God’s Purpose:  God loves us and has a purpose for our lives. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16  God’s purpose is that we have eternal life:  * We receive eternal life as a free gift (Romans 3:23).   * We can have a full and meaningful life right now (John 10:10).  * We will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven (John 14:3).

Our Need:  As we search for meaning in life, we discover our sinful nature keeps us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.  We are all sinners by nature and by choice.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.   We cannot save ourselves (Ephesians 2:9).   We deserve death and hell (Romans 6:23).

God’s Provision:  God is holy and just and must punish sin.  Yet He loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth. and the life:  no man cometh to the Father but by me.“ John 14:6.  Jesus is God and became man (John 1:1,14).   Jesus died for us on the cross (1 Peter 3:18).

THE OFFER STILL STANDS:  Jesus was resurrected from the dead. “Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:25).

Our Response:  The only way Jesus can affect our lives is for us to receive Him.  “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” John 1:12.  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” Acts 3:19.  Repentance is turning away from our sin and turning to God.  We must place our faith in Jesus.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”  Ephesians 2:8.  We must surrender to Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).  Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is giving Jesus complete control of our lives and not just saying it (Matthew 7:21).  Believing in Jesus, we can know that we have eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).

Prayer of Commitment:  “Dear Lord Jesus…I believe You are the Son of God…and died to forgive me of my sins… I know that I have sinned… I ask you to forgive me…I turn from my sins and I receive You as my Lord and Savior…Thank You for saving me and help me to live the rest of my life for You.  AMEN”

For more help call Pastor Don Mast at (814) 312-3101 or go to Gospel Helps at www.thegoodnews.org