Gospel means "good news."
What is the good news of Christianity?
It all centers around the one true God . . . the creation and condition of humanity. . . the person and work of Christ . . . and God's call for sinners to respond to His gracious salvation.
It is one beautiful story, from Genesis to Revelation.
The Gospel sings beautifully too.
Did you know singing has been central to historic Judeo-Christianity?
Did you know singing has been central to historic Judeo-Christianity?
The one true God . . .
God is one, and there is none other. He reveals Himself in Scripture as entirely and eternally holy, powerful, sovereign, wise, knowing, and loving.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
God never had a beginning, and He never has an end. Can you imagine that? God is eternal. He is self-existing. And because of God's nature, He has never been lonely or in need. He has always been complete in every way, including relationally.
God learns nothing and needs nothing. All God creates and does is a display of His perfections, not an accomplishment for anything He lacks.
There is no one like God, and God is distinct from what He creates. God is not everything around us. No, He is the Creator of it all.
God alone is worthy of worship. God commands worship not because He needs it, but rather, because His creation needs to recognize the truth of Who He is. Anything less than worship of God is for one to be deceived and to deny the truth of God. This is both self-destructive and rebellion against the Lord of all. God calls it idolatry in the Bible.
God is righteous in all His ways. This is why we can and should trust Him. We are to trust Him in His rule, judgment, and mercy. All God's ways and purposes are right.
God is the sovereign ruler of all. God is not in competition with anyone. He has declared the beginning and the end. Because this is true, we will never be ashamed when we put our trust in God.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
How do we know about God, His ways, and His promises? Scripture. The Bible in Genesis to Revelation claims and reveals itself to be given by God. The biblical word for this is inspiration, or "God-breathed."
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
God superintended the writing of Scripture over a span of about 1,500 years. That's right. It does not have just one human author claiming singular inspiration from God. Instead, God revealed Himself and His words to us through many generations in a way that establishes verifiability with history and internal consistency with its own claims and prophesies.
Scripture is the definitive authority for all faith and conduct of true Christianity. So, we hope you will keep reading as we go through points of Scripture about God, Humanity, Christ, and our commanded Response.
Some Scripture about God: Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 19:1-6; 90:2; 139:7-13; 2 Samuel 7:22; Isaiah 6:3; 40:28; 46:10; Exodus 34:5-7; Malachi 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:17; 2:9; John 1:1-14; 4:24; 1 John 4:8; Revelation 19:6; 20:11-15; Psalm 14:1.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
God never had a beginning, and He never has an end. Can you imagine that? God is eternal. He is self-existing. And because of God's nature, He has never been lonely or in need. He has always been complete in every way, including relationally.
God learns nothing and needs nothing. All God creates and does is a display of His perfections, not an accomplishment for anything He lacks.
There is no one like God, and God is distinct from what He creates. God is not everything around us. No, He is the Creator of it all.
God alone is worthy of worship. God commands worship not because He needs it, but rather, because His creation needs to recognize the truth of Who He is. Anything less than worship of God is for one to be deceived and to deny the truth of God. This is both self-destructive and rebellion against the Lord of all. God calls it idolatry in the Bible.
God is righteous in all His ways. This is why we can and should trust Him. We are to trust Him in His rule, judgment, and mercy. All God's ways and purposes are right.
God is the sovereign ruler of all. God is not in competition with anyone. He has declared the beginning and the end. Because this is true, we will never be ashamed when we put our trust in God.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
How do we know about God, His ways, and His promises? Scripture. The Bible in Genesis to Revelation claims and reveals itself to be given by God. The biblical word for this is inspiration, or "God-breathed."
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
God superintended the writing of Scripture over a span of about 1,500 years. That's right. It does not have just one human author claiming singular inspiration from God. Instead, God revealed Himself and His words to us through many generations in a way that establishes verifiability with history and internal consistency with its own claims and prophesies.
Scripture is the definitive authority for all faith and conduct of true Christianity. So, we hope you will keep reading as we go through points of Scripture about God, Humanity, Christ, and our commanded Response.
