Are You Looking For a New Life?

"Go, and tell the people the full message of this New Life." (Acts 5: 20)

Where is New Life found?

In a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He said "I am the way the truth and the life..." (John 14:6). And he prayed, "now this is eternal life: that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3).

Who is Jesus?

He is true man. He is also true God. The prophet Isaiah, looking forward to His birth 100 years before it happened said: "to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and he will be called Mighty God" (Isaiah 9: 6).

He is the one who brings us to God. "There is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men" (1 Tim. 2: 5 _ 6).

What did He do for us?

He did everything necessary to restore relationships. He lived the perfect life! The apostle Peter declared, "he committed no sin, and no deceit was founded his mouth" (1 Peter 2: 22).

After living a perfect life, what did Jesus do?

He died as a substitute for his people on the cross. "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness" (1 Peter 2: 24). "He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2: 13, 14).

Then what happened?

The grave could not hold him. He came out alive! "He showed himself to these men (the apostles) and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days" (Acts 1: 3).

How does this apply to me? How should I understand my need for a savior?

The Bible says that we are separated from a wholly God by three big barriers: a bad record, a bad heart, and a bad master. Spend some time and think honestly about these three things.

1. A bad record. "All have sinned..." (Romans 3:23) Would you want all of your thoughts, words, and actions displayed for the world to see? Or do you acknowledge that you are like everyone else -- in the company of sinners?
2. A bad heart. "From the heart of man come evil thoughts..." (Mark 7:21) Can you acknowledge that there are selfish, unclean, unkind, lustful or mean things that rise in your heart and soul?
3. A bad master. "Whoever commits sin is a slave..." (John 8:34) Do you see patterns in your life which mere willpower does not seem able to change?

 
What is God’s solution?

Jesus Christ provides the solution: a perfect record, a new heart, and a good master.

1. A perfect record. "Christ... is made our righteousness." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
2. A new heart. "A new heart I will give you." (Ezekiel 36:25_26)
3. A good master. "My yoke is easy." (Matthew 11:28_30)

How is God's solution made mine?

Living trust -- relying on Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord.

The apostle John said, "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). Jesus said: "no one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14 : 6).

What happens when I trust?

You receive a new and eternal life. God enters into a new intimate personal relationship with you. He provides Christ's perfect record to your account. He gives you a new heart. He becomes your Lord and Good Master.

Can I come to God through Jesus Christ right now?

If you want to turn to him and receive a New Life then sincerely pray the following:

"Lord, in many ways, in my thoughts, in my words, and in my actions, I have sinned. I am sorry for my sins. You are my creator, but I have acted as though I was Lord of my life. With your help I want to turn from my sin. I see that it is against you. I turn from this old life and trust that Jesus shed his precious blood to cleanse me from all my guilt. I believe that He is the way to a restored relationship with you and I now receive Him as my Savior and the Lord of my life. Take control of my life. Help me find my place to serve you in your family. As you have blessed me, make me a blessing to others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen."

Whom should I tell that I just prayed to trust Christ?

Please feel free to contact John Yenchko  jvyenchko@excite.com or any member of our church staff through our e-mail. We would be delighted to follow up with you, get to know you personally, and help you grow to enjoy all the blessings of your New Life.