- copyright Max D. Barnett

A noted physician recently said, "Medical science is giving us longer life, but no reason to live."

Science cannot deal with the purpose of life.

The meaningless, frustrated, unhappy lives of many people indicate that

Is this all there is to life? Something seems wrong. What is it?

"God created man in his own image." Genesis 1:27

Man was created with:

1. 1) the capacity for fellowship with God
2. 2) a will (an ability to choose)

God wants our fellowship but He doesn't force us to love Him. The choice is ours.

Let's look at the beginning of man's history in the Garden of Eden

God said to man, "of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat...for in the day you eat thereof you shall surely die." Genesis 2:17

Satan said, "You shall not surely die...you shall be as gods." Genesis 3:3-6

Man did eat; "Therefore God sent him forth." Genesis 3:23

Man was thus separated from God.

Separation from God is spiritual death

According to the Bible, SIN is:

1) missing the mark--a failure to be what God created you to be.
2) a deliberate choosing to do what is wrong--rebellion against God.
3) a condition in which you are separated from God.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23

"The wages of sin is death....." (death is separation) Romans 6:23

Nothing man can do of himself--good works, being baptized, joining a church, moral living--none of these can bring him into a right relationship with God. (See Eph. 2:8-9)

Man is separated from God and unless something happens, he will be eternally separated. "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" Hebrews 9:27

What is God's answer for man's helpless condition?

God continued to love us and sent His Son Jesus Christ to die and pay the penalty for our sin.

"Jesus said unto him, I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Jesus Christ is the only bridge by which man can come to God.

"But God proved his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit." I Peter 3:18

Although Christ died for all men, why aren't all men Christians?

Because every man must make a personal response-by Faith

By Faith

YOU CAN RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST. YOU CAN INVITE HIM INTO YOUR LIFE.

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, he gave the right to become the sons of God." John 1:12

Once Christ comes into your life He want to be your Lord and master and give meaning and real purpose to your life. He can do this only as you allow him to.

"And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them, and was raised again." II Corinthians 5:15

"For this very reason, Christ died, and returned to life so that he might be Lord." Romans 14:9

Let's Summarize...

1. God created man and desired his fellowship.
2. Man disobeyed God and fellowship was broken.
3. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for man's sin and became the only bridge by which man could come into fellowship with God.
4. You must appropriate what Christ did on the cross for you by receiving Him personally. You can do this by:
   • recognizing your need for Him.
   • being willing to turn from you sin--Christ can give you the power once He comes into your life.
   • believing Jesus Christ died for you.
   • inviting Him into your life.

"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

Dear Lord, I know I have done wrong. I am willing to turn from my sins. I believe Jesus Christ died for me. Please come into my life and forgive me of my sins. I receive you into my life as my saviour and Lord as best I know how right now. Amen.

You can pray this prayer. Remember that becoming a real Christian is not just saying words but receiving a person--Christ.

DID YOU ASK CHRIST TO FORGIVE YOU OF YOUR SINS AND COME INTO YOUR LIFE? DID YOU MEAN IT? WHAT HAPPENED?

"And this is the record that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who 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." I John 5:11-13

Jesus said, "and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." John 6:37

Believe God and His word, not your feelings.

the Son of God, and that He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again that I might have forgiveness of my sins and experience His indwelling presence in my life, I have this day received Him. I do confess Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Saviour.

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Aids to growth in the Christian Life

1. FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST--I Corinthians 1:9
   • Bible--Read the word of God daily --I Peter 2:2
   • Pray--Talk to God daily--Philippians 4:6,7
2. FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS --Hebrews 10:25
   • Church--Join a church where Christ is preached. Attend regularly.
   • Other Christians--as you have opportunity.
3. PERFORM A MINISTRY IN THE WORLD--Matthew 28:19,20
   • Witness--Tell others of Christ - Mark 5:19
   • Help other Christians grow--Ephesians 4:29
   • Serve God wherever you are--I Corinthians 10:31