Some Scripture about God: Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 19:1-6; 90:2; 139:7-13; 2 Samuel 7:22; Isaiah 6:3; 40:28; 46:10; Exodus 34:5-7; Malachi 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:17; 2:9; John 1:1-14; 4:24; 1 John 4:8; Revelation 19:6; 20:11-15; Psalm 14:1.
The creation and condition of humanity. . .
God is the holy creator and ruler of all things, and He made us in His image to live in obedient relationship with Him. We are not an accident. God created us for a purpose and to live in relationship with Him.
Being made in God's image means that God made us as His representatives on earth and that God made us with some likeness to His sharable characteristics. This is why we sometimes act out of love, even when it goes against our personal interests. We exercise vision, creativity, and language in ways unlike other creatures on earth. We have moral conscience and personal awareness.
Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Dive deeper: Genesis 1:26-2:2; 2:7-8; Psalm 19:1-3; 139:13-18; Titus 1:2; 1 John 5:11-1
Being made in God's image means that God made us as His representatives on earth and that God made us with some likeness to His sharable characteristics. This is why we sometimes act out of love, even when it goes against our personal interests. We exercise vision, creativity, and language in ways unlike other creatures on earth. We have moral conscience and personal awareness.
Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Dive deeper: Genesis 1:26-2:2; 2:7-8; Psalm 19:1-3; 139:13-18; Titus 1:2; 1 John 5:11-1
God chose to create us even though He knew we would rebel against Him. Since the first humans, we have chosen to live in sin against God.
When God made us, He said everything was very good. But with the freedom to disobey God, things changed quickly. God was not caught off guard though. Remember, God knows all things.
The first humans rebelled against God and His good design for them. Since then, we have all followed in their disobedience, with rebellion in our hearts.
Our fellowship with God has been broken due to sin. We naturally do wrong (sin) against God, ourself, and others, and we deserve God's just judgment. Remember, God is to be worshiped, and He is just in all His ways.
Our sin is destructive, and it separates us from our holy God. Similar to how our bodies could not hold up to being in the sun's presence, we cannot be in the presence of God with our sin.
We are broken, in need of a complete redemption and transformation that only God can do. The good news is that God has made it clear that He chose to redeem sinners by His grace even before we ever sinned against Him.
There is nothing we ourselves can do to fix this sin problem. Religion and good deeds cannot correct things either. So what can?
Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
The first humans rebelled against God and His good design for them. Since then, we have all followed in their disobedience, with rebellion in our hearts.
Our fellowship with God has been broken due to sin. We naturally do wrong (sin) against God, ourself, and others, and we deserve God's just judgment. Remember, God is to be worshiped, and He is just in all His ways.
Our sin is destructive, and it separates us from our holy God. Similar to how our bodies could not hold up to being in the sun's presence, we cannot be in the presence of God with our sin.
We are broken, in need of a complete redemption and transformation that only God can do. The good news is that God has made it clear that He chose to redeem sinners by His grace even before we ever sinned against Him.
There is nothing we ourselves can do to fix this sin problem. Religion and good deeds cannot correct things either. So what can?
Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
The person and work of Christ . . .
Without being forgiven and redeemed by God, we will have to give account for living in disobedience to Him.
At death, we will be separated from God into an eternity without Him. In the Bible, this is often called judgment, condemnation, the second death, and the lake of fire.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Dive deeper: Genesis 3:8-11; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 3:10-20; Revelation 21:8
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Dive deeper: Genesis 3:8-11; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 3:10-20; Revelation 21:8
Knowing we would sin, God chose the most loving way to redeem and restore sinners to Himself.
God has always been forgiving and merciful to repentant sinners. In His wisdom, He has always provided a way for sinful people to turn from their sin and obey Him by faith.
Dive deeper: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 32:1-2; 51:1-17; 130:1-8; 145:8; 1 John 1:8-9
The only provision that would fully satisfy God's holy justice is a perfect, sinless sacrifice bearing sin's judgment on behalf of those who have sinned. Since God is the only One Who is perfect, He chose to be that sacrifice.
