Have you ever had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ? Have you ever seriously pondered what it would be like to have an intimate relationship with Almighty God? Have you ever honestly considered or acknowledged your need for God's forgiveness and redemption from your sinful ways of living? Do you understand what sin really is according to God? Have you fully comprehended what He declares to be sin in His inspired written word, the Holy Bible? Are you genuinely experiencing a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ by knowing Him as your personal Lord and Savior? Can you really imagine having a Heavenly Father who will love you perfectly and eternally and care for you compassionately and completely? Dear one, this is the very reason God sent His only son, Jesus Christ, into the world. God sent His Son to bring us the good news that we can experience unfailing love, true abiding joy, everlasting hope, and freedom from the bondage of sin through His Son, Jesus. The extant reason Treasured Word Ministries exists is to reveal to you, and to all those who are earnestly searching for truth, purpose and meaning for their lives, the glorious reality of the gospel of salvation to be found in Christ Jesus. Jesus gives a life changing opportunity for a new life with hope and purpose for the future for all those who are seeking a pure knowledge of God with freedom from the guilt of sin. Anyone who sincerely calls on the name of the Lord Jesus can find salvation with eternal joy through a personal relationship with Him. Through relationship with Jesus you can experience that infinite unsearchable love of a merciful Heavenly Father who is the Almighty God of the universe and the Father of all creation.
WE'D LOVE TO HELP YOU TO CONSIDER, AND TO EXPERIENCE, GENUINE SALVATION THROUGH A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S ONE AND ONLY SON
We, Robert and Mickey Crank, of Treasured Word Ministries, came to experience new life in Christ Jesus by reading and studying the Holy Bible, and by subsequently surrendering our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Holy Bible was supernaturally written, inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. It is God's precious written message to us, and His instruction for us. We founded and came to call our non profit ministry Treasured Word Ministries (TWM) because of our sincere love, and deep appreciation for God's word. The name, Treasured Word Ministries, is based on the scripture verse in the Bible which says, "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." [Psalm 119:11]. By reading the Bible, God's written inspired word, with a zealous desire to really know and understand God, His will, and His truth, and to perceive who He really is, we discovered God's wondrous plan of redemption for mankind through Jesus Christ, God's only Son. As we studied the scriptures we learned that Jesus died a terrible death on a cross in order to pay the penalty for our sins. His inimitable sacrifice enabled us to be reconciled to God through His blood atonement for our sins. We saw how Jesus defeated sin and conquered death, once for all, when He rose victorious from the grave on the third day after His crucifixion. Christ Jesus is alive and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God! We serve a glorious risen and living Savior who will return again for His ardent followers, His true church! The Bible announces this saying, "But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." [Hebrews 9:26b-28]. When Robert and I discovered that we, too, could have hope, joy and eternal life with Jesus through the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit, our lives were changed forever. We have never been the same. We are now abundantly and magnificently blessed by a life filled with God's love, forgiveness, peace, rest and joy. We have continued our practice of enthusiastically reading and studying the holy scriptures in the Bible throughout our many years as Christians. Reading and studying the Bible, God's written word, continues to be a tremendous privilege and a constant delight to us. We never tire of reading, discovering and discussing the splendid truths to be found in God's holy scriptures. Reading, studying, and applying God's word into our lives has enabled us to know and love God in deeper and ever increasing measure, while also helping us to understand our proclivity towards sin and our desperate need for God's merciful forgiveness on a daily basis. Our study of the Bible has helped us to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God's divine will, while enabling us to perceive His plan and purpose for our lives. The application of God's biblical principles has dramatically and wonderfully changed our lives and our perspectives on life. We avidly await Christ's second appearing when He returns again to gather His faithful church unto Himself. There is an eager anticipation and expectation among earnest Christians all over the world today who believe that Christ's return is imminently near. When Jesus returns He will return as King of Kings! We will then behold Him as Lord of Lords in all His glory! It is our sincerest prayer and hope that you, too, will experience God's divine amazing grace and begin to treasure God's word in your own heart while eagerly awaiting His appearing. May you come to comprehend God's infinite love for you while discovering His perfect plan and unique purpose for your life!
