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THE
PROBLEM. Here’s the deal; God is Holy and righteous. Righteousness demands justice. Because of God's righteousness, He can't permit a sinner into Heaven. For example, if you get caught speeding down the road, you get a ticket and a fine to pay. The police officer won't be interested in excuses; you broke the law. Even if you didn't think you were speeding!! The Bible makes it very clear that there's a price to pay for sin... and the only payment God accepts is blood. (That’s why the Old Testament is so full of animal sacrifices.) God requires blood to pay for a person’s sins. But what is sin? How do you know if you are a sinner? God gave us the Ten Commandments to show us what sin is, and therefore what will require payment. Here is a quick test... Have you ever told a lie (regardless of how big or small)? If you have then you are a liar! Have you ever stolen anything (regardless of value)? If you have then you are a thief! Have you ever used God's name as a curse? If you have then you are a blasphemer! Have you always obeyed your parents?.... if not, you are guilty of breaking God's law. Judge for yourself... will God find you innocent (and accept you into Heaven) or guilty (and deny you entrance)? Remember that whole deal in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve? By eating the fruit they broke the law God had given them. They tried to hide their sin, but let’s just say God noticed the fig leafs. They were sorry they had sinned, they offered excuses and blame, but were still judged and found guilty. Make no mistake, God loved both of them, but God's love doesn't overlook sin... what kind of "good God" would allow liars, thieves, and murderers into Heaven?!? Simply put, sin will be paid for (and the wage of sin is eternal death).. And so, God replaced their fig leafs with animal skins, (not because God was concerned they would get cold, but remember, blood has to be shed to cover the sin). This was the first of many blood sacrifices to atone for sin. But there was a little problem with these sacrifices. Bulls and goats were all imperfect and therefore their blood only a temporarily covered the sin... it couldn't pay for it. That is why they had to keep sacrificing an animal every time they broke the law. THE SOLUTION God’s solution to this little problem was simple. He sent His own Son into the world to be the final sacrifice once and for all. His Son was perfect (meeting all the requirements of a sacrifice) and, as long as He came into the world through a virgin, He would not be born under sin. Jesus could then offer HIS blood to pay for the sins of all people (not just temporarily cover them up.) So, it was all set, God sent His Son into the world through the virgin (Mary). Jesus grew up fulfilling the prophecies (all of them) spoken about Him; and at the ripe old age of thirty three, He was crucified, buried (because He was dead… not just sleeping… not pretending… DEAD) and rose from death three days later. Remember our little test earlier. The fact of the matter is that no one (who is honest with themselves) can pass that test. The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned and will fall short of the Glory of God (translate: you will not be going to Heaven). So then, the only way to Heaven is to receive the gift God gave us in the sacrifice of Jesus. By accepting the sacrifice, you are allowing Jesus' blood to cover your sin instead of somehow trying to make your own way (which will never be sufficient). THE QUESTION The question is - what have you done with His gift? God paid a GREAT price for our salvation. And how do you think God should respond to those who have sinned? What about the people who nailed Jesus to the cross… how do you think God will deal with them? Our God is a loving God, slow to get angry and quick to show mercy, but let’s face it, if anyone has a reason to fear God they do! Now consider this: If the blood of Jesus was shed for everyone, then we all had a part in His death and a personal responsibility for nailing Him to the cross. God, out of love for us sent His only Son to make a way for us to be with Him. He paid the ultimate price so that we could be with Him in Heaven. How then do you think God will respond to us if we choose to ignore His gift… double jeopardy… not only did we have a part in killing His Son, but then we say "No Thanks" to His offer of forgiveness. THE RESPONSE So, what will your response be to this free gift that God has offered you? If eternity hangs in the balance, can you afford to wait another day? Today is the day for salvation, you are not promised tomorrow. Click here to see the 5 simple steps to salvation!
Steps To Salvation Step 1 - Awareness of our sinful nature Can you recognize that you are a sinner and in need of salvation. Everyone needs God’s gift of salvation, but many refuse to admit to this. The Bible is very clear on this point. Every one has missed the mark or fallen short of the standard set by God. As a race we all fall short. This is not a close call, even the best person misses the mark by a mile... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And be careful before you make a claim that this does not mean you… If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8). Will you now admit that you need help? Do you see that you cannot meet God’s perfect standard no matter how hard you try? Do you see that you need forgiveness for your sin? Step 2 - Repentance If you cannot meet God’s standard on your own, you must seek His help. This begins with repentance. True repentance is both a change of mind and a change of actions. You decide not to do things your way, remember that was never good enough. Now you begin to do things God’s way. It is a decision followed by action. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.~2 Corinthians 7:10 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ~2 Peter 3:9 Repentance is not being sorry! It is a change of mind followed by a change in actions. Do you choose now to turn from sin? Will you begin now to do things God’s way? Step 3- Believe in Jesus Christ If you will turn from your old ways of thinking and acting, there is good news for you. God has made provision for you. He knew that everyone would fail to meet His standards, so He choose to fulfill them for us. To meet His standards, God decided to send His Son, Jesus to die for us. Jesus lived as a man, but He met all of God's requirements. He met God's standard perfectly. Jesus lived sinless as a man here on earth. He was killed by those He came to save, died, rose from the dead, and was seen by many people. God let the one who lived perfectly die in your place! Do you believe that Jesus lived here as a man, died, rose from the dead, and was seen by many? Do you believe that His sacrifice was for you? Will you allow the blood of Jesus to cover your sin? Step 4 - Receive the Gift If you believe that Jesus did this for you, then God’s gift is for you. God’s gift of salvation is available to every one who will believe in Jesus and the work He has done for us. You receive this gift by believing these things about Jesus. But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 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 10:8-9 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. ~ John 1:12-13 Do you now believe in your heart that God sent Jesus to rescue you from sin and certain death? Will you say with your mouth, Jesus is Lord? Are you ready make Jesus the lord of your life? Step 5 - Jesus as Savior If you can answer yes to the questions above, you are ready to receive the the free gift of God and make Jesus your Lord and Savior. He will now become the sacrifice for you so you can have a good relationship with God. To receive the gift all you have to do is ask for it. Father, I recognize that I am a sinner, and in need of help. I am asking forgiveness for the sins I have committed and making the decision to turn from my evil ways and follow your ways. I believe that Jesus lived on earth as a man, died, and rose from the dead to take my place. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. I now receive your free gift of salvation. Congratulations you are now part of the body of Christ! So Now What? * Tell Someone (send us an e-mail)! * Get a Bible and Read it! * Find a Believing Church and become part of it! * Get Baptized! * Share(Live) Your Testimony! If you're having problems with your faith and or sobriety, we can help!
*Clean And Sober Church is not affiliated with, approved or endorsed by AA/NA/Al-Anon or any other 12 step based program, intergroup or central services. If you believe in our stated mission, then your support is greatly needed and appreciated!
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