- Are you looking for a happy life with real lasting peace. Do you have a feeling of emptiness or lack in you which you want to fill. Come and read/listen to a message. The story of a rich man who became truly rich, happy and contented. To listen to the message, follow this link:
The Rich Man
Dear Friend,
A long time ago, there lived a man called Zaccheus in the country of Israel. He was a chief tax collector. Though he was short in stature, he was very shrewd and was extremely good at making money. He was so corrupt that his own community hated him for his acts of cheating, harassment and swindling. He amassed huge wealth and lived in luxury, ease and comfort. But despite his shrewdness and riches, there was a vacuum in his heart and he did not have real peace and joy, for money could not buy those.
One day, he heard that Jesus was coming to his town. He had a sincere desire to see who Jesus was. Zaccheus had heard that Jesus, the Son of God, was known for His kindness and compassion towards the poor and needy and was also merciful to sinners. He knew that Jesus had healed many sick people. He could not resist his deep curiosity to see Jesus. But there was such a big crowd around Jesus that it was almost impossible for him to get a close look. Finally he hit upon an idea. He ran fast ahead and climbed onto a tree and hid himself away from the eyes of everyone and made himself comfortable so that he could have a good look at Jesus. Sure enough, he saw the lovely face of Jesus and was enjoying His presence, without anyone seeing him. But to his great surprise, Jesus stopped below the tree where he was sitting and looked up straight into the face of Zaccheus. He called Zaccheus by name and told him to come down. He wanted to go to Zaccheus’ house. Zaccheus could not believe his ears. He got down quickly and welcomed Jesus into his house. The very presence of Jesus reminded Zaccheus of all his wicked ways and his sins. He immediately decided to turn away from his sinful ways and set all matters right with people by making restitution. From whomever he had taken money and goods falsely, he began not only to restore, but even to give far more. Jesus told Zaccheus: “Today salvation (freedom) has come into this house, since he too is a descendant of Abraham.” (Abraham was his ancestor who believed and trusted in God.) Zaccheus was filled with true peace and joy, which he had never experienced before. Without speaking much, Jesus changed the life of Zaccheus completely.
Dear Reader, are you like Zaccheus, looking for true peace and joy which all your wealth and sacrifice can not give? Are you disappointed and troubled in your heart? Jesus can change your life. He invites you today to come to him. He can change your life like Zaccheus’.
From the Holy Bible
1. All have sinned and come short of the glory of god. (Romans 3:23)
You cannot measure up to God’s holiness by your own efforts. You cannot please God by doing penance, going on pilgrimage, giving to the poor, through self inflicted punishment, etc. Even the best of human beings fail to come up to God’s standards which are so high. There is not one human being who has not sinned and we all are guilty of sin before the Holy God. So the first step to find true freedom is to be honest and admit that we are sinners.
2. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
The punishment we deserve for our sins is death and hell. God is holy and hates sin. Sin brings separation between the Holy God and man. But the gospel (good news) is that Jesus the Son of God, loved sinners so much, that He came down from heaven to earth about 2000 years ago. He was tempted like us in all points and yet He did not sin even once. He died on the cross taking the punishment for your sins and the sins of every one of us. But God raised Him from the dead and Jesus now lives forever in Heaven. Thus Jesus Christ has become the Saviour of the whole world. Now Jesus Christ offers the gift of forgiveness for your past sins. Accept this free gift.
3. Repent – Change your mind and purpose, turn around and return to God that your sins may be blotted out. (Acts 3:19)
To repent means to feel sorry for your sins and to turn your back to it. We cannot do anything about out past sins. But when we repent with all out heart and acknowledge that we have sinned and ask Jesus to forgive our sins and believe that Jesus loved us and died for our sins; God on the basis of our faith in Christ, declares us not guilty and completely wipes away all out past sins and gives us a new heart and mind with a new conscience.
4. Romans 4:2(b)…5: Abraham had no basis at all for pride… (Paraphrase) but was justified (declared righteous) because he believed/ trusted God.
Zaccheus was completely changed from what he was before. The change could be seen by one and all. This is because he understood that God wanted him to obey, trusting Him as his ancestor Abraham had done earlier and obtained God’s promise and its fulfillment. It was by this step of faith (i.e. Believing and trusting God) that he obtained salvation (freedom) from sin and deliverance from all bondage.
5. As many as received Him (Christ) to them He gave power to become the children of God. (John 1:12)
When you repent of your sins and receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you become a child of God and become the property of God and come under the authority, protection and Kingdom, of God. You will no longer be an orphan, but God becomes your father and thus you can enter into a new relationship with God.
6. Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him. (Revelation 3:20).
God does not compel anyone to repent. He invites you to accept this new life in Christ like Zaccheus. He wants you to voluntarily accept this life without any compulsion or obligation from any quarters. Jesus never casts away anyone who comes to him.
7. NOW is the appointed time. TODAY is the day of salvation.
Today is the time of Grace. God extends an open invitation to all to repent. Soon a day is coming when Jesus Christ is going to come to this world again as a Judge and punish all those who refused His invitation. Then it will be too late to repent.
But if a sinner genuinely repents, there is a GREAT JOY in heaven as he/she has been delivered from sin and eternal death. So use this opportunity and pray to Jesus. Ask him to come into your life - to change your life and forgive your sins. He came for this purpose to deliver us from the penalty and power of sin. Ask him to give you His Holy Spirit, Who will assure of His acceptance and work within you to make you a new, better and different person.
Would you like to watch the video below?
Your decision today can affect your future.
You can contact me at the address below.
Naresh B Jumani
- Naresh B Jumani
Email: nbjumani2008@gmail.com
Group: http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/sindhichristian
To hear an audio version, follow this link: http://cross.tv/21464
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