Long before Jesus was born the Bible predicted his life and death. Many people throughout these books made a large number of prophecies in astonishing detail. In fact, fulfilled prophecy is one of the distinguishing marks of the Bible, authenticating its claim to be the inspired word of God. The history and story of Jesus is documented in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are eyewitness accounts of Jesus of Nazareth. To say that he is the most influential man who ever lived is an understatement.

The name Jesus means salvation, "the Lord is salvation," or "the Lord Saves." An angel told Joseph, "You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins". Jesus Christ has been called many things by many people; including a great man, a great teacher, and a great prophet. There is no legitimate scholar today that denies that Jesus is a historic figure that walked on this earth about 2,000 years ago, that he did remarkable wonders and acts of charity, and that he died a horrible death on a Roman cross just outside Jerusalem. The only dispute is whether Jesus was God incarnate who rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion. These are all matters of historical record that can be earnestly discovered and tested. Jesus told us who He was.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me".

This should not be alarming to you. It is a matter of placing trust in a wonderful God to provide for each one of us. Jesus commands us to love God and to love each other. Most people aren't afraid of learning about Jesus, they're afraid of becoming Christians. Look at the way a few Christians act and who can deny this fear. Arcane rituals, flamboyant preachers, money, power, and hypocrisy; do these present a real picture of who Jesus is, and who He wants us to be? No. So what is the answer? Jesus did not ask us to follow men or religion; He asks us to follow Him. Jesus wants you to love others in an unconditional way just like He loves you. In Philippians 3:8, Paul sums it up by claiming that everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, the influence Jesus had on the lives of people has never been surpassed. No other great leader has inspired so many positive changes in the lives of his followers. People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed. Their outlook on life is altered forever. Staying true to their faith, they do not hesitate to face hardship, persecution and even death. Many consecrate their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires. Jesus did die a human death on a cross. But the wonderful news is that he won the victory over death with his resurrection. Jesus Christ is alive today and faithfully enriches the lives of all those who trust and obey him. Throughout the centuries, multitudes have acknowledged the worthiness of Jesus Christ, including many who have greatly influenced the world. French physicist and philosopher Blaise Pascal spoke of people's need for Jesus when he said, "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man, which only God can fill through his Son Jesus Christ."

"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."

God loves you and created you to know Him personally. Sin separates us from God. Sin is when we say, " I'll do things my way instead of God's way." Jesus made it possible to bridge the chasm that separates us from God. Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through him alone we can know God personally and experience God's love. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; then we can know God personally and experience His love.

For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith. This does not depend on anything you have achieved, it is the free gift of God; and because it is not earned no one can boast about it."

Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (a spirit of repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive us of our sins and make us what he wants us to be. We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of our will. To know God personally is the greatest decision you will ever make. Jesus Christ is waiting for an invitation to come in to your life.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in"

Once you invite Christ into your life, he promises to never leave you.

Prayer of Invitation: Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.

Want to investigate further? Read the bible, ask God for help, or find a group of people that you can openly discuss topics of religion with in a welcome manner. You are always welcome at our church. Have other questions? Send me an email and I'll try my best to help.