The Message of Christ

The message or Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is quite simple, but it's the most important thing you'll ever hear or read.  God created man to be his companion, made especially to fellowship with Eternal God.  He gave man free will - the ability to choose right or wrong.  Man - Adam and Eve - chose sin, and as a consequence - death, and lost that free and open relationship with God.  Because God is Holy, sinful man can not have fellowship with a righteous and just God. 

But God, ever merciful, provided a way for man to regain that lost, longed-for relationship.  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross - to pay the death penalty required by our sin.  Christ lived a perfect life on this earth - something we can't do.  Because He loves us, He gave Himself freely, and through His sacrifice and resurrection to life, we can be washed clean of sin!

The Christian life doesn't promise to be free from problems - we live in a world damaged and disrupted by sin.  Satan will still try and deceive you into believing that God isn't real, or that He couldn't possibly love anyone like you.  But the Bible plainly teaches that "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"!

So how can you become a part of God's family?  Just three easy steps!  First, recognize that your sin has caused you to be separated from God.  Romans 3:23 says "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...".  Next, understand that this separation results in a spiritual death, but that Jesus Christ provided a means of reconciliation (bringing together) with God by dying on the cross for our sins.  Jesus was raised from the dead and offers what He did for us as a gift.  You can't buy it, and you can't earn it - it's a GIFT, freely given.  This gift provides strength for life here on earth, and eternal life in heaven.  Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Third, accept the gift!  When a gift is given, it must be received for the transaction to be complete.  Simply acknowledge your sins in a prayer to God, and tell Him you accept the gift of Jesus.  How?  You can say a simple prayer like this -

Dear God,

I realize that I am a sinner and need the gift of Jesus' sacrifice and love in my life.  Please forgive me and include me in your family.  I put my life and soul in your hands.  Thank you.  Amen.

If you sincerely pray this, and mean it, you will become part of God's family - a child of the King and heir with Jesus Christ His Son!  Your next step should be to find a church where you can grow in your faith.  Winn's is more than willing to help you in your Christian walk and life - come and worship with us!