Say Yes! To Jesus!
Say Yes! To Jesus begins the life long journey Christ has waiting for you. It is a journey marked with blessings and encouragement for our daily lives. Below will walk you through what the Gospel is about and what Christ has done for you.
The Search Many people are looking for happiness and fulfillment in life. In their pursuit some look for it by 1) acquiring possessions, 2) experiencing pleasure, and 3) gaining prestige. What we discover is that real joy is found in knowing our purpose in life.
God’s Purpose: Peace and Life We discover from God’s Word that we can have God’s presence in our life that produces peace and purpose. 1. We were created to be loved by God. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3 2. We are to enjoy a personal relationship with God and experience a meaningful life. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 3. We are called to join God in His redemptive mission. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose, it produces tremendous benefits: a clear conscience (Romans 8:1), confidence (Romans 8:31), purpose (Romans 8:28), fulfillment (Philippians 4:19), strength (Philippians 4:13), help with weakness (Romans 8:26), life and peace (Romans 8:6), freedom (John 8:32-36). The Problem: Our Separation People have a natural desire to be boss and ignore God’s principles for living. In seeking fulfillment we look to things outside of our relationship with God. The Bible calls this sin. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one-to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
When our relationship with God is not right, it causes PROBLEMS in every area of our lives – marriage, career, relationships, finances, etc. Our Attempts to Reach God When we discover our sin has separated us from God and His purposes for our lives we attempt to get across in our own way. We seek to reach God and overcome our sin through…Religious Activities, Moral Living, Philosophical Thought, Good Works
What we discover is that our own efforts will not get us to God. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 16:25 God’s Bridge to the Cross: Christ The only way to God is through the person of Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for our sins and has provided a way for our forgiveness and reconciliation to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 …but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Our Response: Receive Christ The gift of forgiveness is available for us. We must take the steps toward Christ to receive what He has offered. We make three steps in His direction. 1) Admit that we are sinners and need a Savior for we realize we can not come to God in our own. 2) Believe that Jesus Christ has paid the price. We believe he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, rose again the third day and lives today. 3) Commit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We choose to submit our life and purposes to His direction and lead. …because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Follow Up It is our prayer that you will receive the life God has prepared for you and the forgiveness Christ has made available to you. If you would like more information regarding following Christ please contact us at 660-826-3887, email us at pastor@esbchurch.com.
Here’s Hope To discover more about saying yes to Jesus CLICK HERE to view the Here’s Hope Video: Heaven