An Invitation to Live

When I think about my life, my faith, and what I believe, I can't help but wish for some way to convey to those around me the depth of joy, peace, and excitement that I have as I live my life in Christ. I wish that these friends, family, and loved ones could see what they are missing out on. But more than that, I wish they could see the amazing, totally awesome life that is available to them. I want them to have a very real relationship with the Holy, loving, inexpressibly wonderful God of the universe. I wish they could truly know the forgiveness and power that comes through Jesus Christ.

I think when people hear the term Christian, they think "oh, religion..." or they automatically think of rules and regulations. Perhaps they even think "what a bunch of judgmental hypocrites." And guess what? I can't blame anyone for feeling this way. When I look back through the centuries, I see countless people calling themselves Christians and then committing horrendous atrocities. Even today, there are innumerable con-artists and money grabbers masquerading as Christians. Let me make this as clear as possible: THIS IS NOT CHRISTIANITY. Period.

True Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord. Through Christ, our sins are forgiven and we have access to God the Father. What's more? God, in the form of His Holy Spirit, will come and dwell within all who come to Him.

By the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within the believer, we have the ability to love. We have the ability to love God and love other people. This really is the essence of Christianity. Listen to what Jesus says in the book of Matthew, chapter 22, verses 37-39: "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." These are the words of Jesus Christ Himself.

So it all boils down to this: 1: Love God 2: Love People.

Being a Christian isn't about "being good." Any goodness in my life is a result of the Holy Spirit, that is, the presence of Christ within me. Any truly good works that I do are done as a thankful tribute to Christ, who saved me through His death and resurrection. These good works are done to show the goodness of God.

Many people get the impression that being a Christian means that you cannot have fun (unless it is some sort of corny, Ned Flanders type of fun). Listen to this: God created laughter. God created an amazing planet for us to enjoy. God created other people for us to love, bug, laugh with, and live life with. Sure, there will be rough times. That is part of being human. But it is in these times when we can experience the love, comfort, and power of God.

Here is the Gospel (or Good News): Jesus Christ (God the Son) died, took the penalty for our sins, and conquered evil by rising from the dead. All who trust in Him are forgiven and re-born. When God looks on those who are re-born, He sees in us only the perfection that comes from Christ. He sees us as perfect. Our sins, even though we still bugger up, are erased. Our sin debt is cancelled and paid in full by the blood of Jesus.

So really, the Gospel of Christ is an invitation to live. To live in Christ is to live life to the fullest. Nothing compares to the power and presence of God. Nothing compares to the peace that only Jesus can give.

Again, listen to the words of Jesus: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

Will you dare to live???