TODAY’S WORD FOR MONDAY MAY 16, 2016.
RELATIONSHIPS:
GOD
GOD
Kinship; the connection between man and God.
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him: Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again; he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:1-3.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.
John 3:16.
This week, the next five days we are going to talk about relationships. We are living in an evil world where it is so easy to be drawn into unhealthy and ungodly relationships. The most important relationship we need to have today is a relationship with God.
People often confuse religion with having a "RELATIONSHIP" with God. We cannot have a RELATIONSHIP with God even through Jesus Christ by what we do. Keeping certain rituals that one feels is RELIGION, such as doing good, being kind, helping a neighbor, feeding the poor, going to church, and practicing religious rituals will not give a person a RELATIONSHIP with God here on earth or eternal life in heaven.
Jesus said to Nicodemus that unless one is "BORN AGAIN" he cannot see the kingdom of God. Being "BORN AGAIN" begins a RELATIONSHIP with God through His Son Jesus. We are born again when we acknowledge we are sinners and receive Jesus Christ into our heart as our Savior. Beyond a doubt we believe that this is the most important decision and relationship that one can make in life because it is the only way we can have a right relationship with God.
The source of our salvation is Jesus. It is written in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved (born again) by faith and that not of ourselves. We are told that it is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, less any man should boast. Thus it is clear that those who accept Jesus as their Savior --- are saved not because of anything good or religious things they have done but solely because Jesus paid the penalty for their sins. Salvation gives us a RELATIONSHIP with God which is much different than being RELIGIOUS or practicing the rituals of a religion.
The Bible does make it very clear that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but will have everlasting life (John 3:16 above). This RELATIONSHIP with God is guaranteed to all who accept and believe in Jesus, God's Son. Being RELIGIOUS or not being RELIGIOUS is not what determines where one spends eternity. Our choice is simple --- accept Jesus and have a RELATIONSHIP with God through His Son Jesus Christ and spend all eternity in Heaven or reject Jesus and remain in a broken relationship with God and spend an eternity in Hell.
We urge you today to accept Jesus as your Savior by simply praying and asking Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart just as Jesus explained to Nicodemus some 2000 years ago. It is the same message today as it was when Jesus talked to Nicodemus. It is just that simple! Then you will have a RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus Christ which will last for eternity.
If you make that decision today to accept Jesus as your Savior, send us an email so we can pray for you in your new life with Jesus.
I had the privilege for three summers while going to college to work for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Film Association. This film ministry became a time of learning for me to show people of all ages how to have a personal RELATIONSHIP with God. During these three summers in over 270 different Church meetings night after night I was introducing hundreds of children, youth and adults to a new RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus Christ.
At the end of each film showing an invitation was extended to all who were attending, just as Billy Graham always gave in his crusades, to accept Jesus as Savior. Then I would sit down with the many that responded to the invitation each night and lead them one at a time to this new RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus Christ. This was an experience that changed my life and because of this opportunity and several other experiences, God led us into the ministry life which we have enjoyed together now for close to 59 years.
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 43:1b.
Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
Dear Lord, help me to recognize those things in my life that are hindering my relationship with You. Forgive me of my sins and make today the day that I solidify my relationship with God. Help my family to realize that there is no more important relationship in life than our relationship with God.
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