God created us with purpose, to be in relationship with Him and to enjoy all the fullness of life with Him.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
-John 3:16

God wants you to know that He loves you and He wants to give you eternal life.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
-John 10:10

Jesus wants to give you abundant life on earth.  An abundant life is full of purpose, impact, meaning, peace, joy, love and acceptance.

Do you think everyone you know is experiencing this abundant life?

We have a problem we can't fix on our own.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
-Romans 3:23

Humanity's problem is that we have all sinned.

What is sin?
Like an arrow missing its target, we fall short of God's intent for us. All of us have done things we should not have done.

What is the result of sin?
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-Romans 6:23

Wages are what we earn by our actions. In this case, separation from God.

What do we earn by our sin?
Death - Both physical and spiritual
Our sin separates us from God for eternity unless somehow we are released from paying the price for it.

"Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."
-Hebrews 9:27

What happens after we die?
We face judgement for the sin we commit.
This looks bleak for us.  Some people try to get to God's side by going to church, praying, and helping people.  But God sees the hopeless situation we're in and provides a way out.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."
-Ephesians 2:8-9

Can our best efforts bridge the separation between us and God?
No, we are saved by grace, which is unmerited love.  Good works are not enough.

We can't build a bridge to God, but Jesus Christ is God's bridge to us.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
-Romans 5:8

How did God show He loves us even though we're sinners?
Jesus died for us to pay the penalty for our sin.

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.   He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit."
-1 Peter 3:18

Why is Jesus dying on the cross and rising again such good news for us?
It allows us to be with God now on earth and forever in heaven because Jesus conquered both our sin and death by dying and raising again.  That is the gospel!

Each of us needs to respond to what God is offering us.

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
-John 1:12

How does one become a child of God?
By believing and receiving Jesus, trusting in His sacrifice as the payment for your own personal sin.

"Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
-Revelation 3:20

What is Jesus trying to show here, when He offers to come in and eat with us?
That He longs to have a personal relationship with us.

Receive Jesus' gift, which is as simple as A-B-C

Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and ask God to forgive you and help you turn from sin.

Believe Jesus died for you and rose again, conquering sin and death.

Commit your life to following Jesus, putting your total trust in Him and giving Him decision-making authority as Lord of your life.

Talk to Jesus right now!

You can talk to Jesus right now to receive Him.  Put this prayer in your own words:

"Father God, I know that I am a sinner and that I need you to forgive me. I now that your son Jesus died a painful death and rose again so that my sins could be washed clean.  Thank you!  I want to make You the Lord of my life, and I will trust and follow You.  Everything I have is Yours now.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen."

The Adventure Ahead

Now that we're restored in our relationship with God, we get to join Him in the restoration of all things on earth that are broken and damaged by sin!  

This includes helping your friends have a relationship with Jesus, bringing justice where there is injustice, healing wher there is pain, and hope where there is despair.