This is where God's holy justice combines with his endless love on the cross.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
God came to us as Jesus Christ--both fully God and fully man. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life on Earth and then sacrificially died in our place for our sin.
John 3:16-18 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Dive deeper: Isaiah 9:6-7; 53:1-12; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-14; 3:16-21; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6-12; Ephesians 2:4-10; 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 3:4-7
Jesus rose again, showing He alone can give eternal life and victory over our sin and need for judgment. Jesus is the only way humans, created in God's image, can be saved from sin and restored to fellowship with God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Dive deeper: 1 Corinthians 15:19-22, 55-57; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Colossians 1:14-20
Dive deeper: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 32:1-2; 51:1-17; 130:1-8; 145:8; 1 John 1:8-9
The only provision that would fully satisfy God's holy justice is a perfect, sinless sacrifice bearing sin's judgment on behalf of those who have sinned. Since God is the only One Who is perfect, He chose to be that sacrifice.
This is where God's holy justice combines with his endless love on the cross.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
God came to us as Jesus Christ--both fully God and fully man. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life on Earth and then sacrificially died in our place for our sin.
John 3:16-18 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Dive deeper: Isaiah 9:6-7; 53:1-12; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-14; 3:16-21; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6-12; Ephesians 2:4-10; 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 3:4-7
Jesus rose again, showing He alone can give eternal life and victory over our sin and need for judgment. Jesus is the only way humans, created in God's image, can be saved from sin and restored to fellowship with God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Dive deeper: 1 Corinthians 15:19-22, 55-57; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Colossians 1:14-20
Jesus was blamed for sin so that sinners can be made righteous according to His innocence.
Think of how a court expunges criminal records. Jesus bears the penalty of sin so that others may be "expunged." The Bible word for this is "justification."
Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Those who trust in and submit to Jesus will live out God's purposes for them in eternal fellowship with Him. They are forgiven and restored to God through Jesus. They will live joyfully under His leadership for ever, having victory over sin and death.
Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Those who trust in and submit to Jesus will live out God's purposes for them in eternal fellowship with Him. They are forgiven and restored to God through Jesus. They will live joyfully under His leadership for ever, having victory over sin and death.
Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
God's call for sinners to respond to His gracious salvation . . .
How does one receive this salvation from sin and this restored, eternal relationship with God?
The Bible calls us to turn from our pursuit of sin and follow Jesus by faith. We can let sin remain our master, or we can trust Jesus to be our Master. It is one or the other.
Turning from sin does not mean stopping all our sins. It means that we turn with the intent to stop sinning with trust in Jesus to change our life, forgive all our sins, and give us ultimate victory over sin.
Have you sincerely considered the message of Christ we have shared with you? Do you agree with God that you, along with all of us, commit sin in both your heart and life? Do you believe God is just and will judge all sin?
Do you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sin and rose again as the only Way to redeem us to God eternally?
Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior and follow Him as your Lord? Really think about these questions.
If you are willing to turn from your sin and trust in Jesus, then we invite you to tell that God. Talk with God, and in your own words, ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Acts 3:18-19 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Romans 10:9-14 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Dive deeper: John 1:12; Acts 16:30-34; 20:21; Romans 3:21-28; 5:1-2; 6:11-23
Turning from sin does not mean stopping all our sins. It means that we turn with the intent to stop sinning with trust in Jesus to change our life, forgive all our sins, and give us ultimate victory over sin.
Have you sincerely considered the message of Christ we have shared with you? Do you agree with God that you, along with all of us, commit sin in both your heart and life? Do you believe God is just and will judge all sin?
Do you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sin and rose again as the only Way to redeem us to God eternally?
Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior and follow Him as your Lord? Really think about these questions.
If you are willing to turn from your sin and trust in Jesus, then we invite you to tell that God. Talk with God, and in your own words, ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Acts 3:18-19 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Romans 10:9-14 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Dive deeper: John 1:12; Acts 16:30-34; 20:21; Romans 3:21-28; 5:1-2; 6:11-23
If you are trusting Jesus to save and restore you to God, then follow Him.
God promises to save and transform all who respond to Jesus' message of salvation by turning with a change of heart and mind (repentance) and believing on Jesus to be their Savior and Lord (faith).