HOW WE CAME TO EXPERIENCE A MEANINGFUL LIFE
THROUGH RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST
Augustine said it so well when he stated: "Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and the heart of man is restless until it finds its rest in Thee".
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BECOMING A CHRISTIAN AND TRULY EXPERIENCING GOD'S LOVE, FORGIVENESS, PEACE AND REST IN YOUR OWN HEART AND LIFE?
IN THE SCRIPTURES JESUS SAYS: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." [Matthew 11:28-30].
There is an account in the Bible of a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and proceeded to tell Jesus that he knew Jesus was a teacher from God because of all the miraculous signs that He, Jesus, was performing. Jesus declared to Nicodemus,"...I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." [JOHN 3:3]. Nicodemus questioned Jesus as to how a man could be born a second time after he was already old. Jesus answered Nicodemus saying, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at My saying, 'You must be born again.'" [John 3:5-7]. The Bible clearly teaches us that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. We must be "born again" of the Spirit into a new life in Christ. We read in the Bible: "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable." [1 Corinthians 15:50]. One day, we who have been "born again" of the Spirit, and who trust in Jesus, will be transformed and given a new body that will never grow old, become sick, tired or die. We will be given a glorious new imperishable body, like that of Christ, to dwell in throughout eternity in the kingdom of God. What a wonderful hope! "So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;" [1 Corinthians 15:42].
THE BIBLE ASSERTS: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," [Romans 3:23]. We must realize that in order to become a Christian a person must first admit his or her need for forgiveness from sin. We are hopelessly and completely lost and separated from God by our sin. Sin is everything that is contrary to the expressed will of God and to His holy commandments. The dictionary defines sin as: moral depravity - wickedness - unrighteousness, ungodliness - to do wrong - to break a religious law - or moral principle. The Bible defines and details these sins in numerous biblical scriptures which outline God's righteous requirements and holy commandments. For example, the scripture verses written in Exodus 20:1-17 give us God's Ten Commandments. These Ten Commandments from God reveal His moral law and His requirements for a holy life. However, God looks much deeper than our outward behavior in keeping His commands. He looks deep into the very intent and motivation of our hearts in each and every activity in which we engage. The scripture verse in 1 Samuel 16:7 says to us that "...The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." God examines our hearts according to His own holy righteousness. In such a glaring light, none of us can stand up to God's Holy requirements by our own merit. We all need the forgiveness and the mercy of Almighty God!
ALL HAVE SINNED - SIN SEPARATES MANKIND FROM GOD
THE BIBLE CONTENDS: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." [Isaiah 64:6]. We have all sinned and fall short of God's holy requirements. To experience God's forgiveness we must confess that we are sinners and repent (turn away) from our sinful life. That is, we must ask God to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all our wrongdoing through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His righteousness. The Bible states plainly, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1:8-9]. Jesus became sin for us. He paid the penalty for our sin so that we could be reconciled to God. We are righteous and forgiven of our sins only through the sacrifice and atoning blood of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." [2 Corinthians 5:21].
THE BIBLE EXPLAINS: "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but made alive by the Spirit," [1 Peter 3:18]. Jesus, who was crucified and died on a cross, but rose again from the dead, is now alive and seated in the heavens. Since Jesus was made alive after His death by the Spirit, we too can therefore have that hope of having eternal life with Him when we receive Christ Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior and as the sacrifice for our sins. You see, Jesus came to Earth and accepted the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross for us. His suffering, death, and resurrection enable us to be set free from the captivity of sin and to begin a new life through His sacrifice. When we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts He sends us His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. We then have that same power working inside of us that raised Christ Jesus from the dead! What an incredible thought! The scriptures confirm this: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in this present age but also in the one to come." [Eph 1:19-20].
