INVITATION TO LIFE

Invitation to Life

Here is the Good News: "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst."

The Bible says that God lovingly created the world and placed his own image in us. God created us to be like him. Offering us free choice, God desires fellowship with you and me. Within this communion, we become whole and relationships grow.

But the Bible also tells our story of sin. We doubt God. We insist on our own ways. We presume we know better. We set God aside. We run on ahead. We try short-cuts to happiness. We fill our lives with things that cannot satisfy.

God lets us have our way, and with it--consequences. Our sins hurt us, harm our loved ones, and scar our communities and world.

We cut ourselves off from our source of life. We may not intend things to go so far, but without God, we become sinful and broken. We distort life and are corrupted by it. Sin takes over our lives. Not only are we lost, we are caught in the grip of a destructive power.

What's more, we are unable by ourselves to stop or change. Try as we will, we make only minor adjustments while the tide of sin continues to roll over us. Our good works can't save us. Our knowledge can't change us. Our wealth can't help us. Our loved ones can't rescue us.

Does this describe you? Are you trying to find your way? In spite of your best efforts, are you lost?

There is only one hope. But in this hope is enough love and power to forgive every sin, break the power of sin, change us, and restore fellowship with God. The Bible says that God demonstrates his love for us this way: while we are still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us. Before we make a move to God, God reaches out to us. In Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is our way out and our way forward.

Do you want to be saved? Do you want to be found? Do you want to be free? Do you want to change? Do you want your life to have meaning? Jesus says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in." Open your life completely to him. Tell him all your grief. Give him all your sin. Trust in God just now. God is able to change you right here and now. Today is your day of salvation.

A Believer's Prayer