Why Was I Created?
To glorify God "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
To know God "I have made you known to them, and they will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (John 17:26)
To enjoy life in Him forever "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Jesus said "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)
Why Was I Created? - Part 2
The Problem Because we have sinned (disobeyed God's commands), we have severed our relationship with God and have fallen short of His intended purpose for our lives. This separation will lead to eternal death unless we are reconciled to God.
"..for all have sinned and fallen 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)
The Question How can we be reconciled to God? How can we bridge the canyon and make things right with our Creator?
Why Was I Created? - Part 3
Many have tried various ways to get across the canyon without success. Yet, because God loves us He gave His Son to pay the debt we owe.
Jesus said,
"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 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
(Romans 5:8)
Why Was I Created? - Part 4
You have a decision to make.
Which side of the canyon are you on? Are you still on man's side trying to get across by your own efforts?
Or, have you made the decision to use the bridge created by the cross of Christ?
If you haven't crossed over, what should you do?
Why Was I Created? - Part 5
Steps
1) First, believe.
Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God who died for your sins and offers salvation as a free gift for all who put their trust in Him.
Jesus said, "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)
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
2) Repent of your sins.
To repent means to change your mind. Decide today that you no longer want to live life doing your own thing, but that you want to follow God's path instead.
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing might come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19)
3) Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
"That if you confess 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)
4) Be baptized into Christ.
To be baptized means to be immersed with water. It is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding us that when we are saved we die to our selves and are raised to live a new life in Christ.
"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
"...don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:3-4)
"In Him you were also... buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sin and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sin, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross." (Colossians 2:11-14)
Why Was I Created? - Part 6
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
(1 John 1:9)
Once you place your trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and cross over the canyon to be reconciled with God, you have been born again into God’s family. As a newborn baby there are some things you can do to grow to spiritual maturity. Obedience is very convincing evidence of your sincerity in wanting a joyous walk and relationship with God.
Start reading the Bible every day. This is a sure way to grow closer to God and one of the best ways He communicates with us. If you don't have a Bible, call 623-551-3175 or 623-251-7439, and we will gladly give you one.
Exercise your faith by prayer and acts of kindness. We have access to our Heavenly Father through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Talk to Him as you would your best friend. That is what He wants to be. If you talk to Him on a regular basis you will get to know Him well. But don't just talk to God. Walk with Him by learning to serve those around you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Join with others who love Christ and are believers in Him in a local church where you can worship, grow in faith, and serve God by using your unique gifts.
When you find a church that faithfully believes and teaches the Bible is God's Word to us today, join with them and request to be baptized into Christ as Scripture instructs us to do. The Bible, God's Word, says in 1 Peter 3:21 that baptism is the pledge of a good conscience toward God.
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