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A
Gift
Do you enjoy receiving gifts? What if God wanted to give you a gift?
When God created us, he intended for you and me to have a harmonious
relationship with Him. Unfortunately, that relationship was broken when
man (Adam and Eve) sinned by disobeying God in the Garden of Eden. At that
point, man became separated from God. No matter how good man tried to be,
he continued to sin against God. God decided that something was needed to
bridge the gap between Him and mankind - to re-establish that harmonious
relationship. He decided to send a part of Himself in human form. He sent
Jesus Christ, his son, as that connection between Him and us. Jesus came
into this world to tell us that God loves and wants us to live peaceably
with Him.
Jesus also came to serve as a sacrifice for us. He died on the cross - his
death representing our sins for which he died. Days later, he arose from
death and returned to heaven to be with God. His resurrection from death
represents our chance to have a new beginning with God - a chance to be
"saved" from our sinful nature and start a new relationship with God.
Salvation (to be saved) is the GIFT that God wants to give to each of us.
To receive this gift, you only have to believe that Jesus Christ died for
your sins and was resurrected. By accepting the gift of salvation, you are
promised to live eternally in heaven (like Jesus) with God. You are also
promised to have a part of God (the Holy Spirit), to guide you as you
build this new relationship with God.
Salvation is God's gift to you and me to begin a personal relationship
with Him.
SUGGESTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN GROWTH
• Talk (pray) to God each day
(John 15:7)
• Read God's Word, the Bible, each day
(Acts 17:11)
• Obey God moment by moment
(John 14:21)
• Trust God for every detail of your life
(1 Peter 5:7)
• Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your daily living
(Gal. 5:16,17;
Acts 1:8)
• Be a witness for Jesus Christ by the
way you live and by your words
(Matthew 4:19; John 15:8)
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