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Those to whom Jesus has given eternal life follow Jesus.
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
Romans 6:22-23 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Followers of Jesus help each other continue faithfully by meeting together and learning Jesus' teaching together. This is what a biblical church does. If you are trusting and following Jesus, it is important you actively participate within a local church that faithfully teaches the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We would love to help you find a church family. Please consider being our guest in one of the times we gather for worship.
Sunday at 10:45 AM is the best time to start. Or, let us know if you would like help finding a church in your area.
Still have questions? That's normal. Maybe you would rather meet up with someone to go through one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus together. Or, maybe you would just like to ask a few questions or share some prayer requests. Please reach out. We hope to hear from you.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Those to whom Jesus has given eternal life follow Jesus.
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
Romans 6:22-23 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Followers of Jesus help each other continue faithfully by meeting together and learning Jesus' teaching together. This is what a biblical church does. If you are trusting and following Jesus, it is important you actively participate within a local church that faithfully teaches the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We would love to help you find a church family. Please consider being our guest in one of the times we gather for worship.
Sunday at 10:45 AM is the best time to start. Or, let us know if you would like help finding a church in your area.
Still have questions? That's normal. Maybe you would rather meet up with someone to go through one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus together. Or, maybe you would just like to ask a few questions or share some prayer requests. Please reach out. We hope to hear from you.
The one true God . . .
God is one, and there is none other. He reveals Himself in Scripture as entirely and eternally holy, powerful, sovereign, wise, knowing, and loving.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
God never had a beginning, and He never has an end. Can you imagine that? God is eternal. He is self-existing. And because of God's nature, He has never been lonely or in need. He has always been complete in every way, including relationally.
God learns nothing and needs nothing. All God creates and does is a display of His perfections, not an accomplishment for anything He lacks.
There is no one like God, and God is distinct from what He creates. God is not everything around us. No, He is the Creator of it all.
God alone is worthy of worship. God commands worship not because He needs it, but rather, because His creation needs to recognize the truth of Who He is. Anything less than worship of God is for one to be deceived and to deny the truth of God. This is both self-destructive and rebellion against the Lord of all. God calls it idolatry in the Bible.
God is righteous in all His ways. This is why we can and should trust Him. We are to trust Him in His rule, judgment, and mercy. All God's ways and purposes are right.
God is the sovereign ruler of all. God is not in competition with anyone. He has declared the beginning and the end. Because this is true, we will never be ashamed when we put our trust in God.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
How do we know about God, His ways, and His promises? Scripture. The Bible in Genesis to Revelation claims and reveals itself to be given by God. The biblical word for this is inspiration, or "God-breathed."
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
God superintended the writing of Scripture over a span of about 1,500 years. That's right. It does not have just one human author claiming singular inspiration from God. Instead, God revealed Himself and His words to us through many generations in a way that establishes verifiability with history and internal consistency with its own claims and prophesies.
Scripture is the definitive authority for all faith and conduct of true Christianity. So, we hope you will keep reading as we go through points of Scripture about God, Humanity, Christ, and our commanded Response.
Some Scripture about God: Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 19:1-6; 90:2; 139:7-13; 2 Samuel 7:22; Isaiah 6:3; 40:28; 46:10; Exodus 34:5-7; Malachi 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:17; 2:9; John 1:1-14; 4:24; 1 John 4:8; Revelation 19:6; 20:11-15; Psalm 14:1.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
God never had a beginning, and He never has an end. Can you imagine that? God is eternal. He is self-existing. And because of God's nature, He has never been lonely or in need. He has always been complete in every way, including relationally.
God learns nothing and needs nothing. All God creates and does is a display of His perfections, not an accomplishment for anything He lacks.
There is no one like God, and God is distinct from what He creates. God is not everything around us. No, He is the Creator of it all.
God alone is worthy of worship. God commands worship not because He needs it, but rather, because His creation needs to recognize the truth of Who He is. Anything less than worship of God is for one to be deceived and to deny the truth of God. This is both self-destructive and rebellion against the Lord of all. God calls it idolatry in the Bible.
