What does it mean to receive?

As I said, quite amazing. However if you want to experience life the way God created you for, you must respond to Jesus' sacrifice on your behalf. It is not enough to just intellectually agree that what Jesus did was for our benefit, you must personally respond to it.

The bible uses the word receive. It basically means that we must personally trust Jesus. This involves accepting that his death provides the forgiveness we need, but given that God brought him back to life, that he is the rightful leader and guide of our lives, indeed of the entire world.

Jesus has your best interests at heart and has a plan for your life that is fulfilling and meaningful. This is where the real trust comes in.

You might be asking, "Can I trust Jesus with my life and does his offer of forgiveness really wipe the slate clean?"

If Jesus is trustworthy, and he is who he claims to be, then he is the doorway to the most satisfying relationship you could imagine! A personal relationship with the Creator.

Does this make sense? Let me illustrate what I mean.

Have you seen the movie Les Miserables? Jean Val Jean is an ex-convict on the run from the ruthless guard Javert.

There is a powerful scene where Jean Val Jean is offered a free meal and bed for the night by the town priest. During the night Jean Val Jean steals all the silverware, and upon being discovered, he knocks the priest out cold and heads for the hills. So much for gratitude! The next day unfolds in a most unexpected way.

Jean Val Jean has been apprehended and is forcibly brought before the priest who is nursing a most obvious blackened eye.

Upon seeing Jean Val Jean in the custody of the guards, the priest shouts, "Jean Val Jean I am very upset with you my son! Why didn't you take the candlesticks? I told you that you were to take them as well!"

The guards stand up in surprise. "You mean that you gave him your silverware?" they inquire. "Yes", replies the priest, "But he did not take the candlesticks! I am most upset!"

At this he fetches the candlesticks and places them, together with all the other silverware, in Jean Val Jean's rucksack.

The guards depart without the pleasure of an arrest, leaving the two solitary figures standing face to face. "Why are you doing this?", asks Jean Val Jean. To which the priest replies, "Don't forget, you've promised to become a new man. Jean Val Jean my brother, you no longer belong to evil, with this silver I bought you. I ransomed you from fear and hatred and now I give you back to God."

A powerful story of undeserved generosity. You might say, grace. This is the same kind of grace which the Creator offers through his son, Jesus. You too can be granted God's unconditional forgiveness through him.

Make more sense?

Whoever receives this gift of Jesus, his forgiveness and leadership in their lives, will encounter a living relationship with the God of the universe! We might be on a sinking ship, but Jesus is the lifeboat to an eternal relationship with God. The offer is for you as well!

For some to receive Jesus seems too easy, but actually it is the greatest decision you will ever have to make. God says that to all who receive Jesus he gives them the right to become part of his family. You can receive Jesus into your life by praying to God a prayer which involves; a thank-you, a sorry, and a please.
Something like this:

Dear God, thank you for your love for me. Thank you that you want me to experience a relationship with you. Thank you for sending Jesus. I am sorry for living life my way. I am sorry for the wrong things I have done. Please forgive me. I accept your gift of forgiveness through Jesus. Now please come into my life and lead me. Please fill me with your presence, your Holy Spirit. Empower me to live the life you desire for me.

This prayer is not some magical formula to God, but it expresses the kind of honest sentiment required to receive what Jesus offers. It basically affirms a desire to make Jesus the living centre of your life. It is like deciding to sit in the passenger seat of your own car and allowing him to drive.

Perhaps you have been reading and thinking, "Sounds reasonable, but I need time to think." Sure, go ahead, an important decision requires some necessary reflection.

If you have questions still unanswered then I would encourage you to seek out a Christian to interact with. God is a gentleman when it comes to relationships, he loves you, but won't force himself upon you. He leaves the ball in your court. Remember though, we all need to come to grips with this reality at some stage in our lives. So the ball is in your court.

If however whilst reading you have been impacted by the reality of these words and sense God speaking to you, then I would invite you to find a quiet place where you can verbalise this prayer to him.

It might seem strange, praying into thin air, but I can assure you that God hears all the same. If it is any easier, perhaps picture Jesus standing in front of you and speak as if you are talking to him.

If you have responded to God in this way, then can I simply say how thrilled I am for you. God is even more excited and says that at this very moment he is throwing a rather large party in heaven for you.

At times like these it can be important to mark the moment. Why not take a pen and a diary perhaps, and record the date and time? May I encourage you to tell others about your decision, especially a Christian friend who can support you in this.

We all need the encouragement and affirmation God intended for us. A relationship with God opens up a whole new life journey, but now with Him. He promises to lead you and teach you as you trust in Him.

If you would like to receive some helpful resources to assist you in your new found relationship with God, or connect with our church community, then contact: