place for men to meet." Through a computer program, I pulled up all the men's names and addresses and phone numbers. I sent them a letter explaining what I have mentioned above and invited them to my shop on a Saturday 2 weeks away. The men met and wanted to continue getting together periodically. We even planned a Christmas dinner at a restaurant for the whole development, families, including widows and widowers. There was a tremendous turnout. More people know each other. No ulterior motive was given for any of this. That would have turned off unchurched people. A number of Christians are in this neighborhood. Also they know my
background. In the course of normal conversation, theological issues come up as well as items of general interest.
I also have a computer ... Do what you got'ta do with what you got'ta do it with. Go ahead with what God wants you to do.
A little boy was overheard trying to recite the Lord's prayer. When he got to the part about forgiving our trespasses, he said: "And forgive us our trash passes as we forgive those who pass trash against us."
As I think about it, that child was not very far off. There is a lot of "trash passing" that goes on in our world, and often we do our share of "passing trash" against other people. We share some gossip or spread some rumors about someone, even if we know they are not true. We may be two-faced in our relationships, being one way when we are with the person, and very different when we are not. Forgive and forget. Easier said than done, right? Now studies are showing that forgiveness is not only good theology, but good medicine as well. According to the latest medical and psychological research, forgiving is good for our souls -- and our bodies. People who forgive:
Benefit from better immune functioning and lower blood pressure.
Have better mental health than people who do not forgive.
Feel better physically.
Have lower amounts of anger and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Maintain more satisfying and long-lasting relationships.
Michael McCullough, director of research for the National Institute for Healthcare Research and co-author of To Forgive is Human: How to Put Your Past in the Past says,"When we allow ourselves to feel like victims or sit around dreaming up how to retaliate against people who have hurt us, these thought patterns have a toll on our minds and bodies."
There are people in this world who stand in need of forgiveness by someone. And there are people who need to forgive someone.
In the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus had some specific words about forgiving others. Two of those passages are as follows:
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive you (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV).
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins (Mark 11:25 RSV)
What is the impact on the forgiven?
There are many people in this world who stand in need of forgiveness by someone. They know they have done wrong, but without reconciliation with the one wronged, their lives are miserable.
Karl Menninger, the famed psychiatrist, once said that if he could convince the patients in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them could walk out the next day! --Today in the Word, March 1989, p.8.
Sometimes the person in need of forgiveness repents and pleads with the other person to forgive, but to no avail. Or perhaps neither person has taken the initiative, and life is miserable because of the situation. This un-forgiven act eats away at the heart and soul of that individual.
Have you sinned against someone? Go immediately to that person, repent and ask forgiveness. If you are a Christian, remember that this is what your Lord instructed you to do. If you go in the right spirit, forgiveness will be granted. Your age or the amount of education you have or your financial situation does not matter.
Whatever your situation, you stand on the basis of God's grace and mercy and your need for forgiveness.
What is the Impact on the Forgiver?
What about those who have sinned against you? Forgive them when they say they repent, whether or not you feel they repented. You are under the order of the Lord of the church to forgive others. Let God deal with the person if he or she is not repenting. In fact, if that person has not come to you, it will be helpful to both of you if you take the initiative and go to the other person to make things right between you.
Don't be rigid and require the apology to be expressed in a particular way. Any expression of sorrow or regret should be sufficient. In fact, if you approach the other person expressing your sorrow for offending him or her, it will break the ice for the other individual. And it may be that unknowingly you have offended the other one. This will get the process going.
If you do not offer forgiveness, bitterness will affect your health and welfare, as well as your spiritual life. When your heart is broken, your whole body suffers. When you forgive, you will experience the truth of this wonderful promise spoken by the prophet Isaiah as recorded in Isaiah 58:8 of the Old Testament in the Bible: Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Let me assure you, if you forgive from your heart, that will be your experience. And, if you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, when you repent of your sins, trust your life into the hands of Jesus Christ, God's Son, and receive the Lord's forgiveness, this will be your experience.
Jesus said that we must forgive before we pray. If we will not forgive, our prayers will not be heard. Understand that God refuses to answer us on the basis of mercy when we refuse to deal with others on the basis of mercy. But when we forgive, God's promise in Isaiah 58:9 will be true for us: Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. Isn't that great? God will answer your prayer.
The Impact of Christ's Forgiveness
Of all the world's religions, only Christianity offers complete forgiveness. Only the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, reveals to us an infinite, personal God who has a plan by which he completely forgives the sins of everyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ, His Son. And this God not only forgives sins, but He forgives them forever.
How can we put this teaching of forgiveness into practice? First we must experience it ourselves. If you have never received God's forgiveness, I agree with Paul the apostle when he said, Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) This is the appeal of the gospel: Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for all who will trust in him. He will instantly pardon one's infinite debt. Sin is a violation of the law of this great King, and it must be punished. Either Jesus Christ will deal with it, or we must bear it ourselves. But our Lord Jesus Christ forgives sin if we repent.
