Abundant Life

THERE ARE 3 FACTS ABOUT LIFE THAT APPLY TO EVERY MAN AND WOMAN WHO HAS EVER STEPPED FOOT ON PLANET EARTH: We are all sinners: No man is perfect (Romans 3:10), and we fall short of God’s law (Romans 3:23). This law is inscribed on our hearts (Romans 2:15), and is why we feel guilty when we do wrong (Romans 13:5). There must be a payment for sin: God is perfect, fair, and just. God cannot allow sin into His kingdom (Revelation 21:27), and the wage for our sin is death (Romans 6:23). If we die without God, we will be held accountable for our debt (Revelation 21:8). We can’t work our way to Heaven: Our righteousness is like filthy rags when compared to God’s glory (Isaiah 64:6). By God’s GRACE we are saved through FAITH; it’s a GIFT of God, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). “Sin is not harmful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is harmful.” – Benjamin Franklin THE GOOD NEWS (ALSO CALLED THE GOSPEL) God’s not looking to zap you, He’s looking to save you: He is not willing that any should perish, but that everyone would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus paid it all: God loves you so much, that He became man to pay for your sin (John 3:16). In fact, He lived a perfect life, died on the cross, spent three days in the grave, and rose the third day—all to pay for your debt of sin (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29). God wants to be your Heavenly father and best friend—but the choice is yours: Salvation isn’t just about escaping the flames of Hell, or securing a “lot” on Heaven’s streets. It’s a choice to plug into God’s family, to take up your cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). Jesus is your gateway to God (John 14:6), and because of Him we can live an abundant life full of peace with a confidence that He will guide us through this sin-cursed world (John 10:10). The symbols above represent that Jesus came from Heaven to earth to die on cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, rose the 3rd day, and will come again. But how exactly DO I become saved? In one word, you must “believe.” You can’t just know the gospel with your head knowledge; you must put your trust in God, through faith. The best part is… there’s no guesswork; you can know for sure that when you die, you will be with your Heavenly Father. Accept that you’re a sinner, repent (turn from) your sin, trust that Jesus paid it all, and follow God. Ok, so now what? If you are a believer, it will show. Plug into God’s plan. Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. Join us on Sunday, and experience abundant life for yourself.