This clip is an excerpt from Acts 17:22-34. It's the end of a three-part mini-series through Acts 17 called, "War of the Worldviews."
For more on what it means to be a disciple keep reading below.
For more on what it means to be a disciple keep reading below.
The Problem
God created human beings to be with Him, to have a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, we as human beings have a natural tendency to do things our own way. The reality is that our way is in conflict with God's way. When we do things our own way and not God's way, it's called sin. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". In other words, everyone on earth has sinned. This sin separates us from God.
What can be done about it? Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death". The price that has to be paid for sin is death. What's more, everyone is accountable for his or her own sin. Ezekiel 18:20 puts it this way: "The soul who sins shall die". It doesn't matter how good you are. It doesn't matter how bad you are for that matter because it only takes one sin. Our goodness doesn't make up for any of our badness. And God doesn't compare us to each other either. It's not like you can claim you weren't as bad as Hitler or something. So if you can't fix this yourself, what can be done?
What can be done about it? Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death". The price that has to be paid for sin is death. What's more, everyone is accountable for his or her own sin. Ezekiel 18:20 puts it this way: "The soul who sins shall die". It doesn't matter how good you are. It doesn't matter how bad you are for that matter because it only takes one sin. Our goodness doesn't make up for any of our badness. And God doesn't compare us to each other either. It's not like you can claim you weren't as bad as Hitler or something. So if you can't fix this yourself, what can be done?
The Proposal
Again, God never intended for us to be separated from Him. But we as human beings choose to sin. However, don't worry! God has a plan. His plan gives us life by paying the price of sin for us. The price is paid and this life comes through Jesus Christ. John 3:16-17 says, "This is how God loved the world; He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him".
Many people object to the idea that God loves them because of all of the suffering in the world. They say that if God is a God of love, He would stop the suffering. However, God isn't the origin of the suffering, sin is. When God made this world it was good. When humans sinned, that brought corruption and suffering into the world. Even if God removed the suffering, that wouldn't fix the problem because the problem is sin.
When it says that Jesus didn't come to condemn the world it doesn't mean there wasn't anything wrong with the world. It means that He didn't have to condemn the world. Why? Because it has condemned itself. It doesn't need someone to condemn it, it needs someone to save it. That's what Jesus came to do. God shows His love for the world by addressing the real problem; sin. The price for our sin is death. Jesus paid the price for us.
Many people object to the idea that God loves them because of all of the suffering in the world. They say that if God is a God of love, He would stop the suffering. However, God isn't the origin of the suffering, sin is. When God made this world it was good. When humans sinned, that brought corruption and suffering into the world. Even if God removed the suffering, that wouldn't fix the problem because the problem is sin.
When it says that Jesus didn't come to condemn the world it doesn't mean there wasn't anything wrong with the world. It means that He didn't have to condemn the world. Why? Because it has condemned itself. It doesn't need someone to condemn it, it needs someone to save it. That's what Jesus came to do. God shows His love for the world by addressing the real problem; sin. The price for our sin is death. Jesus paid the price for us.
The Promise
Because the price for sin is death, and the soul who sins shall die, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die in your place. Jesus' death on the cross paid the price for your sin and mine. Because the price has been paid, we no longer have to pay it ourselves. Isn't that great? But understand this: we must go to God to ask forgiveness for our sin.
When I quoted Romans 6:23 above, I only quoted the first half of the verse. The rest of the verse says, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord". Even though we deserve death, God wants to give us life. He is holding a gift in His hands, and He is holding this gift out to you. This gift is Jesus Christ. Because Jesus came to Earth and died on the cross in your place, you can have a brand new life and you no longer have to be separated from God when you die. Because Jesus rose from the dead and paid out debt of sin for us, it's as though we never sinned at all. You can't earn this gift; it's free! Have you ever paid money for something that is free? If you have, you paid too much. What do you have to do to receive this gift?
1) Recognize that you have sinned.
