God has blessed me. God has blessed me and He intends for me to be a blessing to others. I feel God wanted me to do something nice for you. I gave you this card because I wanted to make sure you knew this was a gift to you, from God. Why you? I have no idea, but God knows!
If you are a believer. If you are a believer you probably do not have a hard time understanding what I'm talking about. Undoubtedly, at some time in your life, you have also felt compelled to help someone in a very specific way. Perhaps it was even a stranger. It is likely that you understand what I mean when I say that I felt a distinct nudge to do this kind thing for you.
If you are not a believer. If you are not someone who believes in God it may seem strange that I would say that I felt that God wanted me to do this for you. It may seem strange that a person even believes in God. I can tell you that not only do I believe in God, but I have experienced him.
The need for God. As human beings, we all face a fundamental problem: sin. Sin is an act or thought, or way of being that goes against the will, or commands of God. Sin separates us from God and mars the perfection He intended for us. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 (ESV), "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That means that ever person, without exception, has fallen short of God's perfect standard due to sin.
Moreover, Romans 6:23 (ESV) explains the consequences of sin: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God. This is a dire situation that we cannot remedy on our own.
The solution. However, God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a solution to this problem through His Son, Jesus Christ. John 3:16 (ESV) beautifully captures this truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, and willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." We cannot earn salvation through our own efforts or good deeds; it is solely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12 (ESV) declares the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Jesus is the only way to reconciliation with God and eternal life.
Our Responsibility. Therefore, recognizing our sinful condition, repenting of our sins, and placing our faith in Jesus Christ is crucial for salvation. Romans 10:9-10 (ESV) outlines this process: "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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
The need for salvation arises from our sinful condition and the separation it causes between us and God. Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ through faith in His sacrificial death and resurrection. It is a gift of God's grace, available to all who believe and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
Your next steps. Exploring your interest in salvation is a significant first step. To continue on this path, consider visiting a local Bible-believing church where you can deepen your understanding of faith, connect with a supportive community, and learn more about the journey towards salvation. Look for churches in your area that prioritize teaching from the Bible, offer community and support for your spiritual journey, and have a clear message about salvation through faith. Local online directories can help you find such churches near you. Visiting a few can give you a sense of where you feel most at home and supported in your journey.