THE SCRIPTURES REVEAL: "...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." [Hebrews 9:22b]. The Bible teaches us that Jesus, God's Son, came to earth and lived in a human body -- just like ours -- except that He was perfect and lived His life without sinning. Because Jesus lived a sinless life, He was able to offer himself as a sacrifice, a blood atonement, for our grievous sin. We can never be good enough by our own human effort, in God's eyes, to earn our own salvation. Therefore, God Himself, in His great love and compassion for His creation, came to earth in the form of man to redeem us, fallen mankind, from sin. Since that beginning account given in the first book in the Bible, the book of Genesis, where Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and sin and death entered the world, we have all had a propensity towards sin. As we've already seen, our sin separates us from relationship with God. The shedding of innocent blood, a blood sacrifice, was required by God for man's sinful disobedience. This sacrificial shedding of blood became a blood covenant between man and God serving as a covering, so to speak, for man's sin until Christ Jesus the Messiah came and became the supreme and final sacrifice that paid the penalty, once for all, to do away with our sin. Through Adam's disobedience sin entered the world with the penalty of death. Through Jesus Christ's sinless obedience to God, life and righteousness returned for those who trust in Him. Christ's death took the place of ours enabling our eternal reconciliation with God through His suffering, death and blood atonement. Our salvation is a precious gift from God and only to be found through our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible confirms this by stating, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 6:23].
WE'RE UNABLE TO SAVE OURSELVES - WE NEED A SAVIOR
WE NEED JESUS
THE SCRIPTURES INSIST: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast." [Ephesians 2:8-9]. Sin is being displeasing to God by our unbelief and by the hardness of our hearts. It is this hardness and unbelief which motivates us to live contrary to God's law of love, and causes us to disobey His holy commands. D.G. Bloesch, in Walter A. Elwell's "Evangelical Dictionary of Theology", states that "Whereas the essence of sin is unbelief or hardness of heart, some of the chief manifestations of sin are pride, sensuality, and fear. Other significant aspects of sin are self-pity, selfishness, jealousy, and greed." You see, the opposite of sin is not goodness or virtue, as some might suppose. Our lack of virtue or goodness, our pride, selfishness, greed, and so forth, is just a manifestation or the evidence of the hardness of our heart, and the sin of unbelief. So you see, the opposite of sin is really faith, not goodness. It is only by our faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, which He accomplished on the cross at Calvary, that we have any hope at all of salvation. It is only by our faith, that is, by trusting in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, that we find our salvation. Our own works, our own righteousness, and our own goodness will never suffice with God. We are saved only by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, never by our own works of righteousness. We are totally helpless to save ourselves. The Bible emphatically states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe He exists and that He is rewards those who earnestly seek Him." [Hebrews 11:6]. To experience genuine salvation and receive eternal redemption we must believe in our hearts that Christ Jesus died for our sins and that He is our only hope for salvation. We must have faith and trust in the completed work of Christ. We must then receive Him, that is, we must invite Jesus to come into and dwell within our hearts. It is only through our faith in Jesus that we can have relationship with God as our Heavenly Father. The Scripture wondrously exclaims, "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" [John 1:12].
GOD PROMISES THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE WHO TRUST IN JESUS
THE BIBLE SAYS: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of His glory." [Ephesians 1:13-14]. Jesus said that He would not leave us alone after His earthly death, resurrection, and His ascension into heaven, but He promised us that He would send us the Holy Spirit to indwell us, His disciples, and to teach us and guide us into all truth, to comfort us, and to counsel us in His holy ways. Jesus reveals this to us in the scripture that says, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come." [John 16:13]. What a precious and blessed gift Jesus has promised to give to His followers in sending us His Holy Spirit to abide with us and dwell within us forever. The Holy Spirit assures us that we belong to Christ and gives us strength and an abiding joy unspeakable deep within our souls. Jesus promises in the scripture, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." [John 14:16-17].
WE READ IN THE SCRIPTURES: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." [John 3:16-18]. The Bible teaches us that God loves us and wants us to have relationship with Him. The biblical verses of John 3:16-18 show us that God loved us so much that He made a way for us to have relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, His one and only Son. However, apart from relationship with Jesus Christ we stand cursed and condemned and remain under God's wrath and eternal judgment. Jesus warns us of this coming judgment in the Bible: "Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." [Matthew 25:41]. Jesus is the only way to relationship with God and our only hope for eternal salvation. Another Bible verse declares, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." [John 3:36].
GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE AND MERCY
GOD LOVES US AND SENT HIS SON TO DIE FOR OUR SINS
JESUS ASSURES THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM WHEN HE ANNOUNCES IN SCRIPTURE: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die." [John 11:25-26].Jesus then addresses a most profound question as he continues in verse 26 asking: "Do you believe this?" Robert and I had to answer this question for ourselves. Did we really believe in and trust Jesus for our eternal salvation? In this same way, dear one, you should examine and search your own soul and answer this question for yourself. God gives us a choice to make. We can choose life or we can choose death. We can choose heaven or we can choose hell. There are only two choices which will determine where we will spend eternity. We will all have to stand before a Holy God and give an account for our lives while living here on this earth. Our lives could be called into account at any moment. We're only a heartbeat away from facing a holy God and our eternal judgment. We don't even know what the next few minutes of our lives may hold in store for us. We never know when our next breath may be our last. Do you have complete confidence and assurance that you are forgiven and accepted by a holy and righteous God, or do you still fear death and God's righteous judgment? WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? I urge you to be completely honest with yourself. Your life and eternal destination depend on it! Jesus forewarns in scripture, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." [Matthew 25:46]. Carefully examine yourself! Our actions tend to prove to us what we really believe to be true. We tend to take action, make decisions, and live our lives according to what we strongly believe and hold to be real and true. What do you really believe? What do your actions prove about what you believe? As Christians, we desire to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to God out of our love and devotion to Him, not as a method to earn our salvation. Once we have genuinely experienced God's glorious forgiveness and His wondrous "perfect love" through salvation in Jesus Christ, His perfect son, we no longer have to fear death and God's impending judgment and wrath. We can now have confidence to enter into the presence of a holy God, our Heavenly Father, both in this life and when we stand before Him face to face on the day of our judgment. The Bible assures us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." [1 John 4:18].
THE BIBLE AFFIRMS GOD'S GOOD AND LOVING INTENTIONS TOWARD US: "'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'" [Jeremiah 29:11-13]. What is your purpose? What are you living, and giving, your life for? God has a very special plan and a unique purpose for each of our lives. He has a plan and a destiny for your life! We are each uniquely gifted and created by God. We are His workmanship! God is intimately acquainted with all our ways and He alone possesses the perfect plan for each of our lives which He uniquely created us to fulfill. His plan is the only one that will truly satisfy us and bring us enduring hope and a lasting joy. It is never too soon, nor too late, to trust God with your life and to begin walking in the special plan and divine purpose He has just for you.
GOD PROMISES AN ABUNDANT LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST
JESUS SAYS IN THE BIBLE: "...I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly." [John 10:10b]. So often people think they must give up something to become a Christian. Sometimes they are afraid of losing what they call "the good life". However, in reality, if they were to sincerely and carefully examine the life they now live, I feel certain it wouldn't really be all 'that good'! Those momentary pleasures of sin are just temporary, at best. The fleeting pleasures of sin can offer no lasting satisfaction, no abiding joy, no eternal confidence and hope. Ultimately, all sin leads to death and destruction. Jesus asks us to come to Him just as we are, but willing to repent from, and to forsake, our sinful way of life. He has promised us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, to enable us to overcome sin, and to give us understanding of His truth as revealed in the Bible. Jesus has already finished and completed the work for us on the cross. Jesus came to give us a full and an abundant life. He reveals that abundant life to us in increasing measure as we surrender our lives into His hands and trust Him completely with our lives, hopes and dreams. Nothing this earth has to offer can even come close to comparing with the glorious riches and immeasurable love God has in store for those who know and love Him! We give up our life controlled by sin and receive an abundant life filled with purpose. We receive a life filled with love, peace, joy and a hope that springs eternal. We give up our fear of death, our guilt, our feeling of being alone and empty. Having life and hope in Christ Jesus is the only way to have everlasting joy and that fully abundant life. My dear friend, there is nothing in this world in which we live that can even come close to comparing with the sweetness and pleasure of abiding in the presence of a loving, merciful, and omnipotent God! The scripture assures us of God's marvelous plans for us when it says, "However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him' -- but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." [1 Corinthians 2:9-10]. The indwelling Holy Spirit of God reveals to us, God's children, the riches of God's glorious plans and purposes for our lives, while giving us a glimpse and a foretaste of the inexpressible joys and bliss awaiting us in God's eternal kingdom.