Jesus invites the non-believer to believe, repent and receive his mercy freely.
There is no better time than now to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
or go to the "Contact Us" page and send me a message. I will be happy to assist you in your decision.
If this article, or others have been of help to you, I will appreciate your feedback.
Thanks for the visit. Go to church Sunday.
-- Don
A man by the name of Jim Schibsted related the following incident. "While Penny and I were walking in the park the other day, a ten-year-old boy came racing around a tree, almost running into us and said, 'Dad, where's Amy?' Instantly he realized his mistake and said, 'Sir, I'm sorry. I thought you were my dad. I made a mistake.'
"I replied, 'That's OK, everybody makes mistakes!?
"As he began to walk away, I noticed he had a limp as well as the features of a child with Down's syndrome. After having walked about ten yards, as an afterthought, he turned around and started retracing his steps toward us.
"'My name is Billy,' he said. 'You both were very nice to me. Can I give you a hug?
"After giving each of us a tight hug he said, 'I just wanted you to know that you're my friends and I am going to be praying for you. I have to go now and find my sister, Amy. Good-bye, and God bless you!'
"Tears came to both Penny's and my eyes as we watched Billy, that child with Down's syndrome, limp to the playground to play with his little sister. After Billy went down the slide, his mother came over to him and gave him a big hug. It was obvious that he was a special child to her."
Sometimes God uses the Billys of the world to break down our walls of sophistication to show us what genuine kindness is all about. We must never underestimate the impact that a hug, smile, or encouraging word may have on a person's life.
In the United States, February 14th is Valentine's Day. It is a time that people exchange cards and notes expressing their love for one another. Churches often have valentine banquets. They are for husbands and wives or for sweethearts to enjoy a meal and a program together. There are usually banquets for the various age groups. The theme will relate to love. On the Sunday nearest Valentine's Day sermons about love will be preached. For youth these sermons will often include advice in choosing a mate. For the married, they will include guidance in cultivating love between the marriage partners and within the family. The principles of developing a life of caring will be applied to all, no matter what their age or marital status. Of course, God's love for us and our love for God are stressed. God's love is the basis for our love.
Sometimes we get so concerned about establishing our place in the world that we tend to forget about others. We can become self-centered and uncaring if we are not careful. But the Bible tells us that we are to love even our enemies. If someone mistreats you, but you continue to act toward that person in a caring way (even though deep down you want to harm him or her), you will find that your attitude begins to change. You will actually begin to care. You will also notice that the other person's actions and attitude begins to change. If you had followed your initial feelings, it could have been destructive to both of you. Your caring actions changed all of that and brought healing to both of you. That pleases God and makes your life happier.
God gave us an example in love that will help us understand what He wants of us. First, He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son in human form to show and teach us how to live, then to give his life as a sacrifice for our sins. His name is Jesus. He is also called Christ, meaning the "Anointed One." He was anointed by God the Father to provide eternal life to all who commit their lives to him and his teachings. Here are a few verses in the New Testament of the Bible that make this clear. "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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:16-18).
Second, God the Father raised God the Son to life from the grave, proving the truth of the Bible regarding Jesus Christ. The prophets of the Bible's Old Testament foretold the coming of Christ. The New Testament records his actions and teachings.
Third, God's Holy Spirit comes to indwell the life of each person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior. He helps us to understand the Scripture and convicts us of the right and wrong in our lives. He guides us, strengthens us and encourages us.
How can you have this eternal life and enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? First, you need to recognize that you are a sinner. All of us are. The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Then it says, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
Also, you must be sorry for your sins and decide to turn from your own sinful life to Christ and let him determine the way you are to live. Christ's sacrifice covers your sin and qualifies you to enter heaven when you die. You will still sin at times but your life will be in the process of changing to become more Christ-like. You will not lose your salvation, but in sorrow for your sins you will ask God to forgive you -- and He will. This is much like a child telling his or her parents, "I'm sorry, please forgive me." The caring parents would not kick the child out of the family, but it means a lot to them to hear the child ask forgiveness. God won't kick you out of His family either, but your coming to Him and asking for forgiveness is meaningful to Him.
There is no better time that right now to make that most important decision of your life. Just pray this prayer asking God to forgive and save you, and really mean it:
"Dear Father in heaven, I know I have sinned. I have no excuse for the evil in my life. I am sorry for my sins and turn from them to you. I accept your love as expressed in sending your Son Jesus Christ to give himself in love as the sacrifice for my sins. I now invite Jesus into my life. Please save me and give me eternal life. Thank you for loving me, as sinful as I am. Thank you for saving me. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen."
Please email me and let me know of your decision. You may do so on the Contact Us page or by clicking
. If you need additional help with your decision, let me know. I will also be happy to discuss baptism with you. Baptism does not save you. It is for those who have been saved. The dipping in water & raising up from the water pictures the death and resurrection of Jesus. It also pictures our eventual death and our resurrection to be with the Lord in heaven.
. Let's talk about it.
Thanks for the visit. Go to church Sunday.
-- Don
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