Russell Community Evangelical Free Church
14610 Russell Rd.
Russell, IL 60075
ph: (847) 395-4939
How can one know about such things? If we rely on our own thinking or the ideas of others, there is no certainty. But God has spoken to reveal what is true and of most importance, and He has acted in human history to provide what we need for eternity. We can trust what He has spoken through His chosen writers in the Bible.
Human history is not just a random phenomenon; God has a plan, and will bring it to fruition. Your life is not some meaningless random thing either. You were created intentionally by God,[i] with His desire that you trust Him and seek His will in your life.[ii]
Our lives are filled with anxiety over uncertainties and suffering, and there is a reason for this. We have no ability to control many of life’s situations, and internally we suffer more if we seek our own paths in life without seeking God’s will. The recognition that we are in rebellion to God’s will is a good first step, this recognition is actually worked in our hearts by God, to prompt us to seek Him (it is His kindness that leads us to repentance).[iii] Rather than run from Him and trying to cover up our feelings, we can and should go to Him, seeking Him more and more. We need forgiveness and transformation, and He works to show us that need that we might experience these as well as having assurance that we belong to Him.
God says if we confess our sins to Him, he will cleanse us of unrighteousness.[iv] This is wonderful, and is evidence of His care for us and desire to be in fellowship with Him. But we are told that there is a consequence for sin, the wages of sin is death.[v] This ultimately is eternal suffering.[vi] We all are sinners at heart, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”[vii]
So how do we get that wage paid? This is where Jesus comes in, why He came to earth. It wasn’t just to teach and heal, but to suffer and die to pay for our sin.[viii] This was done out of the love God has for us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”[ix] He rose from the dead showing His victory over our sin and death.[x]
Know for certain that God desires you to come to Him for forgiveness and eternal life, and that Jesus remains our Savior throughout our lives, the One whom we can go to for forgiveness.
You can take this moment to go to God and tell Him you want to be His child. Ask Him to forgive you through the sacrifice Christ made for you, and trust Him to do so. He will change your life into what it should be and you will be walking His path.[xi]
Your prayer could be like this: “Lord God, I see I need you, I see I have sinned against you, I see my weakness. Forgive my sins, through Christ who died for me and rose from the dead. I trust in Him as my Savior.”
Are you
thinking
about
life
&
eternal
issues?
Russell Community Evangelical Free Church
14610 Russell Rd.
Russell, IL 60075
ph: (847) 395-4939