LOST LOST LOST
LOST. To a three-year-old, being lost is not being able to see mother -- even though she is in the next aisle at the grocery store.
LOST. To the ten-year-old, being lost is getting into the woods and not knowing the way out.
LOST. To the traveler, being lost is making a wrong turn somewhere so that he will never reach his destination unless he gets help.
Scramble all these pictures and we see ourselves. All mankind is lost. We are in the woods and cannot find our way out. But we notice that the signs and sights on the road we are traveling are not the ones we want. The choices we made previously are not bringing us to our goal.
Simply stated, we can't find our FATHER; we don't know the way home.
And the solutions are always the same:
1. Recognize that we are lost.
2. Check the compass, road map or GPS.
3. Listen for FATHER's call.
4. Ask advice.
5. Call for help !
The three-year-old finds her mother by calling for her or hearing her call. The ten-year-old can find his way home if he has a compass or can see the sun. The traveler checks his map, or GPS, or asks advice -- but only after he realizes that he is LOST.
Sad to say, most people today do not know that they are lost. They go merrily on their way to destruction. But the Bible says, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6).
Yes, we have gone astray, but the good news is that the LORD is "not willing that any should perish," (2nd.Peter 3:9a). And so, as a loving FATHER, GOD is calling to you. Right now, reading this post is HIS call.
How can you find your way back ? The Bible is the compass and road map that points the way to life. Asking advice from other Christians is also a wise thing to do.
In brief, the Bible tells us that we rebelled against GOD and separated ourselves from HIM. All our efforts of good works, religious rites like water baptism, cannot save us. So, GOD sent HIS only begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST, to become man. (And so, HE is called SON of MAN) HE died for us to pay for our sins in full. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures: and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4).
Understanding that we are sinners and are unable to do anything to save ourselves; we must come to JESUS by faith, believing that HE has paid for our sins in full. "For the SON of MAN is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10).
In Matthew 18 and Luke 15 we read the beautiful story of how JESUS, the GOOD SHEPHERD, looks for one lost sheep. YOU are that lost sheep. When you come to JESUS, HE rejoices and says to others, "Rejoice with ME; for I have found MY sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:6-7) To repent means a turning, a changing of direction from something to something. When a person repents, they are turning to GOD from their sin.
If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:
LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
You are very valuable in GOD's sight. In fact, HE gave HIS life for HIS lost sheep even while they were HIS enemies. HE does not want any of them to be lost ! Come to HIM today ! The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish..." (John 10:28a) Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal LORD and SAVIOR. Do it today, tomorrow may be too late !
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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