The Most Important Thing - The Gospel
Many say the most important thing in life is family – your spouse, children, keen, and close friends. Family is certainly important, but I do not believe it is more significant than the issue of life and death.
The Bible answers the question of eternity with what the Apostle Paul called the “Gospel.”
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… Romans 1:16
So here’s the deal: What is the gospel? Let me put it in 21st century language and in 10 short points.
1. God created and he entrusted the human race with power.
2. Sin is the misuse or abuse of power – that’s what we have done and we are all guilty, resulting in the curse of physical and eternal death – separation from God in a conscious existence called “The Lake of Fire.”
3. But God loved us so much he taught our ancestors that the shedding of innocent blood was the only way to cover our sins until the one perfect “Lamb of God” would come and voluntarily give up his life for us.
4. So God-fearers would sacrifice innocent animals – this is gross and is meant to be. It is a picture of how our ugly sin can be.
5. God became a man, lived among us, used his power for good, and then offered himself as the “once-and-for-all” payment for sin on the cross. He died and then rose again, lived on the earth for another forty days and then ascended to Heaven to prepare a place for all of his blood-bought children.
6. He left us only two choices: “I can roll the dice and pay for my own sin” or “I can trust in Jesus – the Lamb of God – to pay the price for my sin.”
7. To trust in Jesus is to confess that you need forgiveness and that you accept it from the only one that can provide it – Jesus Christ.
8. When a person calls upon God in this way, God promises to live in their being and continue his work in them. As true followers, he seals us and sets us apart for him.
9. Jesus is coming back. He will be welcomed by millions and rejected by millions, but this time he will reign and set up his eternal kingdom. The dead will rise and we will all stand before him as our judge.
10. No one can make you believe this. God does not want you to get “cleaned up” and then come to him. That’s the invention of man and he’s not into that. He wants you the way you are right now. The only thing he asks of you is to humble yourself and let him become your King and Savior.
If you believe the power of the gospel, say this to God right now:
“Dear God, I believe you exist and that you created all things. I believe I have misused the power you have given to me and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and I ask you Jesus to take control of my life and help me to know you better.
I believe you have heard this prayer and that I am now forgiven. I believe I belong to you. I now give you my life. You are the central reason and purpose in my life from this day forward.”
If you prayed this prayer, I encourage you to contact me. I will help guide you from here.
