We sometimes get confused between a "want" and a "need." How many times have I told my wife, "I need that tool." But, you know, life would go on with or without that tool. However, Jesus made an interesting statement when He said, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" His point was that having a soul, ready to face death, eternity and God, is more important than anything else in the whole world! Indeed, how to have a right relationship with God is a true NEED. How is this accomplished? Consider the following:

1.    You and I have both sinned. We have violated God's law. - Romans 3:23

2.    Because we have sinned, we deserve God's punishment...death (hell) - Romans 6:23a

3.    There is nothing we can DO to change that fact. We can't try to obey the law's of God the best we can in the hope that our obedience will make us right with God. - Romans 3:20

4.    God, knowing our condition and need, sent His Own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place so that we might be forgiven of our sin and thus made right with God and have the assurance of eternal life with Him in Heaven - John 3:16; Romans 5:8

5.    Christ Jesus didn't just die. He actually rose again from the grave to prove His power over death and that forgiveness can truly be found in Him. - Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:1 - 4

6.    This offer of forgiveness is a gift which, as I mentioned earlier, can not be paid for by some religious duty or "doing the best I can." - Romans 3:28; 6:23b; Ephesians 2:8, 9

7.    This gift is received by repenting of our sin (agreeing with God that we have sinned and turning from that sin - Acts 17:30), and placing our trust in Christ alone (Romans 3:28) as our only hope for forgiveness (John 3:16; Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8, 9), acknowledging Christ Jesus as our own, personal Lord (Romans 10:9, 10; Acts 16:31).

Having this gift of forgiveness gives hope for the future, God as your Father, purpose for living and a peace to face whatever may come. These are things YOU NEED!

Have questions? Feel free to contact me. I would be honored to answer any that you might have and to help you find the joy of being a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Art George