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Is there a God?

Is There a God?
Have you ever wondered if there really is a God? Have you ever wondered why so many civilization or cultures around the world believe in a higher being or a Creator? If so, would this Creator be aware of who you are, or be even interested in you? Most of these cultures (and even ours) believe there is an afterlife. And in this afterlife, there is a heaven and hell.

Who created the sunset? We all believe, without the shadow of a doubt, that there is a sun. That is because we have felt the warmth of its rays, witnessed the splendour of a sunset and experienced its magnificent power transforming our lives. The truth is, there is a God and He longs to reveal Himself to you. The God our Creator, created you to be creative in your ability to do wonderful things on earth. Animals do not possess the ability to create, imagine and build wonderful things. This is because mankind is created like the Creator. The planet Earth and yourself are not created by accident. In Bible it says: Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by things that are made, even eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20). Even though you may not believe in God, but from an external point of view, our moral value system is built inside us. Hence we are able to distinguish the differences between right and wrong, good and bad. British author C.S. Lewis (once an atheist) wrote: "Human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and can't really get rid of it." Some people think that the proper order of inquiry is to first decide if there is a God (a philosophical question) and then figure out who Jesus is (a historical question). But many have discovered that when they deal with the person of Jesus, and allowing Him to touch their lives, they find answers to many of their other questions at the same time. The truth is, there is a God and He longs to reveal Himself to you.

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Is there a God?

Do I Need God? You can be very successful in life (career, wealth and family) without God. Lots of people do. However, there is one thing that mankind is not immune to, and that is death. Death is seldom talked about because we have no clue what will happen to us after we die. Many of us believe that when we die, we will all go to a better place, called heaven. But are you good enough to go to heaven? Here are some basic questions to examine your goodness: Are You a Good Person? Whoever believes he is not a liar is already lying. Our parents didn't teach us to lie, yet when we were children, we lied for selfish needs (or wants). For most of us, our answer would be "no". However the Bible said: Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in Him (1 John 3:15). Some of us may have difficulty in forgiving people who have offended us. God is interested in your heart. If we want God to forgive, we must first forgive others. Have you ever committed adultery? Jesus said: But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28) Do you have any idols? Idols are not restricted to just being a statue of a god. They are also things that you deem more important than a relationship with the Living God. Idols can be anything; a car, career, house, a family member, hobby, sports, ministry etc. Some people believe in their own beliefs more than pursuing a relationship with God. Have you met the standard of goodness? If your answer is 'yes' to any of the above standards, you have broken the commandants of God and you are disqualified from entering into Heaven. It is impossible to enter Heaven with our own goodness and understanding. The Bible writes more about Hell than Heaven, and warns us many times, in quite a strong way as well. But the cowardly (suicide), unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

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Is there a God?

So how can I go heaven when I die? Missing the Mark What is missing the mark? The Greek word hamartia ( ) is usually translated as sin in the New Testament. In Classical Greek, it means "to miss the mark" or "to miss the target" which was also used in Old English archery. If an archer misses the target, the word "sin" was yelled out. In context, this is the same for our lives. Many times, what we believe is good (with our own good intentions and our own wisdom), is not necessary good in God's standard. Therefore we miss the mark and we have sinned. The following diagrams below show the reason for the separation between us and God.

Separation from God Our Attempts God's Remedy God's Invitation

Separation from God God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. He loves us and created us to enjoy a personal relationship with Him. But we have failed to do this, by choosing to go our own way. We show this independence by being hostile or apathetic towards God. Like a parent, God (the Father) gave His children the freedom of choice, hoping for His children to love and obey Him. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 Our Attempts

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Is there a God?

Mankind is trying to bridge this gap in an attempt to find security and satisfaction through things such as wealth, good works, religion, philosophy or morality. However, all attempts will eventually fail because they do not deal with the problem of sin. For the wages of sin is death Romans 6:23. There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 But your iniquities have separated you from God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 God's Remedy: The Cross Jesus Christ is the only answer to this problem. He died on the Cross and rose from the grave, paying the penalty for our sin and bridging the gap between God and people.

1Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
For Christ has also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

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Is there a God?

God's Invitation When God invites, we must each respond by placing our trust in Him as our Saviour and Lord. Then we can begin our journey to know God personally.

In summary: God wants to save you and give you a brand new life. He can comfort you in your difficult times through heartfelt prayer, Bible reading, fellowship with believers and attending church. Here is a summary of the Good News: (1) God loves you. (John 3:16 from the Bible) (2) Man has sinned against God. (Rom 3:23) (3) Jesus has paid the penalty for your sins by dying on the cross about 2000 years ago.

(4) Receive Jesus by repenting of your sins, being

baptised in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)

Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

and be filled with the

(5) You are assured of entrance into heaven. Walk on this earth by faith to begin your new journey.

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Is there a God? John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Call Tabernacle of Joy (church) at Telephone : (65)63344022 for more information and for Unlocking the Bible (UTB) (Bible Study) to know how you can have a victorious life. Visit www.tabjoy.org

Adapted from Cornerstone Community Church

Tabernacle of Joy www.tabjoy.org