What is your god?

Money, TV, music, bigger houses, cars etc; none of these things are wrong in and of themselves; however Gods word says “You shall have no other gods before me…you shall not make for your self an idol.” Therefore anything in your life that comes before Jesus Christ is an idol, even if you don’t physically bow down and “worship” it.

What are you passionate about? What occupies your thoughts? What do you spend your time pursuing? How you answer the above questions will determine, what your god is!  

1 John 5:1-5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

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What is Gods Law?

Have you heard of the 10 Commandments? God gave us his law (Exodus 20), the 10 Commandments as a guide for moral living. Here are a few of Gods Commandments; You shall have no other gods before me, You shall not use the Lords name in vein, You shall not lie, You shall not steal, You shall not covet…Are you guilty of breaking any of Gods Laws?

 The Bible says that Jesus looks at our heart, at our motives, and at our intentions. Jesus sees lust as adultery, he views hate as murder and anything we place before God is idolatry, and he hates it.

As you examine your life, honestly ask yourself how many of Gods laws you’re guilty of breaking? Do you use the Lords name in vain (in place of a curse word?) Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything i.e. stationary from work or even time from your employer? Have you ever looked at a man or woman with lust?

 If you’re honest with yourself and if you’re anything like me, you’ll admit to breaking all of Gods laws, thousands of times!

God despises sin; we are all guilty of breaking His law. Romans 3:23 says; “that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

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But I’m a good person

Would you consider yourself to be a good person? Your definition of the word “good” may vary from my definition of the word “good” and is probably different from Gods definition of the word “good.”

I may consider myself a “good” hockey player, however compared to a professional hockey player, I am not a good hockey player.

 Psalm 53:1 says; the fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 53:3 says; “everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one”.

When it comes to being “good” Gods’ standard is perfection. We read in Genesis that Adam and Eve sinned once against God and that was enough for God to remove them from His presence. Genesis 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

Genesis 3:23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden…”

Adam and Eve sinned one time against God. One sin, in the face of a Holy and Righteous God, is one too many. Instead of obeying God, they ignored God, much like we do today. Many profess to be Christians yet we live our lives in total contradiction to Gods word and what his word teaches.

Adam and Eve sinned one time, and they were kicked out of Gods presence forever. How many times have you sinned in breaking His law? Gods’ definition of a “good” person is perfection. Would you consider yourself to be a good person? 

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Justice - the punishment must fit the crime!

The Bible tells us that the punishment for our crimes (sin) against God is punishable by an eternity in Hell, separated from God. Are you aware of the consequences of your horrific crimes against his great name?

Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Exodus 20:7 The LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Rev 21:8 ... all liars will have their place will be in the lake of fire.

1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 Do not be deceived...no adulterer...no thieves...will inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 2:16 God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.

Romans 2:4-9 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

Ezekiel 11:21 But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.

Matt 13:41,42 The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather...all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

When a crime is committed such as theft, murder etc only the Supreme Court has the authority to grant a pardon and thus satisfy the Law. If we are found guilty of breaking Gods laws (and we are all guilty), we must pay for our crime. The payment or cost for our sin is payable only by the death of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Romans says; “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ his son.”

When a horrible crime is committed, we demand that justice be paid. In the case of murder, we demand the ultimate sentence for the offender. We demand justice; the punishment must fit the crime.

It’s the same with God. Gods’ word says; “the wages of sin is death” The wage or the price for committing sin against the one and only Holy God, is death, it’s that serious.

The Bible says that God is “Holy, Holy, Holy.” God is Holy and therefore he must hate sin. God and sin can not exist together. God is Righteous and Just, His Righteousness demands perfection; therefore he must demand that justice be paid for all who break His law. God can not simply “let us go” or “turn a blind eye to our sin.” If he did, he would be unjust and corrupt.