God is righteous in all His ways. This is why we can and should trust Him. We are to trust Him in His rule, judgment, and mercy. All God's ways and purposes are right.
God is the sovereign ruler of all. God is not in competition with anyone. He has declared the beginning and the end. Because this is true, we will never be ashamed when we put our trust in God.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
How do we know about God, His ways, and His promises? Scripture. The Bible in Genesis to Revelation claims and reveals itself to be given by God. The biblical word for this is inspiration, or "God-breathed."
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
God superintended the writing of Scripture over a span of about 1,500 years. That's right. It does not have just one human author claiming singular inspiration from God. Instead, God revealed Himself and His words to us through many generations in a way that establishes verifiability with history and internal consistency with its own claims and prophesies.
Scripture is the definitive authority for all faith and conduct of true Christianity. So, we hope you will keep reading as we go through points of Scripture about God, Humanity, Christ, and our commanded Response.
Some Scripture about God: Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 19:1-6; 90:2; 139:7-13; 2 Samuel 7:22; Isaiah 6:3; 40:28; 46:10; Exodus 34:5-7; Malachi 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:17; 2:9; John 1:1-14; 4:24; 1 John 4:8; Revelation 19:6; 20:11-15; Psalm 14:1.
The creation and condition of humanity. . .
God is the holy creator and ruler of all things, and He made us in His image to live in obedient relationship with Him. We are not an accident. God created us for a purpose and to live in relationship with Him.
Being made in God's image means that God made us as His representatives on earth and that God made us with some likeness to His sharable characteristics. This is why we sometimes act out of love, even when it goes against our personal interests. We exercise vision, creativity, and language in ways unlike other creatures on earth. We have moral conscience and personal awareness.
Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Dive deeper: Genesis 1:26-2:2; 2:7-8; Psalm 19:1-3; 139:13-18; Titus 1:2; 1 John 5:11-1
Being made in God's image means that God made us as His representatives on earth and that God made us with some likeness to His sharable characteristics. This is why we sometimes act out of love, even when it goes against our personal interests. We exercise vision, creativity, and language in ways unlike other creatures on earth. We have moral conscience and personal awareness.
Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Dive deeper: Genesis 1:26-2:2; 2:7-8; Psalm 19:1-3; 139:13-18; Titus 1:2; 1 John 5:11-1
God chose to create us even though He knew we would rebel against Him. Since the first humans, we have chosen to live in sin against God.
When God made us, He said everything was very good. But with the freedom to disobey God, things changed quickly. God was not caught off guard though. Remember, God knows all things.
The first humans rebelled against God and His good design for them. Since then, we have all followed in their disobedience, with rebellion in our hearts.
Our fellowship with God has been broken due to sin. We naturally do wrong (sin) against God, ourself, and others, and we deserve God's just judgment. Remember, God is to be worshiped, and He is just in all His ways.
Our sin is destructive, and it separates us from our holy God. Similar to how our bodies could not hold up to being in the sun's presence, we cannot be in the presence of God with our sin.
The first humans rebelled against God and His good design for them. Since then, we have all followed in their disobedience, with rebellion in our hearts.
Our fellowship with God has been broken due to sin. We naturally do wrong (sin) against God, ourself, and others, and we deserve God's just judgment. Remember, God is to be worshiped, and He is just in all His ways.
Our sin is destructive, and it separates us from our holy God. Similar to how our bodies could not hold up to being in the sun's presence, we cannot be in the presence of God with our sin.
Without being forgiven and redeemed by God, we will have to give account for living in disobedience to Him.
At death, we will be justly separated from God into an eternity without Him. In the Bible, this is often called judgment, condemnation, the second death, and the lake of fire.
We don't like to think of the reality and consequences of our own sin. We much prefer to dwell on the "bad" sins of other historic people and applaud the just judgment of their sin. But, what about our own inclinations and actions of things like envy, covetousness, lust, hate, lies, adultery, idolatry, and rebellious distrust of God?
