I have had the opportunity to work with kids and teens for over twenty years both in the church and as a coach on a number of athletic teams. One of the biggest challenges was taking these skills and fundamentals and figuring out a way to teach them so that they can be easily understood by any age.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced was to take Bible truths and help others understand their importance. The beginning is usually the best place to start and that is where we will launch our look into what many call the Gospel or Good News message of Jesus.
THE PROBLEM:
The Bible tells us that, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This teaches us that everyone has sinned at some point. Simply put, sin is disobeying God. If you have ever told a lie, disobeyed your parents when a kid, used God’s name in vain, or lusted after someone or wanted what they have, you have sinned. That’s just a short list of course. The fact is, each of us has sinned and sin separates us from God.
THE PENALTY:
There is some bad news in what the Bible teaches before we get to the good news. Our sin separates us from God and deserves to be punished. This punishment is really quite awful. It is punishment in Hell, which was originally created for Satan and his followers. It begins at death for those who do not turn to Jesus Christ and lasts for all of eternity. The Bible says it this way,
“For the wages of sin is death . . .” (Romans 6:23).
Wages are what we earn for the work we do. Our wages for sin is both physical death (this is why we face death in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones) and spiritual death (this is death in Hell and being separated from God forever).
THE PROMISE:
Now let’s look at the good news! God knows that we cannot save ourselves from sin and He loves each of us too much not to do something about this problem. He sent His only Son, Jesus, to take our punishment for sin. Jesus lived a life without sin and was crucified on a cross for every sin that each of us has and ever will commit. After being buried in a tomb for three days, Jesus came back to life! It is an incredible truth, I know. It is only possible because all things are possible with God. The Bible says it this way,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
THE PROMISE:
It is important to understand that God leaves the rest up to you. Do you understand what sin is and the punishment it brings? Do you believe that Jesus lived and died for you and took your punishment for sin? If you are with me up to this point then the rest depends on what you will do with the truths that you know. The Bible says,
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9, 13)
If you believe what the Bible teaches about sin and Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection from the dead, you need to pray and trust Him to save you from your sins.
There are no magical words in praying. Rather, just talk to God and tell Him what is on your heart. Here are some ideas of what to talk to Him about:
- Tell Him you know you have sinned and that you know Jesus took your punishment for every sin you will ever commit.
- Let Him know that you realize there is no way you can ever save yourself.
- Tell Him you believe that Jesus died for your sins and defeated both sin and death by His resurrection three days later.
- Ask God to forgive you of your sins and save you. This is a lot like crying out, “Help!” God wants to help and save you, will you trust Him to do what only He can do?
The Bible tells us that if we believe these truths and receive Jesus into our life that He will save us from sin and punishment in Hell. God has made it so simple. Believe and receive what only God can do.
When you receive Jesus into your life, the Bible teaches us that we are adopted into God’s family. You are a son or daughter of God. In case you are wondering, God is not in the business of ever un-adopting anyone He takes into His family.
To help you learn more about the Bible and faith in Jesus, I would like to encourage you to join up with a church that accurately teaches the Bible. If you need help in finding one in your area, please feel free to contact us and we will do all we can to help you in your search for a church home.
Thanks for taking the time to read about these Bible truths. They have made a major difference in my life. I hope you come to love them as much as I do.
Have a great one!
Pastor Jason