Today more than ever, in these troubled, violent, and distressing times in which we live, we desperately need the peace of God to guard our hearts and to keep us sheltered daily in His fathomless love and care. Christ Jesus alone can change our hearts and our character and grant us lasting peace and eternal security. Whatever you may be going through or experiencing today, no matter how difficult the situation, or how heartbreaking the circumstance, you can find comfort, strength and wholeness in the loving presence and consummate purpose of Jesus. Jesus remains the only source of that permanent and perfect place of eternal rest and refuge. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." [Psalm 91:1-2].
WARNINGS FOR REJECTING CHRIST OR FOLLOWING OTHER WAYS
JESUS CAUTIONS IN THE BIBLE: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." [Matthew 7:1314]. Many people erroneously believe that their own good lives will be sufficient to earn God's grace and mercy and to secure a place for themselves in heaven. Unfortunately, this is not the way of salvation that God has made for us. It is man's way, not God's way. Jesus said, ""I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." [John 14:6]. The Bible resolutely states that Jesus is the only way we can have relationship with God the Father. Apart from genuine faith in Jesus Christ, and trusting in His righteousness alone, there is no hope for salvation. Many claim to be Christians today. Many may even belong to churches. Many have been baptized or confirmed. However, not all who claim to be Christians are actually living in a truly surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ. Many people practice some type of religion, but many have never genuinely experienced a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. One can say and do all the right things, and appear to have a form of godliness or Christianity, but still not really know Jesus in a personal relationship. Therefore, many who believe themselves to be Christians don't really know God or belong to His family as one of His children. If you are claiming to be a Christian, but have never really experienced a changed life, then perhaps what you are practicing isn't really 'Biblical Christianity'. You may be practicing religion without experiencing that most important element, a life changing relationship with Jesus. Has there been a real change in your life? Genuine Christianity is built on a relationship with a person, the person of Jesus Christ. Most all other religions involve a list of "do's" and "don'ts", often including strict laws that one must abide by, with unending ceremonial religious acts. Other religions are usually based on what one must do to earn one's salvation, or to be rewarded with a better life, either here or in the hereafter. Christianity is the only religious belief which focuses on what has already been done. Salvation is a free gift from God through relationship with Jesus, God's son. Christianity is based on what Christ has already completed and accomplished at Calvary, not on our good works and our own righteousness. Jesus is the only way to enter into life. His way is that narrow way and that small gate by which only the few truly enter in.
Have you ever considered that you can know all about someone and actually feel that you know that person, without ever really having a personal relationship with that person? For example, we all feel we know the President of the United States. His face is constantly before us. We often know where he is at a given time. We listen to his speeches. We know much about what he stands for. We usually recognize his family and associates. We can even quote some of his remarks to others. We know him as our President and as such we assume we have relationship with him, at least to some degree. Some might even suppose that we should have personal access to him, when necessary. However, the truth of the matter is, that if the majority of us were to walk up to the White House and boldly try to enter the door without going through proper channels and procedures, we would certainly not be admitted into the White House. As a matter of fact, we might very possibly end up in prison by being so bold as to try to enter the White House without having an invitation or a special clearance from the President. Only a very few are so privileged as to have such easy access to the President of the United States. They are those who are in extremely close relationship with him, such as his immediate family. In much the same way, we can only boldly enter into the presence of a holy God through our intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, His son. That makes us a part of God's personal family and as such, we are therefore specially privileged to enter into His presence because of our relationship with Jesus. Jesus plainly states in scripture, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!" [Matthew 7:21-23]. The word "knew" used in this previous scripture reference (Matthew 7:23) implies that we must have a personal intimate relationship with Jesus. There is more to belonging to God's family than just merely believing that Jesus exists. Even Historians don't dispute the fact that Jesus existed in time and that He lived on this earth as a real historical person. Jesus appeared to over 500 people after He rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:6). The demons of hell believe in Jesus, as well. However, that certainly doesn't secure salvation for the demons in hell or for those historians who don't know Jesus personally and intimately as their Lord and Savior. The scriptures submit, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that -- and shudder." [James 2:19]. Just believing with our minds that Jesus lives and exists is not enough, according to scripture. The key is our relationship with Jesus. We must surrender the control of our lives into His loving hands. Once we fully acknowledge Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, He will send the gift of the Holy Spirit to indwell us and to empower us to fulfill our purpose and our destiny in Christ. The Holy Spirit of God will begin to direct our lives and to teach us about God's perfect will and purpose so that we can be pleasing and honoring to Him in all our ways.