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Dive deeper: Genesis 3:8-11; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 3:10-20; Revelation 21:8
Though we are made in God's image, we have all followed in Adam's sin. Romans 6 and Ephesians 2 make clear that we are all born under the bondage of sin. We like our sin, though we often despise the shame and consequences of it.
Our sin problem cannot be resolved through mere self-improvement or religious steps. Our guiltiness before God is a reality we cannot reconcile for ourselves. We have no contribution to bring that would reconcile us to God.
God is the only One Who can rescue us from the judgment we all deserve before Him.
Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
The good news is that God chose to redeem sinners by His grace even before we ever sinned against Him. All God's promises of redeeming, reconciling, and transforming a people to Himself are found in the promised Messiah: Jesus.
The entire record of the Bible is a record of God revealing Himself and His promise to save sinners through the coming eternal King, Son, Son of man, and Messiah (Christ): Jesus.
We don't like to think of the reality and consequences of our own sin. We much prefer to dwell on the "bad" sins of other historic people and applaud the just judgment of their sin. But, what about our own inclinations and actions of things like envy, covetousness, lust, hate, lies, adultery, idolatry, and rebellious distrust of God?
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Dive deeper: Genesis 3:8-11; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 3:10-20; Revelation 21:8
Though we are made in God's image, we have all followed in Adam's sin. Romans 6 and Ephesians 2 make clear that we are all born under the bondage of sin. We like our sin, though we often despise the shame and consequences of it.
Our sin problem cannot be resolved through mere self-improvement or religious steps. Our guiltiness before God is a reality we cannot reconcile for ourselves. We have no contribution to bring that would reconcile us to God.
God is the only One Who can rescue us from the judgment we all deserve before Him.
Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
The good news is that God chose to redeem sinners by His grace even before we ever sinned against Him. All God's promises of redeeming, reconciling, and transforming a people to Himself are found in the promised Messiah: Jesus.
The entire record of the Bible is a record of God revealing Himself and His promise to save sinners through the coming eternal King, Son, Son of man, and Messiah (Christ): Jesus.
The person and work of Christ . . .
Knowing we would sin, God chose the most loving way to redeem and restore sinners to Himself.
God has always been forgiving and merciful to repentant sinners.
In God's wisdom, He has always provided a way for sinful people to turn from their sin and obey Him by faith.
Dive deeper: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 32:1-2; 51:1-17; 130:1-8; 145:8; 1 John 1:8-9
The only provision that would fully satisfy God's holy justice is a perfect, sinless sacrifice bearing sin's judgment on behalf of those who have sinned. Since God is the only One Who is perfect, He chose to be that sacrifice.
This is where God's holy justice combines with his endless love on the cross.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
God came to us as Jesus Christ--both fully God and fully man. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life on Earth and then sacrificially died in our place for our sin.
John 3:16-18 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Dive deeper: Isaiah 9:6-7; 53:1-12; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-14; 3:16-21; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6-12; Ephesians 2:4-10; 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 3:4-7
Jesus rose again, showing He alone can give eternal life and victory over our sin and need for judgment. Jesus is the only way humans, created in God's image, can be saved from sin and restored to fellowship with God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Dive deeper: 1 Corinthians 15:19-22, 55-57; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Colossians 1:14-20
In God's wisdom, He has always provided a way for sinful people to turn from their sin and obey Him by faith.
Dive deeper: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 32:1-2; 51:1-17; 130:1-8; 145:8; 1 John 1:8-9
The only provision that would fully satisfy God's holy justice is a perfect, sinless sacrifice bearing sin's judgment on behalf of those who have sinned. Since God is the only One Who is perfect, He chose to be that sacrifice.
This is where God's holy justice combines with his endless love on the cross.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
God came to us as Jesus Christ--both fully God and fully man. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life on Earth and then sacrificially died in our place for our sin.
John 3:16-18 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Dive deeper: Isaiah 9:6-7; 53:1-12; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-14; 3:16-21; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6-12; Ephesians 2:4-10; 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 3:4-7
Jesus rose again, showing He alone can give eternal life and victory over our sin and need for judgment. Jesus is the only way humans, created in God's image, can be saved from sin and restored to fellowship with God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Dive deeper: 1 Corinthians 15:19-22, 55-57; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Colossians 1:14-20
Jesus was blamed for sin so that sinners can be made righteous according to His innocence.
