Lessons from John 17: Personal Relationship with God
Eternal life is more than belonging to a church, because church’s or denomination’s or lack thereof do not save us. Neither does religion! Religion is man’s way of trying to make their way to God through efforts and deeds which will never do. What God desires is for us to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son, who made His way down to us!
Jesus came, He made His way down from heaven, His home so that those who choose to believe in Him through His work on the cross, might have life, abundant life, in and through Himself. And so Jesus pend up the way to the Father, His Father and ours and as we place our faith or belief in Him. And it is there that we gain the hope of heaven, known as Eternal Life!
Yet, the good news is that we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to enjoy this abundant life. Eternal life begins the moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross on behalf of our sins. It is a free gift to all who recognize and believe that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life!
Principle: Eternal life is found only in the person of Jesus Christ and belief in His atoning work on the cross.
The question is, “Have you received God’s free gift of life through placing your faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross?
If not, why not? You have received enough of the truth of His word and the conviction of His Holy Spirit. Don’t let your pride/fear hold you back! This is the sin from which there will no recovering if Jesus returns tonight for you!
In Hebrews 3:15 we find these words, “As it had just been said, Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart as you did in your rebellion.”
Jesus says in Revelation 3:20 to those who are standing in rebellion, “Here I am! I stand at the door (meaning the door of your heart) and knock (asking to come in). If anyone hears my voice and opens the door (invites Him in), I will come in and eat with that person and they with me.”
Jesus is standing here tonight waiting to be invited in to reside in the heart, mind, body and soul of anyone who has not yet confess Him as their Savior and Lord.
And for those who have what are you doing to further the cause of Jesus Christ in this world? Who is it that the Spirit of the living God is laying on your heart and mind right now! Won’t you get on with this thing God has called you to! You never know when it might too late, for their hour or your may come and go and God’s work be unfulfilled because of your lack of obedience to Him!
I pray that, that my friend, may not be said of any of us!
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach