Hi Major and greetings from across the pond,
Sin? Never met a Christian without any! Including me, in Jesus's time the local town folk had a quaint way of dealing with sinners. They stoned them to death. In John Ch.8 Jesus came face to face with a crowd of people getting ready to stone a woman for adultery. His response..."Let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone!" The crowd dispersed. But what really drove me to respond to your posting was your quest to find God. That's a really terrific beginning Major. Sadly millions of people will live out their entire lives without knowing Him as you will. Do you know God already knows you? He's gone so far as to literally number each hair on your head! (Luke Chapter 12 verse 7) also referred as Lu 12:7. Can I ask you a Question...please? Did you ever wonder to yourself why you were born and what your true purpose in life is? I did. I really think everyone does....sooner or later. Before I made a decision to have a real and meaningful personal relationship with God...I spent a big portion of my life trying (on my own) to figure out where I was going in life, I'm 51 now. And all I can tell you is I'm living a dream life compared to what it was like before I allowed Jesus in my heart. He had a wonderful life already planned out for me...before I was even born. God cannot lie. In the book of John Chapter 10 verse 10 He tells us "That I came that they (meaning you and me Major) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Abundantly....wow! Sometimes when a word in Scripture really jumps out at me I'll look up the meaning in my dictionary. Wanna' here what the definition of abundantly is. Good! It means: in plentiful supply; more than sufficient; abounding with. Fullness to overflowing. That's what God wants for your life too Major......that's the real reason you were born, it's just that simple. God is in love with YOU, Major, and He has a plan for your life. Looking for God? He is as close as a whisper. Do you think your sin will keep Him from you. If there was a single bit of truth to that, than every single person in the entire world would be lost with no hope of ever knowing God or the wonderful exciting adventure called Life He has planned for us. No Major, the truth is found in the book of Romans Chapter 3 verse 23..."For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ALL!
God doesn't put sin in a measuring cup....to Him sin is sin, big or small we are all guilty. Guilty as.......well......sin. So now what? Well I have some really really good news for you, Major. God is loving and merciful! And He has provided for all of us a way out. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to earth to live as a man and experience all the same joys, disappointments, trials and temptations we all face here on earth in one way or another but much much more than that, Major. God allowed His beloved Son, Jesus Christ (who never sinned!) to take our punishment in our place and die a horrible and unspeakably painful death on the cross. But the greatest story ever told doesn't stop there. He raised Jesus from the dead...and He lives today! As real as you or I. And what He really wants more than anything...is for you to allow Him to live inside your heart. All you have to do is ask. It's just that easy. How can I possibly know this? Because God never lies and everything I just told you is plainly written out in His roadmap for our lives..The Bible.
So what now-you ask? Well that's up to you. You see God could easily just zap your brain and cause you to automatically accept Jesus into your heart-but than He would have only created a lifeless race of robots-merely puppets on His heavenly string. But no Major...God gave us all Free-Will. Free will, the ability to choose. Right from wrong, prideful or humble, selfish or unselfish...or as He puts it....Life or Death. For you it's decision time. Do you want to continue stumbling down life's path on your own or perhaps God may know something you don't......His truly amazing and wonderous plan for your life. This is the place for me to say to you without exaggeration or apology, Major, this is without question the single most important decision you will ever be faced with for the rest of your life! Take a leap of faith. You really don't need much. Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew Chapter 17 verse 20 "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed-you can move mountains." Surely you have this portion Major, or you would not even be reading this now. The next step? In the book of Romans Chapter 10 verse 9 God provides the solution. "That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved."
I know first hand from being a Christian these many years that we can do nothing without God. So I want to take a moment and pray for you to our heavenly Father...."Dear Father...If it be your will...whenever Major reads this (and anyone else who seeks thee) please be merciful and open their hearts and minds and impart your heavenly grace that they may see...Thank You so very much..in Jesus name I pray. Amen."
I now believe Major, you have God's full attention and He's looking in your heart more than He is listening to your lips. In the book of Jeremiah Chapter 29 verse 13 He tells us.."Ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
Let's stop for a moment. This is much much too important to rush through. Let's take a breath and recall what has already been metioned. We A-L-L have sinned. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus has already paid the price for forgiveness from our sins. He was raised from the dead and now wants to live in your heart Major, as your Lord and Savior. If you are willing to put your trust in Jesus He will give you life and life more abundantly....but more, when you die (in fifty years or fifty minutes) you can be absolutely positive YOU ARE GOING TO HEAVEN and have eternal life.
Now Major, if you are truly willing to accept Jesus into your heart, He will come. If you are, than say this prayer... Dear Jesus, I want you to come into my life. I need your strength and guidance. I accept your forgiveness of my sins and help me Jesus to do your will. I believe you died for me and was raised from the dead. Though I do not deserve it, I accept your gift of eternal life. Help me to live the life you intend for me. Thank-You Jesus Amen.
If you really meant with all your heart what you just prayed than ALL your passed sins are forgiven and you ARE GOING TO HEAVEN. Praise God Thank-You Jesus! Welcome Sister into the Body of Christ....from this moment and forever you are a Christian and no matter what...God will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
Now beloved Sister, pray to your heavenly Father (God) to reveal His plan for your life. This is the Christian Walk. You will stumble at times but you can rest assured Jesus will never fail to help you back up. Pray not for "things" but for spiritual wisdom and always, always lean on Jesus for help. He will not fail you, nor forsake you or ever leave you.
Now in God's eyes you are a saint....seek other saints out. Here is how God now sees you...in the book of I Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." I know that I know that I know...slowly.... overtime you
are going to have questions. God is always prepared with the best answer.. ask Him for it....as often as needed. And my Sister if I can be of any help in some small way you can reach me by e-mail (even though I don't check it every day, I will respond) at
trev20711@yahoo.com May God's Grace and Peace be with you always. With Love Ponderwilu