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in Vanuatu
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Family Stuff.... What we believe...and why we want to share it... Imagine the following: You are in a large 4 storey building, with many other persons occupying each floor. A big fire breaks out, and you, knowing the person who designed the building, know the way to get out safely. Would you get out straight away yourself on your own, or would you try and let some of the other occupants know the way to safety? We hope that you would choose the latter, particularly if we added the assumption that helping the others would not compromise your own safety. We would.
‘Don’t push your faith on others’. Yes we hear this often. But in the analogy of the building on fire, our faith is the same as the knowledge of the way out. And imagine keeping that to yourself.
Are you willing to hear the escape news? We are sure you would if you were in the burning building. What about the escape news in regards to the finite earthly lives we all live, about which some people joke that the only 3 things you can be sure of are birth, death and taxes. Before you read further, may we ask if your hearts are open to hearing from God? If not, don’t bother reading on, as no matter how good a presentation we make, the message will 'fall on deaf ears'. If yes, that's terrific, because it's not a wonderful presentation, but the message is great, and we hope you will consider it carefully.
What is the 'escape news' as referred to above? The Bible tells us in John 3:16 that ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that who should ever believe in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life’. So although most of us can't avoid birth or taxes, with God’s help we can all avoid eternal death. God has made people to be in relationship with him. But for those who turn their back on God, he turns his back on them when they depart this life, and allows them to perish. Like a burning building, that’s worth escaping. But what’s the escape plan? It's simple; just make friends with God. And as friends of God, God has not only made desirable arrangements for our life after death, he has made our relatively simple life here on earth dynamic and fulfilling. It's not about being religious or going to church, it's about having a relationship with the living all-powerful creator of heaven, earth, you and me.
What is involved in making friends with God? One
option is to please God, and not sin.
God is righteous, and just, and has to punish sin.
That's what you need to 'escape'.
But this really isn’t an option, because we all sin, whether it's by
our actions or our thoughts.
Sin is turning one's back on God, with all or parts of one's life. Many try
and make up for their sins, and many religions suggest ways, but they are never
adequate. That leaves the only other option; which is really is the only practical way. God has to punish sin, but he has allowed his son Jesus Christ to bear the punishment for those who accept and befriend Jesus, repenting and turning from their sins. Jesus bridges the barrier that sin is between man and God, and enables a relationship of love to develop. For friends of Jesus, God provides a prosperous life with him, free from the punishment of sin, now and forever. It's easy for some, and hard for others: Repenting
and befriending Jesus sounds easy in some way.
And it is, because it's based on what Jesus has done, not what we have
done. But
accepting it, and turning to God is hard for some, because they don’t want God
interfering with their lives.
And so they prefer to deny God's existence, ignore the Bible, ridicule
Christianity and it's church because of the poor example of some of God's people
etc etc. It's your choice: God's
grace (undeserving favour) is there for you to accept or reject.
Our prayer is that those of you who have not accepted it to date, will do
so very soon, and that those of you who have, will continue to experience further joy
through the peace and friendship you have with God. Love from Geoff and Karen PS Should you have any questions or
comments about the above, please feel free to email us. We'd
love to hear from you and help if possible. |
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