Some people think that it’s ‘not fair’ for God to judge us so harshly. But remember this. We broke Gods law, and if God was to give us justice, we would all be condemned to hell, without a second chance. If God was to be ‘fair’ he would not have sent us a Savior. If God was to be fair, he would not have sent his only Son Jesus Christ to die in our place.

Sometimes we fail to recognize this simple truth; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16, 17

Fair; free from dishonesty, or injustice: a fair decision; a fair judge.

We broke God’s law and His Son paid our fine…would you consider God to be ‘fair’?

What God did for us is NOT fair, what God did for us is called Grace, amazing Grace!

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Paid in Full

God made the Law, therefore only God can satisfy the Law.

Gods Law was satisfied through His son Jesus Christ who willingly went to the cross to pay for your sin.

Jesus went to the cross as your substitute; He paid for our sin by taking the wrath of God upon himself, because of our sin. Jesus Christ alone satisfied Gods Law.

Isaiah 53:10 says, “it pleased God to crush his son.”

We broke God’s laws yet it was Jesus who took the Righteous wrath of God upon Himself on our behalf, in our place. That’s why it is only through the death of Jesus Christ, that we can be justified (be found innocent or guiltless) before God.

Only Jesus Christ could satisfy Gods Law, because He is perfect. Jesus is the only person to ever live a perfect life, His life was sufficient, His sacrifice was enough.

Jesus Christ died so that we could be free from the power of sin, and that we might have fellowship with God, to serve Him with our lives.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 5: 6, 7 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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Accountable

The Bible says when we die; we will stand before God to give an account for how we lived our life. The whole world will be judged according to Gods standard, according to his law, and according to his perfectly Holy, and perfectly Righteous Son, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 12:36 says; I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned. God will hold you accountable for every careless word you’ve ever spoken and all of your immoral thoughts and actions.

Where you spend eternity will depend on who you served, what you idolized, and how you lived your life. What are you doing with the time God has given you? What occupies your time? What are you pursuing?

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Good News

Why is the Gospel of Jesus Christ considered to be “Good News”?

Romans 5: 8-9 God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

1 Peter 3:18 Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9-13 Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that who ever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

1 Tim 2:5-6 for there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

John 14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Heb 9:22 without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

John 1:29 "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

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Repentance   As the result of knowledge, a change of mind, conduct and purpose.

God calls us to repent and turn from our sin.

Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

The following passage emphasizes the point that repentance precedes salvation, if repentance is lacking scripture indicates salvation is not possible.

2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death

2 Peter 3:9 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 Timothy 2:25 indicates that repentance is a gift.  Without repentance, knowledge of the truth (i.e. the Gospel) is not possible.

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Do you understand?

Do you understand why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News?

Do you understand that God made the law, therefore only God can satisfy the law?

Do you understand that there was no other way for us to be declared right before God and that Jesus Christ Gods Son had to die on your behalf?

Do you understand that your sin has separated you from God?

Do you understand your need for a savior?

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Tim 2:5-6 for there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

Is God’s Spirit working in your life, convicting you of your sin?

Seek God; cry out to him to save you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Repent and turn from your sin, look to Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive you of your sins and to cleanse you of all your unrighteousness.

Romans 3:23 says; “that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Ezekiel 36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.

John 4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit

Ephesians 2:4-5 God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved.

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Walk with Jesus Christ  A new relationship with God = a new relationship with sin.

God wrote a book. It’s called the Bible. As you read it, ask God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, to guide you as you read. Ask the Spirit of God to expose your sin to you. As you read your Bible, study the life of Jesus Christ and his apostles: Follow their example of how a Christian (follower of Christ) should live their life. Just as Jesus Christ is Holy, we are called to live a life of holiness. Jesus Christ lived a blameless life. We too, through the power of Gods Spirit, can know victory over sin in our lives. Jesus Christ is our awesome example, of how we ought to live our lives. His life is outlined in the word of God, the Bible. Read your Bible, start by reading the book of John.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Philippians 1:9-11 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Jesus said to her, "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?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." John 11:25

Haggai 1:7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.

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