Saturday, July 10, 2010

Baptism 02: We Are Saved By God’s Grace


 Imagine being created with a special connection to someone you love more than anything. That's what the Bible tells us about humanity and God. We were made in God's image, meant to share a close and trusting relationship with Him. It's like having a best friend who's also our guide and inspiration.


Sadly, things didn't stay perfect. The Bible tells us of a time when humanity chose a different path, distancing ourselves from God. This "original sin" affects all of us – it can make us feel separated from God, from each other, and even from ourselves. We might see it in selfishness, apathy, or even the brokenness in our world.


But here's the good news: God never gave up on us. He's like a loving parent who keeps reaching out, wanting us to come back home. The Old Testament tells the story of God's faithfulness, working through people like the Israelites to show His love and purpose. Then, in the New Testament, God entered our world in the most incredible way – as Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God showed us the depths of His love and sacrificed Himself to overcome the power of sin.


Now, how do we experience this amazing love? The answer is faith. Faith is both a gift from God and our response to Him. It's like realizing we can't do this alone, that we need God's guidance and forgiveness. It means trusting in His love and committing to follow Him.


Some people experience a dramatic moment of conversion, a clear turning point in their relationship with God. For others, it's a gradual realization of God's love working in their lives. There's no one-size-fits-all path, but the important thing is starting that journey.


Just like John Wesley, who described feeling God's love and forgiveness warm his heart, we can all experience that same grace.  It's a journey of rediscovering our connection with God, finding peace, and living a life filled with purpose.

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