Dear ones, salvation is a precious and priceless free gift from God. But, salvation is only available for those who both "believe in" and also "receive" Jesus into their hearts as their personal Lord and Savior in order to genuinely experience Him in that intimate relationship. Where will you spend eternity? Are you prepared to face death? Have you been so busy in this present earthly life that you've never really considered, or taken time to reflect upon, how very soon your life on this earth will end and how suddenly you will enter into an eternal life? We face the reality of death every single day. Remember that it says in the Bible, "...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" [Hebrews 9:27]. God is an infinitely loving, generous, and gracious God who loves you so very much that He gave His only son, Jesus, to die for you so that you could be reconciled to Him in a loving relationship. However, Almighty God is also a righteous, just, and holy God. His justice demands a penalty for sin. We can either trust Jesus, by confessing our sinfulness and our need for a savior, and by receiving His priceless gift of salvation, or we can pay our own penalty for our sin and be condemned after death to an eternal state of damnation, or punishment, in a place called hell. Where will you spend your eternal life? God graciously leaves the choice in our hands.
WE MUST TRUST IN JESUS - CONFESS AND TURN FROM OUR SINS - INVITE JESUS INTO OUR HEART
JESUS ANNOUNCES IN THE BIBLE: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." [Revelation 3:20]. Jesus will never force Himself on anyone. He gives us the choice to make. He desires that all come to repentance and that none should perish. However, He also warns us that many will, unfortunately, forsake Him and choose that broad road that leads to death, destruction, and to eternal separation from God. God is a God of boundless love. He desires to come into your heart and life and to have a loving relationship with you today. If you hear Him knocking on the door of your heart, why not open the door of your heart and receive Him right now as your Lord and Savior. Don't take the chance of losing your soul for all eternity. We never know when our next breath may be our last. Are you really prepared to die? Do you have complete confidence in knowing that if you were to die this very day that you would be with God Most Holy in heaven for all eternity? Dear one, we only have this one opportunity and this one life to live for Christ Jesus and to be pleasing to a sovereign, majestic God. Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart right now? Why not open the door and invite Him to come in and dwell within your heart right now, and throughout eternity? Don't put it off until another time. You may not have another time or another opportunity to call out to the Lord. Our heart felt prayer, dear one, is that you won't miss your window of opportunity and allow the evil one to rob you of your incredible divine destiny, prepared for you in Christ Jesus.
IF YOU'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED A "LIFE CHANGING RELATIONSHIP" WITH JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR AND LORD, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU THAT "LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITY" -- RIGHT NOW -- TO MEET HIM AND TO COME TO KNOW HIM AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR .
LET'S BRIEFLY REVIEW THE STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Realize that a truly meaningful life begins with relationship with
God.
2. Understand that sin separates you from God.
3. Admit that you're unable to save yourself - admit to being a sinner - admit your need for a
savior
4. Believe that God loves you so very much that He gave you His son, Jesus Christ, who died on a
cross and was resurrected on the third day. Believe that Jesus is able to take away your sin and
save you.
5. The only thing you're asked to do is to confess your sins, sincerely invite Jesus into your heart,
and genuinely trust the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sins and to send the Holy
Spirit to dwell within your heart.
IF YOU SINCERELY WANT TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR, YOU CAN HAVE IT RIGHT NOW, TODAY!
THE BIBLE MAINTAINS: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." [Romans 10:9].
THE BIBLE PROMISES: "'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" [Romans 10:13].
THE BIBLE ACKNOWLEDGES: "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave." [Psalm 107:19-20].
