“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)
“Why would I want to be a Christian? It’s just a bunch of rules that people made up to control others.”
I have heard this or similar statements many times from friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I blame them because throughout the ages, Christians have fought with each other about what it means to be a follower of Christ. Just look at the number of different denominations, sects, and groups calling themselves Christians—each one believing that they are right and that everyone else is deluded (or damned).
That’s our sad heritage. But as believers, we are not bound or limited by our past. Revival brings a redefinition of our identity and we are free to go back to the foundation of our faith—the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
So what does Jesus say about eternal life?
1. God loved us so much
2. He gave His one and only Son
3. If we believe in Him we will not perish, but have eternal life
This is the gospel--so simple, and yet so utterly profound. We can’t earn it and we don’t deserve it. Our lives are completely based in God’s grace and love. It’s all about Him and what he has done. We don’t need to complicate God’s plan with our definitions, interpretations, and rules.
Our identity is defined by what God has done. Our job is to spread the simple message that God loves us, He gave His Son to die in our place, and all who believe will have eternal life. This is what it means to be a Christian.
What a powerful message we have, what a great God we worship!
K.K
Think about it: Have I been living a Gospel life?
Thank you Kay for this -- it will help keep me focused today on what's really important.
ReplyDeleteThank You Kay for these very inspiring thoughts. It was very nice to start the day with a message like this = )
ReplyDelete