1 John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Most of us have heard of the Ten Commandments, but did you know hundreds of commandments were given in the Old Testament? Atonement, reconciliation, and forgiveness of sin by God were done through animal sacrifices. People had to travel to the temple, where God's Spirit was held behind a veil that only a priest could approach. But God desired a closer relationship with us. 

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.   

The story of Jesus's birth is miraculous. Mary was a virgin and engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. An angel appeared to each of them separately, explaining God's plan for Mary to conceive and give birth to God's Son and to name him Jesus because he was to save people from their sins. Matthew 1:21. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised by Joseph and Mary amongst the other children the couple had together in Nazareth.

Jesus's ministry began when he was around the age of thirty. He had many followers and disciples, but through prayer and guidance from his Heavenly Father, he chose twelve to make up his inner circle. He spent the next few years teaching and preaching about the Kingdom of God, healing people, performing other miracles, forgiving sins, and casting out demons. Jesus knew that disciples would betray him, and he would be crucified. As the time grew closer, he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39 

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him. 

John 19:30 As Jesus hung on the cross, his final words were, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  Matthew 27:51 At that moment, the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The veil was torn!

But the story isn't over! Jesus was placed in a tomb, and three days later, he was resurrected. He was here for forty days and appeared before hundreds of witnesses. Acts 1:4-5 Before he ascended into Heaven, Jesus told the disciples they would soon receive a gift that his Father had promised: they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Acts 2: 1-4 They were all together on the day of Pentecost. Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 

In human form, Jesus suffered physically and emotionally. If you think nobody could ever understand your pain, I assure you Jesus can. If you think forgiveness is for others and not you, I assure you, you are wrong. Judas betrayed Jesus by turning him over to the authorities for 30 pieces of silver. Peter betrayed Jesus by denying three times that he knew Jesus. Judas, filled with guilt, took his own life. Matthew 16:18. Peter was the rock on which the church was built.  The difference between these two disciples is one was full of greed and pride, while the other was full of humility and repentance. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  

Can you ADMIT that you are a sinner? 

Do you BELIEVE that Jesus is the Son of God?

Can you CONFESS that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?

If your answer to all three questions is yes, bow your head and pray to your Heavenly Father. If you are genuinely repentant, turn your life over to him and be ready to be transformed. Welcome to the family!

Start reading the Bible, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. I will link below a website with an app you can download for daily scripture and reading plans.

Find a church that preaches the truth, not just a prosperity gospel. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We need to be around other people who understand this truth. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another. 

A relationship with Jesus is not about religion. A relationship with Jesus opens the door to a relationship with The Heavenly Father. A relationship with Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit, our advocate, counselor, and comforter. Our relationship with Jesus determines where we will spend eternity.

May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.

Rae