I Love You So!
Introduction:
I’m Pete. God loves you!
The topic today: Why do we Christians love God so? And, the “Romans Road” explanation.
The Romans Road:
The Romans Road takes us on a path through the Bible, comparable to a path used in ancient times by the Romans. While the explanation can be found throughout the Bible, the Bible portion called “Romans” contains verses that help consolidate the explanation. Often, those verses are read, followed by a time for questions or further explanation. So, taking a walk down the Romans Road might briefly explain why Christians love God so.
Taking the Walk:
The first stop on the Romans Road provides an important concept that shouldn’t be missed.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV
Especially, notice the word “all”. And don’t miss the words “fall short”. Any notion that entrance into Heaven is based on grading on a curve is false. You don’t get in because you are “better” than the next guy. God is completely and perfectly holy. It only takes breaking one law or doing one sin to make you a sinner. We’re all in the same boat. You are too. None of us can enter God’s perfect Heaven based on our own merit. Ever been bad?
For the wages of sin is death Romans 6:23a ESV
Death and Hell are the default. It’s not so much that God condemns us. Our bad deeds do.
but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23b ESV
God offers, as a gift, a way out of eternal destruction in Hell, and onto the path into Heaven. Does that mean everyone automatically gets that gift, and goes to Heaven?. Do you want this gift? The following verse describes simple steps you must take to receive this gift:
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESV
The Father of Jesus is God. Jesus never did anything bad. Jesus is the only sacrifice perfect enough to pay for our bad deeds and evil thoughts. He began His public ministry on earth by saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand”. He willingly took the death penalty by crucifixion for our evil, for whoever would repent and believe in Him. He raised!
Would you like to repent of your evil to God, ask God for that gift of forgiveness and Heaven through Jesus, and love God so much for that amazing, undeserved gift of forgiveness? Find a place to pray. Repent to God for your evil. Remember only Jesus can pay for your evil. Ask God to forgive you because Jesus took your death penalty. Trust His forgiveness!
Next Steps:
If you’ve repented and received forgiveness from God through Jesus, you are already on the path to Heaven. Rejoice! You too have good reason to say, “I love Him so!”
However, you will still feel the temptation to sin. Even Jesus experienced temptation. To be tempted is not a sin. To flirt with temptation or give in to it is. Try to resist temptation.
If you do sin, repent. Ask forgiveness through Jesus. The sacrifice Jesus made of His body and blood is eternal. That’s why we break bread and drink juice to remember what He went through. He died and rose to become the eternal sacrifice for our sins.
The free gift of God includes access to God in prayer. God loves you. He wants to hear from you in prayer. Just use your own words. He looks at your heart.
Find other Christians. We help each other. We enjoy each other. We learn from each other. We pray for each other. Sometimes we eat together. We love God so, together.
Get a Bible or Bible app. Start with the portions most understandable to you. Maybe Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Just read a little regularly. It might help you see more.
If you want to sing thanks to God or Jesus, do. They’re not so concerned about how well you sing. They’re looking for a heart that loves them. I wrote a song, and dedicated it to the public, so that you don’t have to worry about paying to use it. It is attached. Or sing another. When God gave you Jesus, I think God was also saying to you “I love you so!”.
May God Bless You!