Have you ever wondered why most people never find real joy and peace in their lives? The answer is, they are usually looking in the wrong place. Many suppose that happiness and peace can be obtained through riches! Yet we all know people who are wealthy and yet, they are miserable.

 

Elvis Presley said, "I would give a million dollars for one day of peace in Memphis." The real reason man lacks meaning and purpose in life, is because he is separated from God! The bible says, "Your sins have separated you from God so, that He will not hear. " (Isaiah 59)

 

The chasm between man and God is like the Grand Canyon, a huge distance separates the two. The results of this separation are profound..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my own life it resulted in a lack of peace, various fears, guilt & depression. And also a sense of discontentment and emptyness and no assurance whatsoever of going to heaven after I died!

 

I wonder if you can relate to this?

 

The bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

 

How then can this gap be bridged?

 

This then becomes the issue. Many would say by trying harder to be good or possibly being baptized and going to church. These things are good in and of themselves but it's impossible for man's good works to bridge the gap, it's simply too wide!

 

Before Ghandi died, he made this statement, "I am as far away from God that made me as when I began."

 

If a man of Ghandi's stature fell short, where does that leave you and me?

 

The answer to this dilemma is that God Himself has provided the way! He saw us in our helpless and hopeless condition and because of His great love toward us, sent His own Son to do something for us that we could not do for ourselves... make a complete payment for sin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

 

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

 

For example, if the bank was ready to forclose on your home because you were totally unable to make the payment, and then another stepped forward and paid off the entire debt for you, that would be a happy event. Particularly if you were facing, being thrown out on the street!

 

Jesus said, "He came to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45)

 

And "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

 

If there is one verse that best sums up the message that God has for us, its this, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

 

The convincing proof that God has given to the world that this is true, is that He raised Christ from the dead! Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. Through trusting Christ alone one can begin this relationship that will go on forever!

 

I came to Christ 30 years ago and I can honestly say it was the best thing that ever happened to me! I am not being presumptuous when I say that from that day on I have been absolutely sure, that if I died I would go to heaven!

 

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know you have eternal life." (l John 5)

 

If eternal life was a cake, joy and peace would be the icing on the cake! Joy and peace are the result of a close relationship with God and something He wants all of us to enjoy!

 

Why not call on the name of Jesus today (bridging the gap) and receive the great blessing of the forgiveness of sin!

 

For the bible says, "Who ever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

 

- Jack Fontaine