If you had to describe your life in three words, which words would you use?
It may be quite some task to think of only three words – after all our lives are so full! We have the good and the bad, the pleasures and worries, the successes, and the failures. Yet though our lives are full, I’m sure most of us could narrow the list down to a few things that are most important to us. The things that we value the most, and the things that shape us.
I wonder how you feel when you look at the three words that you have chosen?
The last few years have shown us that our lives are fragile and can be disrupted by illness, wars, and insecurities. We’ve learned that there are things outside our control, and that things don’t always turn out as we wish. Many have questioned what is really important, others have questioned if there is more to life and others ask what will happen when we (or those we love) die.
We are here this week because we believe that there is a God who is in control. This world is certainly not as it should be, but there is a God who made us, loves us, and wants to save us. We know this because Jesus came to be one of us, living a perfect life and dying to take the punishment we all deserve for our rebellion against him.
Many people have been led to believe that Jesus is a mythical figure or a teacher who has very little relevance to our life. Yet eyewitness accounts paint a very different picture. Why not pick up a copy of one of these historical accounts today, and make up your own mind?
After all, Jesus said ‘I have come to give life in all its fulness’.
Jesus said...
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2
Without a doubt Jesus claims to be our God and by his death and resurrection he pays the price for our rebellion and conquers sin and death bringing us back to a relationship with God. This is the true meaning of life.
To respond, we must recognise that we are enemies of God and ask for forgiveness.
Jesus accepts all who turn to him.
To receive a free copy of John's book about Jesus please contact steffanjob@emw.org.uk