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Today, when I was at lunch, I couldn’t get past the cash register without seeing the cookies. Those luscious cookies. Then, I caught a whiff. I was hooked. (When was the last time you smelled fresh cookies…yum).
”Mam”, I said to the woman ready to take my money, “I need a cookie.”
Playfully, she said, “You NEED one, huh?”
”Well, no, not really. But, I do really want one.”
In my life, there are many things that I have convinced myself I need. I NEED to go golfing tomorrow. I NEED a new car. I NEED some new basketball shoes. Yet, for all of the things that I boldly state I need, when pressed, I realize that I don’t NEED any of those things that make me look better, feel more comfortable, or make my tummy happier.
Truthfully, there is only one thing that I NEED, and that is a savior. I NEED Jesus.
And so do you.
There have been times in my life and ministry when I have been accused of not making the need for a savior known. Some have thought that I have faulted on the side of the Christ who loves us, comforts us, wants the best for us, and makes all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And, although I completely believe this is a wonderful and truthful part of the gospel message, there is another side that we need to look at.
The also, very wonderful and truthful part reminds us Jesus was offered as the sacrifice for our sins and unless we embrace this part of Jesus in conjunction with the “abundant life” Jesus,
We are not truly a Christian.
You see, the Bible makes it clear that we all NEED a savior. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations (Romans 3:23). No one is righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10). And, there is a penalty for our sin--Death (Romans 6:23).
Those spiritual laws dictate that someone must pay for your sin; it will either be you, or a substitute.
I choose the substitute. I choose Jesus.
God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross…to shed his blood so He could become the perfect sacrifice for sins. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). His blood blots out my sin and the sin of everyone who surrenders to Him.
He offers us a wonderful gift. He offers relationship. He offers peace. He offers hope. He offers a better quality of life. But, most importantly, he offers heaven. He offers Eternal life. But to receive it, you must choose the substitute.
Let’s face it, we don’t NEED many of the things we say we do. But, we do NEED the savior. Without him, we will miss out on Heaven.
If you have never prayed to receive the free gift of salvation and would like to, you can either pray the prayer below or click on the link to talk to a spiritual coach who would love to introduce you to Jesus.
"Father God, I am Sorry for all of the sins that I have committed and the wrong things that I have knowingly and unknowingly done. I recognize I am a sinner, and I Thank You for Jesus and His death on the cross. Thank you for dying, so I won’t have to. Right now, I receive the gift of salvation through His act. Please invade my life. Take full control. Teach me how to walk with you. And, teach me what pleases you. Lord, all I am is yours. In the loving and forgiving name of Jesus I pray. Amen.” |
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