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A Letter from Bob Lenz

What's the deal with being a Christian?

Feeling a void?  Tried everything to fill it?  You're not alone.  Read on...

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You can't read a magazine, watch the news or listen to the radio without hearing about it. Why, even the infomercials and television talk shows thrive on it! People are searching for a way to fill a void.  And everyone's making promises, claiming their solution is guaranteed.

According to many, you can find peace in therapy, miracle pills, diet plans, self-realization or a program that can be yours for five easy installments of only $29.95. Perhaps you've even been lured by the lies, only to feel even emptier when their promises fail.

Many of us have tried to find substitutes for the love our heart was designed for...



If only I had more money…
One of the richest men in America was asked, "How much money will be enough?" The man replied, "Just a little more." Harrison Ford, one of the most successful actors in the world, who has grossed over two billion dollars, told a magazine interviewer: "You only want what you ain't got." What is it? "Peace," was his response. Many believe that peace is found in a financially secure future. But more money only adds more worries.

If only I had the right relationship…
What about a better boyfriend, girlfriend or marriage, a family that doesn't drive you nuts, healthy relationships, better parents and freedom from emotional pain - basically, a life void of dysfunction? Unfortunately, dysfunction is the norm, and humans will fail you again and again and again...

So, where's the hope?
This world doesn't have much to offer. Does it? But there is one relationship that can make a difference in your life for eternity, and offer a peace that is real. It exists in spite of the circumstances, and it's out of this world...

"I give you peace. The kind of peace that only I can give. So don't be worried or afraid."
John 14:27

Bad things are going to happen because there is sin in the world and in our lives. It's because of sin that we are separated from God, and it destroys our peace with Him. But He wants to restore the broken relationship with Him and offer you the missing peace you've been longing for. That peace is only found in His Son, Jesus. It's the kind of peace that can still be present in the midst of all the heartaches and trials we face in our lives.

"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

You may have heard it before... "Jesus died for your sins." But what does it mean? Why did He have to die?

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23

In the eyes of God, sin is unacceptable and must be punished. Why? Because sin hurts Him and His people. He is Holy and wants what is best for us, but sin poisons the peace He can give. Sin is what gives you that knot in your stomach and takes away our peace. While society has changed its view of right and wrong and has abandoned its basis for morality, God's opinion has stayed the same. Jesus took on the punishment for your sin on the cross over two thousand years ago, so that you wouldn't have to. God loves us so much that He "sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

But I'm a good person…
Eternal life is not based on what we have done. It's what He did over 2000 years ago on the cross of Calvary. Jesus died, was buried, and three days later rose from the dead as predicted by Scripture for the forgiveness of our sins so we could have entrance into heaven. Salvation is not because of our works, but His.

Have you been relying on being a good person, hoping you will somehow find favor with God in the end? The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that "... it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." If we could earn our way to heaven, there would have been no reason for Jesus to be crucified. He did not choose to be nailed to the cross so that just the "really bad" sinners could have a chance to get to heaven, He chose to die for you!

God's grace and peace are a gift. You can't earn it. If you could, it would no longer be a gift. A true gift can only be rejected or received…

"Yet to all who receive Him [Jesus], to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12

Receive this gift from God!
1. Realize you have sinned.
Sin separates us from God. The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God."

2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." God gave His Son to die in our place

3. Ask forgiveness of your sin.
The Bible tells us to repent and be converted. The word "repent" means to change our direction in life. Sincerely pray for forgiveness of your sin.

4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life.
The Bible says that eternal life is a gift from God, but a true gift can not be earned. There is nothing you can do to earn eternal life. Surrender and receive the gift!

Pray…
"God, I have heard your voice and will not reject Your awesome gift. I know that I have sinned in my life. But I believe that you sent your Son Jesus to pay the penalty for my sin. I'm so sorry for all the things I've done that have hurt you. Please forgive me! I want to receive your free gift of salvation. Please come into my heart and life so that I can live for you and know your peace. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."

If you sincerely believe in Jesus' life, death and resurrection and prayed to receive his gift, you are a Christian. Check out our bible studies, links and articles for lots of great ways to help you grow in your faith. If you don't have a bible, please let us know!  Plus, we'd love to hear about your newfound faith. Please write to us!