Jesus Christ is without a doubt the most quoted, controversial, and influential figure in the history of the world. It is hard to find someone who does not have a strong opinion when the name Jesus is mentioned.
As a collection of people who call ourselves Christ-followers, we know the most exciting thing in our life is our relationship with Christ. It provides hope, strength, direction, and definition to life. That relationship has been made available through the incredible love, wisdom, and sacrifice of God or better described as The Gospel, “the good news”. Jesus came to bring LIFE. He WILLINGLY died for us to be able to have a relationship with God.
God Has a Purpose – God loves us very much and has a purpose for each of us. The Bible says it like this, “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). God’s purpose for us is that we have eternal life and enjoy Him forever. Eternal life is a GIFT (Romans 6:23).
Our Need – As we search for meaning in this life, we ultimately find out that there is something that keeps us from really finding satisfaction. That something is referred to as sin. Sin is what keeps us from finding God’s purpose in our lives. We mess up and sin by nature and by choice (Romans 3:23) and we cannot do anything to save ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God’s Provision – God is holy and just and will not tolerate sin. Yet He loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Our Response – The only way Jesus can change our lives is for us to receive Him and what He did for us. The Bible says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). We must stop and turn from our sin (Acts 3:19 and 26:20). And then we must trust in Jesus and give Him control (Romans 10:9-10).
My Commitment – Giving Jesus control is something each person must do individually. No one else can make this decision for you. Jesus says, “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 him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). If you are willing to receive Jesus into your life now, you can invite Him in by praying a simple prayer. You may want to use the following prayer to help you:
God, thanks for loving me enough to send Your one and only Son to die for me. I believe I am a sinner and that Jesus died and was raised to give me complete and eternal life. I want to turn from my way of life and follow Jesus fully and faithfully. I invite Jesus to come into my life and take over. Thank you God for giving me new life! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, we want to know so we can encourage you and see how we can walk with you on this new journey. Or, if you have more questions about Jesus, we would love to hear from you. Please email us: middle school students email CHRIS, high school students email DAVID, girls (of any age) email MELANIE.