BIG-HEARTED PEOPLE
COPYRIGHT © 2021 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WEBSITE DESIGNED BY R. J. SCHUM USING SERIF WEBPLUS X5
Whether we realize it or not, our lives are comprised of decisions and choices—some good and some bad. The result of our choices either fills us with happiness and blessings or leaves us unsatisfied, and our lives lacking meaning. There are small choices we make on a daily basis—the choice about what to wear, what to eat, or what tasks to accomplish. These are made without much forethought or soul-searching because we make these decisions so often it seems almost like a second nature to us. And no matter which of these small decisions we make, the consequences of making a wrong choice fortunately do not have devastating effects.
Yet, other choices we make have more far-reaching effects on our lives like buying a new home, taking a new job, or getting married. Even though these are very significant and the result of bad decisions may be detrimental, they can often be recovered from in time and lessons learned may prevent future mistakes.
But, there is one choice that we all must make that if decided wrongly results in deadly consequences—for eternity. That is the decision about whether we choose to live for ourselves or to live for God—about accepting God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ and turning away from our selfish, stubborn self-will.
Think about it—do you really know how you stand with God? You might attend church faithfully and live an upright, moral life, (or maybe live an immoral life and you realize it) yet you’re unsure where you would spend eternity if you died today. The first thing we all must realize is that despite our good works we ALL are sinners. The Bible is clear about this when it says that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 and sin has a penalty—spiritual death “for the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23a.
However, the good news is that God loves us so much that that he has an alternative to eternal death which is eternal life, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23b. God provided His son Jesus as a perfect sinless sacrifice who took the penalty for our sins upon the cross. “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 And God’s great love toward us is highlighted in this verse, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent not His Son to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17.
The Bible states that whoever comes to Jesus, He will not cast out and “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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9–10 (NIV) Once you accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, you receive the guaranteed promise of eternal life. It’s a done deal, sealed by the Holy Spirit. It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed,sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.—Ephesians 1:13–14, (The Message Bible)
How can you receive God’s gift of salvation? It’s simple—so simple many people miss it. Just pray this prayer with sincerity:
Dear Jesus, I confess that I’m a sinner. I’m sorry that I have sinned against you and I need your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross, shed your blood, and rose from the grave to cleanse me from sin. Come into my heart and be my Savior and Lord. Thank you that I am now your beloved child and I will spend eternity with you. Help me to live for you all the days of my life. Amen.
Now, if you prayed that prayer with sincerity, you have become born again. Congratulations, you’re now a new creation in Christ! God forgives all your sins, and He chooses never to remember them. You are FREE from the penalty of sin!
What should you do next? I have something I want to give to you to help with your walk with God. Simply click on the link or image below to open the “New Beginnings” PDF document. In addition, I would love to hear about your decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Please select “Contact Us,” on this Web site, and send me an e-mail.
Randy J. Schum
Founder, www.bigheartedpeople.com