Do you see a pattern in your life of rejecting God and all that He has done and wants to do in your life? You need to realize the fact that you can't do it on your own, and that God has a plan for your life.
2) Recognize that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came and paid the price of your sin for you.
Hebrews 7:27 says, "for this He did once and for all when He offered up Himself". Jesus' death was what it took to pay for the sins of the world and our sins as individuals.
3) Recognize the need to change your direction.
You have probably heard the word "repent" before. It may even seem like a negative thing to you. But in reality, all that the word "repent" means is to change direction 180 degrees, from your own way to God's way. Turn around and walk away from your sin. The Apostle Peter said in Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
4) Recognize that you need to receive God's free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the only way to renew your relationship with God. God is reaching out to you through His son, Jesus Christ. He wants you to have new life through Christ.
When I quoted Romans 6:23 above, I only quoted the first half of the verse. The rest of the verse says, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord". Even though we deserve death, God wants to give us life. He is holding a gift in His hands, and He is holding this gift out to you. This gift is Jesus Christ. Because Jesus came to Earth and died on the cross in your place, you can have a brand new life and you no longer have to be separated from God when you die. Because Jesus rose from the dead and paid out debt of sin for us, it's as though we never sinned at all. You can't earn this gift; it's free! Have you ever paid money for something that is free? If you have, you paid too much. What do you have to do to receive this gift?
1) Recognize that you have sinned.
Do you see a pattern in your life of rejecting God and all that He has done and wants to do in your life? You need to realize the fact that you can't do it on your own, and that God has a plan for your life.
2) Recognize that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came and paid the price of your sin for you.
Hebrews 7:27 says, "for this He did once and for all when He offered up Himself". Jesus' death was what it took to pay for the sins of the world and our sins as individuals.
3) Recognize the need to change your direction.
You have probably heard the word "repent" before. It may even seem like a negative thing to you. But in reality, all that the word "repent" means is to change direction 180 degrees, from your own way to God's way. Turn around and walk away from your sin. The Apostle Peter said in Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
4) Recognize that you need to receive God's free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the only way to renew your relationship with God. God is reaching out to you through His son, Jesus Christ. He wants you to have new life through Christ.
The Prayer
Do you recognize these things in your life? Do you want to do something about it? 2 Corinthians 6:2 says "Behold, now is the appointed time; behold, now is the day of salvation". There really is no time like the present. The first step in doing something about it is to simply come to God in prayer. Admit to Him that you are a sinner, that you need Jesus to save you from your sins. Tell God that you want to turn away from the direction you have been going, and come to Jesus. There is no magic formula, simply talk to God. If you aren't sure what to say, here is a suggested prayer:
If you have just prayed that prayer, you are saved! You have not only been forgiven of your sins, but you have new life in Jesus. Go and tell someone about it! We would love to know about it here at the Exchange. Please let us know. We will be happy to talk with you about the decision you have just made. If you live in the Forest Grove, OR area, we would like to come alongside you to help you start growing in your new faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you do not live in our area, we will help you find a good, healthy church to plug into that is close to you, a place where you can grow in Christ. Here is a list of Calvary Chapel churches across the country and internationally.
Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I am sorry for my sin. I thank you for dying on the cross for me. I turn from my sin and I turn to you by faith right now. Forgive me for all of it. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit. I want to be Your disciple. Help me to follow You from this time forward. Thank You for Your offer of forgiveness. I gladly accept it now. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
If you have just prayed that prayer, you are saved! You have not only been forgiven of your sins, but you have new life in Jesus. Go and tell someone about it! We would love to know about it here at the Exchange. Please let us know. We will be happy to talk with you about the decision you have just made. If you live in the Forest Grove, OR area, we would like to come alongside you to help you start growing in your new faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you do not live in our area, we will help you find a good, healthy church to plug into that is close to you, a place where you can grow in Christ. Here is a list of Calvary Chapel churches across the country and internationally.