Good News!

Most people-- even many Christians-- have never heard the Gospel

We have a wonderful God. He is not angry or demanding, but loves you more than you can imagine. Jesus died to take care of all our imperfections and to pave the way for us to have a relationship with God. We can now walk as His friends and fellow-heirs to His kingdom. The literal meaning of the word "Gospel" is "news that is almost too good to be true" !

So few have heard this news, even Christians. Most think that God is very exacting and stern. We think we have to serve Him in a slavish manner. To think this is to miss the point of the cross. In Jesus, we are forgiven and freed.

What happens when we sin can best be understood by the story of the prodigal son, who reduced himself to eating out of a pig trough. But his dad waited for him until he decided to come home. Immediately he put his robes on his son and rejoiced. We can damage our lives by living away from God, but there is no one who condemns you. If another Christian condemns you, he doesn't understand the Gospel. Living away from your heavenly Dad is like choosing to eat mud instead of feasting. You are loved. Someone is waiting with open arms and royal robes!

The Lord loves you with all His heart, just as you are. When you ask Jesus to live in your heart, He comes immediately and without partiality. Because of His death, he removes your sin as far away from you as the East is from the West. From then on you have an open friendship with God that cannot be taken away, broken, or lost.

Our relationship with God isn't based on our performance. And that fact is what separates it from every religion on earth. Some people feel that they have failed so badly that they could never have a relationship with God. We have all failed many times, but that will never change God's love and acceptance... a love so deep that we can scarcely begin to understand it.

Jesus said, "I have not called you servants, but friends..." Jesus died for everyone in our world... but He doesn't force Himself on anyone.  Pray this:

"Jesus, thank you for what you did on the Cross. Let it apply to me now, too. Wash me clean, forgive me, and fill me with your Spirit. I give you my life. Thank you that I am yours now, and will be forever."

You are a new creation. The Bible says that God keeps that which we commit to Him....
It also says the angels rejoice when someone gives their life to Jesus! :-)

Blessings! Don & Wendy Francisco

(Reposted from www.donfrancisco.com - original no longer online)