THE CALL TO LIFE

 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one Man, Jesus Christ. 

Romans 5:17 (NLT)

IN THE BEGINNING...     

     God created a physically perfect world. He made man and woman in His image and likeness to enjoy a continual relationship Him and were given authority over everything on the Earth. Because our first parents sinned, it separated them spiritually from God’s presence bringing the curse and bondage of sin and physical death to every generation. 

     We have inherited a curse that prevents us from knowing God and living by His standard of righteousness. The rebellion began with Adam and Eve and persists in all of us today. We sense there is more to life, yet many of us search only to live in uncertainty, frustration, and emptiness, never feeling satisfied.

     Our separation leads us to act independently without considering spiritual beliefs. God embodies holiness and possesses a spiritually and morally perfect nature. The laws of God are intended not to oppress us but to protect and enhance our lives, enabling us to live in the freedom for which we were created. 

     The good news is that God has made it possible for you to know Him. Despite our flawed nature, God invites you to come and discover your true identity and purpose. Jesus Christ came into the world and paid the penalty for our sins. Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, the curse of sin and death are broken. His sacrifice allows us to wipe the slate clean and walk in the newness new life. 

     Your story is a door that has always been open, waiting to be rewritten. Written in the way that God intended for you from the very beginning: 

IN FREEDOM.

--For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 

Romans 1:20 (NLT)

Jesus Christ said, 

"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"

John 14:6 (NLT)

     It’s simple really. You meet Him at the door of your heart--your mind and will. The answer of YES or NO to His invitation to LIFE will set the course of yours. That’s it. There are no other options because nothing else works. 

     We don’t like hearing this and avoid it as truth.  We are uncertain of, have doubts, or are reluctant to confront the consequences that this change brings. We tend to like our sin and independence from God, but not the problems it creates or the direction it takes us. 

 
     Instead, we continue seeking fewer challenging answers or other alternatives to our problems. Unfortunately, some of them are negative, temporary, or lure you into an addiction that you can’t escape from. Sooner or later, at some point, we wind up coming back to square one and start looking again for another solution. Many just give up completely, do the best they can and live defeated lives. 

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)

     Decisions are based on what we know, believe, or think we should do. The outcome of our choices determines whether they were correct.

     Look at the world around you and see how well it’s working out. We will never get it right. The delusion is in our understanding of our world and in our thinking that is the problem. 

The Bible calls this WALKING IN DARKNESS.

"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the day of rebellion." 

Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)

       A decision has to be made. You're not the only one to ever feel some level of resistance when facing the call to repentance. You either take the step of faith and enter in OR turn away and continue living as you are. Every one of us must come to this moment of truth about ourselves and give Him our answer. 

      Webster's Dictionary defines the word 'REPENT' as "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life.” 

     Jesus Christ calls you personally to come out of your darkness and into His Light. He is the Light and Life for all of us. In Christ you have forgiveness of every sin.  A new beginning built on a solid foundation.  Living with purpose and owning the promise and assurance of eternal life.

You can never earn it, and you definitely don't deserve it. None of us do. 

The Bible calls this GRACE.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

     Your journey starts with an honest desire and the willingness to change. God sees you.  He knows everything about you and what's in your heart and mind.  He sees you. In spite of the garbage and the shameful things we carry and bury within.

Just a simple prayer like this: 

      LORD, I admit that I've sinned against You. I ask you to forgive me. I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead to give me Life. Come into my life and discover the purpose you have for me.  AMEN.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

John 5:24 (NIV)

"If you confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. For it is by your heart that you believe and are justified and with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." As the Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame." 

Romans 10:9-11 (NKJV)

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 1:13 (NIV)