Think of how a court expunges criminal records. Jesus bears the penalty of sin so that others may be "expunged." The Bible word for this is "justification."
Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Those who trust in and submit to Jesus will live out God's purposes for them in eternal fellowship with Him. They are forgiven and restored to God through Jesus. They will live joyfully under His leadership for ever, having victory over sin and death.
Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Those who trust in and submit to Jesus will live out God's purposes for them in eternal fellowship with Him. They are forgiven and restored to God through Jesus. They will live joyfully under His leadership for ever, having victory over sin and death.
Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
God's call for sinners to respond to His gracious salvation . . .
How does one receive this salvation from sin and this restored, eternal relationship with God?
The Bible calls us to turn from our pursuit of sin and follow Jesus by faith. We can let sin remain our master, or we can trust Jesus to be our Master. It is one or the other.
Turning from sin does not mean stopping all our sins. It means that we turn with the intent to stop sinning with trust in Jesus to change our life, forgive all our sins, and give us ultimate victory over sin.
Have you sincerely considered the message of Christ we have shared with you? Do you agree with God that you, along with all of us, commit sin in both your heart and life? Do you believe God is just and will judge all sin?
Do you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sin and rose again as the only Way to redeem us to God eternally?
Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior and follow Him as your Lord? Really think about these questions.
If you are willing to turn from your sin and trust in Jesus, then we invite you to tell that God. Talk with God, and in your own words, ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Acts 3:18-19 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Romans 10:9-14 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Dive deeper: John 1:12; Acts 16:30-34; 20:21; Romans 3:21-28; 5:1-2; 6:11-23
Turning from sin does not mean stopping all our sins. It means that we turn with the intent to stop sinning with trust in Jesus to change our life, forgive all our sins, and give us ultimate victory over sin.
Have you sincerely considered the message of Christ we have shared with you? Do you agree with God that you, along with all of us, commit sin in both your heart and life? Do you believe God is just and will judge all sin?
Do you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sin and rose again as the only Way to redeem us to God eternally?
Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior and follow Him as your Lord? Really think about these questions.
If you are willing to turn from your sin and trust in Jesus, then we invite you to tell that God. Talk with God, and in your own words, ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Acts 3:18-19 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Romans 10:9-14 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Dive deeper: John 1:12; Acts 16:30-34; 20:21; Romans 3:21-28; 5:1-2; 6:11-23
If you are trusting Jesus to save and restore you to God, then follow Him.
God promises to save and transform all who respond to Jesus' message of salvation by turning with a change of heart and mind (repentance) and believing on Jesus to be their Savior and Lord (faith).
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Those to whom Jesus has given eternal life follow Jesus.
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
Romans 6:22-23 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Followers of Jesus help each other continue faithfully by meeting together and learning Jesus' teaching together. This is what a biblical church does. If you are trusting and following Jesus, it is important you actively participate within a local church that faithfully teaches the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We would love to help you find a church family. Please consider being our guest in one of the times we gather for worship.
Sunday at 10:45 AM is the best time to start. Or, let us know if you would like help finding a church in your area.
Still have questions? That's normal. Maybe you would rather meet up with someone to go through one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus together. Or, maybe you would just like to ask a few questions or share some prayer requests. Please reach out. We hope to hear from you.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Those to whom Jesus has given eternal life follow Jesus.
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
Romans 6:22-23 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Followers of Jesus help each other continue faithfully by meeting together and learning Jesus' teaching together. This is what a biblical church does. If you are trusting and following Jesus, it is important you actively participate within a local church that faithfully teaches the Bible.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We would love to help you find a church family. Please consider being our guest in one of the times we gather for worship.
Sunday at 10:45 AM is the best time to start. Or, let us know if you would like help finding a church in your area.
Still have questions? That's normal. Maybe you would rather meet up with someone to go through one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus together. Or, maybe you would just like to ask a few questions or share some prayer requests. Please reach out. We hope to hear from you.