Do We Really Need Jesus ? More than most of us realize........

Here is the truth:

Because God loved us so much He sent His only Son, Jesus, to forgive us of our sins. "Sins" is such a religious sounding word. It literally means, "missing the mark," like on a dartboard. I think it is safe to say that we have all "missed the mark" at some point in our lives. Jesus came to make our aim, and lives, straight so that we no longer need to miss out on what God has planned for us.

The way He did that was by dying on the cross for us. When He did that, He took the punishment that we deserved for messing up our lives. When we accept this gift of love from Him then we no longer need to fear the punishment and we are clean in the Lord's eyes. We are then free to become all that God created us to be. It's as simple as that.

I'd like to take you through a few of the commandments and ask yourself honestly if you've ever broke them.

• Is God first in your life?

• Do you love Him with all your 'heart, mind, soul and strength?'

• Have you ever used His name in vain (substituting it for a curse word)?

• Have you lied (including fibs), stolen (the value is irrelevant)?

• Have you always honored your parents?

• Have you hated anyone? God considers that murder in your heart.

• Have you had sex outside of marriage? Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery already with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).

Have you ever done any of those things?

As I went through every Commandment, I saw that I'd broken most of them. Then I learned that God was going to judge me by this standard. So, while I thought I was a good person compared to other people, I saw that I was a horribly bad person by God's standard. I was left guilty. I knew that I would have to face God on Judgment Day. Alone. You will too.

That's a scary thought. Imagine being found guilty of being a lying, thieving, blasphemous adulterer at heart.

Because God is just, He will have to punish us for breaking His law. God gave us all a conscience. Please listen to it. He doesn't want us to go to Hell but that's were we'll go if we die without His forgiveness. Justice must be served.

But I have good news for you! He became a man (in Jesus Christ) and suffered and died on the cross, taking our punishment upon Himself. We broke the law, and Jesus paid our fine: 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life,' (John 3:16) Then Jesus rose from the grave and defeated death. That means you can be given everlasting life.

We must do what the Bible says. Repent (turn from sin), and trust Jesus Christ for eternal salvation - as you would trust a parachute to save you.

God has changed me in ways that words can't describe. He has transformed the way I think and live my life. Things that were once important to me are no longer important. I can't help but share the Good News with everyone!

I know that without Christ, the eternal consequences are devastating. I urge you to surrender your whole life to Jesus, turn from your sin and trust in Him with all your heart.

If you're ready, pray something like this:

"Dear Jesus,
Thank you for coming to earth to die on the cross and forgiving me of my sins. I believe that you are the Son of God and that by accepting your sacrifice as a covering for my sins that I am made pure in your sight. Thank you for loving me so much. I want you to be the Lord of my life. I know you have a purpose for my life and I want to learn how to obey you so that I can follow that plan and become all that you want me to be. Please teach me about yourself, keep me from going down wrong paths and help me to be strong as I learn to walk with you. I love you, Jesus. Amen"

In your own words talk to God.

If you have done this,

Welcome to the family! I want to encourage you to find a church and begin attending regularly. None of us can make it on our own; we need the support of other believers around us. And, tell someone about your new commitment to Christ. The Bible says that if we are not ashamed to call Jesus our friend here on earth, then He will not be ashamed to call us His friend in heaven.

Can you find a Bible somewhere in your house? When I was a new believer I especially enjoyed reading from an easier translation like, The Living Bible. Reading God's word is how we learn about God. I find reading a chapter every night before I go to bed, or every morning before everyone wakes up, a good way to stay connected.

And pray. The best way to begin praying is to imagine Jesus sitting across from you and then just start up a conversation. Tell him what is on your mind and heart. Ask him for the things you need. Confess the things you thought and did that were wrong and ask him to forgive you. And tell him that you love him.

I am so happy for you, my new sister or brother. I would love to be the first person with whom you share this happy news. The form below is provided for you to do just that. Please don't feel obligated, but if you don't tell me, tell someone. This is too good to keep to yourself! I'm looking forward to spending eternity with you.