FEBRUARY 2012 
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God Loves You - He wants us to experience peace with him and eternal life.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," – Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." – John 3:16
"but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 6:23b
Even though God wants us to experience peace with him and have eternal life, many people do not. Why do you think that is?
The Problem - We were created, by God, with freedom of choice. Each of us has chosen to disobey God. And this is called sin. Sin separates us from God.
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" – Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 6:23
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." – Isaiah 59:2
Our Efforts - People try to bridge the gap between themselves and God in many different ways. They try good works, religion, philosophy, morality, etc. But none of these can make us right with God. We cannot do enough to earn eternal life.
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." – Proverbs 14:12
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." – Ephesians 2:8-9
The Solution - God provided the only way for our sins to be forgiven and for us to have peace with Him and receive eternal life and that is through the death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus was crucified and rose from the grave to pay the penalty for our sin. He bridged the gap.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." – Romans 5:8
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" – 1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." – 1 Peter 3:18
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." – John 5:24
Our Response - To have peace with God and receive eternal life we must enter a personal relationship with Jesus. We do so by believing his message of hope and trusting in him alone to save us from our sins.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me". – John 14:1
"All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” – Acts 10:43
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" – John 1:12
How to Start a Personal Relationship
How to Pray
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner, and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
God’s Assurance - If you prayed this prayer, the Bible says:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." – Ephesians 2:8-9
"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." – 1 John 5:12-13
What Now?
Tell someone who will be excited about your decision. A close friend, a family member, or a co-worker. We would also love to hear about it. Email us at pastor@firstargyle.org.
The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. So it is very important that you begin to attend a church in order to receive support and encouragement in your new life in Christ. We would love to have you join us this next Sunday.
In the meantime begin to read your Bible. The book of John is a great place to begin. Pray every day. Prayer is talking with God about what is on your mind and heart.
Congratulations and welcome to the family of God!
