by Pastor Jim Campbell
Things look bleak and that may be an understatement. Unemployment, (the last I heard at the time I was writing this article) is 10%. People are really hurting for jobs. Churches and charity institutions are suffering as well. Overall giving is down dramatically. Everywhere you look it seems like the overall picture of the economy is not too bright for the immediate future. Some economists are saying we may be in for a long haul of financial suffering before most people are back to work and on their feet. Pretty gloomy huh?
May I inject a hope and great investment that will really pay off and is more secure than anything else in this world? I’m talking about people investing their lives with Jesus Christ. Does this investment pay great dividends such as taking care of our needs like food, clothing, the rent, the house payment and a health program? Yes it can, but it does depend on how much we will invest ourselves in faith and commitment to God. The terms of the contract or covenant overall are simple. Just accept Jesus as Savior, promote Jesus (meaning tell others about him,) and serve him.
Let me give you a few benefits of this covenant just to show you how attractive it can be in case you’re interested…
“How about God providing the basic needs of life here on earth for us and family?” The Bible says this, and these are God’s words written in (Matt. 6:31, 33) There’s our basic needs met, in black and white (or red if in the red letter edition). God promises to all of us that if we agree to his contract our needs will be met!
Included in God’s contract as well (providing we accept the terms and live up to them the best we can); are also God’s blessings of healing and health, and long life; with happiness, peace and joy sprinkled into it.
Now let me ask a question. “Who would not accept this contract and commit to love God and to receive and honor his Son Jesus Christ?” Yet there will be some who will reject this invitation and never agree to this contract. Why is that? Many have never heard about their Savior Jesus (we need to get busy church!) Others do not understand what the contract really entails, though they may have heard a little about it. And still others may not care about God or even want God.
Here’s a little more detail for us about the covenant God is ready to make with us: (John 1:10, 12) “…the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name:” There it is── actually one of the most important parts of the divine contract. Receive Jesus and we become adopted sons and daughters of God, put into his family, and we will live forever with Him! Jesus and God’s contract are available to every living human being on this planet as well. No one will be turned away no matter how bad we are now or were. Further, the divine contract says God will accept all, “Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1Timothy 2:4) That includes everyone doesn’t it?
Many of us have already accepted the contract and found Jesus, and are being blessed right now. How about you? Do you want in? Would you like to turn your life over to Jesus right now? Say this little prayer and join us in God’s blessings:
“Father in heaven; please forgive me of my sins. I do believe that Jesus is the Son of God and my personal Lord and Savior. I ask for your forgiveness and I invite Jesus into my heart right now. Thank you for hearing this prayer and thank you for giving me eternal life. In Jesus name, Amen.”
If you have done this please let us know by calling us here at the church (815) 338-4934, or send a private message on my contact form. We will send you information and more about how to grow and love God.
Pastor Jim
