Who is this God anyways?

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 5:8 NLT

There is a part of each of us missing from birth. A void with a very specific shape which only one thing can possibly fit, God. That may not make sense until you think back on the intense moments in life. Those moments when you longed for something seemingly out of reach or when you got exactly what you thought you wanted, yet still felt dissatisfied. There are also the times when you feel most vulnerable and alone and wish there was someone who understood the pain. Well, it is in these moments when God is reaching out you. He is waiting for you to invite Him in.

The story is as old as time, but for now you just need to understand that the hole you’ve been trying to fill with things like relationships, food, drugs, work, alcohol, or any other number of things, will never fit because it is a God-shaped hole that will leave you feeling empty until you fill it with His love. It may be that you already know about God. You may even attend church or know Bible scripture. But, have you put your trust in Him? Scripture says, “you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror” (James 2:19). Belief in God alone is not what saves a person. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

Jesus Christ is the answer. The New Life Study is a simple, easy to follow Bible study that explains how the world became corrupt through one man’s sin. Jesus paid the price for that mistake by sacrificing Himself and set mankind free from bondage to that sin when God raised Him from the grave. We do not need to clean ourselves up, dust ourselves off, or change in any way. He loves us just the way we are right now. Scripture says, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). All He requires is that we trust and believe by calling on the name of Jesus for salvation.

What is Salvation? Think of a war. The kingdom of light against the kingdom of darkness and you just learned you are on the wrong side. You also learn that the war ended when Jesus rose from the dead thousands of years ago. He already set you free, but the enemy convinces his slaves to keep fighting. All you need do is surrender to Jesus. When you realize what you are being saved from… shame, death, loneliness, etc… It’s a no brainer. We were slaves to the enemy, but Jesus calls us sons and daughters. He wants to lift you up from the darkness and give you the purpose and great destiny planned for you from the time He formed you in your mother’s womb. He will guide you, teach you, and lead you to make better choices. He will show you how much He loves you so you will want to love Him, yourself, and others in return. 

There is only one thing needed to step into your destiny right now… believe and confess Jesus is Lord and Savior. A simple prayer like the following one can help. Just say it aloud (or use your own words as you are led).

God, 

I surrender. I know you loved me enough to sacrifice your son on the cross and that you raised Him back to life to conquer sin and death. I don’t have to live another day thinking I am alone or feel ashamed. For everyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved. Lead me Lord in your ways.

In Jesus name, Amen.