Plant

In the Bible, we are presented with the following facts:

Our predicament:

All of us have sinned. Romans 3:23 The result (wages) of sin is death (separation from God). Romans 6:23
Our nature without God is to sin - that is, to do other than His will. God, the Father and fountain of love, loves us and He created us to have a close and loving relationship with Him.

God is holy. Sin cannot be in the presence of holiness.

Throughout the centuries men have tried to reach God and to achieve His favor through religion, tradition and/or good works. Holy God says ALL our righteousness (our efforts, no matter how noble) are as filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9


	We have this strange longing inside, a deep yearning for something we cannot put into words. Some call it a God-shaped vacuum. Without knowing what it is we are longing for, we find ourselves drawn into all kinds of situations, whether it be other people with whom we can identify, or some other thing that allows us to feel acceptance and love.		These may not necessarily be bad, but if our love need is great enough it can override any wisdom or discernment that we otherwise might exercise, and we can end up in circumstances that are not good for us. Some try to fill the void with alcohol or drugs. Sometimes we might even try "religion" that is not based on the Word of God, an outward exercise without an inner transformation. If these things bring any relief, it is shallow and temporary. When the newness has gone, we are left longing, yearning, and hurting to an even greater degree. Eventually, some of us come to the place where we are so filled up with pain that we must have relief and then, at last, we begin to search in earnest for that place of inner peace.

	God's Provision/ The ONLY Solution		God's love for us and His desire for a relationship and fellowship with us is so great that, "God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 When by faith we believe that He paid in full our sin debt, we can come via the cross of Jesus Christ, the ONLY bridge to a Holy God and finally find that great void filled with God's love, acceptance, forgiveness and peace. The vast chasm between us and God has been filled by God Himself, with the cross of His Son, Jesus Christ." For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 "...The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord." Romans 6:23 Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. We owed a debt we could not pay; He paid the debt He did not owe...for you and for me. While Jesus hung on the cross He uttered a word, that in English means, "paid in full." On the third day after He was crucified, Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God the Father. That act of power also enables us to live in "newness of life." Romans 6:4

	Our Response		So, we see not only that our sin debt has been paid for us and the tremendous cost that it was for Him, but He redeemed us from our slavery to sin (Romans 6:20), and then He offered us the free gift of eternal life. This transaction is not just automatically credited to our account. God gave us a choice. He does not force us to accept it, rather it is a gift that must be received by faith. "...The word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard." Hebrews 4:2 "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God." John 1:12 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24. Believing means trust and commitment. It means surrender -- acknowledging our sinfulness, trusting Christ's forgiveness and letting Him control our life. Eternal, abundant life is a gift for us to receive. Is there any reason why you shouldn't cross over to God's side and be certain of eternal life? 1 John 5:13

	How to Receive Christ:		--Admit your need (I am a sinner). --Be willing to turn from your sins (repent). --Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. --Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. Receive Him as Lord and Savior of your life.

	This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ, you need to grow and deepen your relationship with Him by the following...		--Be baptized (as Christ commanded us), in a church where Christ is preached according to the Bible. --Ask God to fill you with His Spirit. --Worship, fellowship and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached. --Maintain regular intake of the Bible to know Christ better and talk to God in prayer every day. --Tell others about your new faith in Christ. --As Christ's representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others.