YOU MAY WANT TO USE THE PRAYER BELOW TO EXPRESS YOUR DESIRE AND YOUR DECISION TO FOLLOW JESUS AND TO ASK HIM TO BECOME YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR. JESUS IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY!
Dear Precious Lord Jesus,
I really do believe that You are the living Son of God and that you died that awful death on the cross in
order to pay the penalty for my grievous sin. I believe that on the third day You rose again from the grave
so that I might experience that wonderful living hope of having eternal life with You. I ask that You
would please come into my life and into my heart right now and forgive me and cleanse me from all my past
sins. I really do want to know You and to love You. I want to make You the center of my life. I now turn
the control of my life over to You as I surrender my life and my plans into Your hands. I invite You to come
into my life and dwell within my heart for all eternity. Help me, My dear Lord and Savior, to pray
effectively and to read the Bible so that I might truly know and love You and understand Your plan and
purpose for my life. Thank You, My Lord, for Your priceless gift of eternal life and for Your Holy Spirit
who has now come to live and dwell within me. Please help me to begin a new and meaningful life with You
today. I ask in the holy name of Jesus.
Amen.
IF YOU JUST PRAYED, SINCERELY ASKING FOR SALVATION, THEN BY YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, YOU ARE NOW A NEW CREATION CHRIST!
THE BIBLE ASSURES US: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" [2 Corinthians 5:17].
We at Treasured Word Ministries want to wholeheartedly "Welcome" you into God's family! We want to encourage you to pray often. It's good for you to speak to God about your needs. It is also very essential that you read the Bible often so you can become aware of God's plan for your life. We recommend that you begin reading in the New Testament, and begin with one of the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus, such as the book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Another key aspect of the Christian life is to meet with other Christians who love God and have trusted Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. It is so very important that you get involved in a good church where the Bible is being taught and honored as God's inspired word. We also encourage you to get involved in a small group Bible study where you can build relationships that will help to nurture you in your new found Christian faith. We believe that you should follow your commitment to Christ by believer's baptism by water in your new church home. If we can ever be of any assistance to you at any time, please feel free to e-mail us or call us. We are here and exist as a ministry to serve you and to help you grow in your knowledge and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. One final request we'd like to make, is to ask you to send us an e-mail, write us, or call us and let us know of your decision to follow Christ. You may remain anonymous, if you so choose, but it is beneficial for you to confirm your new commitment to Christ with another person. We would like very much to pray for you and to help you to get established in your new found faith. May our Lord richly bless you and daily guide you in your newfound journey of faith! May God's "Richest Blessings" be yours today and always!
In Christ's Love and Service, Robert & Mickey Crank of Treasured Word Ministries
PERHAPS YOU'VE JUST READ THIS MESSAGE CONCERNING SALVATION AND ALREADY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS. HOWEVER, AFTER READING THIS MESSAGE AND GAINING ADDITIONAL INSIGHT INTO ALL THAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR YOU, YOU MAY FEEL THAT YOU HAVEN'T BEEN AS FAITHFUL IN DEVELOPING A CLOSER, MORE INTIMATE, WALK WITH JESUS AS YOU POSSIBLY COULD HAVE DONE. IF THIS IS THE CASE, THEN PERHAPS TODAY, RIGHT NOW, YOU'D JUST LIKE TO RENEW YOUR LOVE AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO CHRIST JESUS AND TO EXPRESS YOUR DESIRE TO HIM TO EXPERIENCE A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER. IF THIS IS TRUE FOR YOU, YOU MIGHT WANT TO PRAY THIS PRAYER OF RENEWAL:
Dear Holy Heavenly Father,
I ask that today You would renew my zeal and passion for You as my first love and the Lord of my life. I pray that
You would draw very near to me and enable me to be refreshed by Your mercy, love and amazing grace. I pray that
You would ignite a fire of consuming love with a passionate zeal and fervor within my heart, so that I might love and
serve You with my whole "heart, soul, mind, and with all my strength". Help me to be more pleasing to You as I now
renew my commitment to the things that are eternal and cast aside the things that are temporal and of no eternal
value. Help me to stand firm in my faith and my commitment to You and to remain fully prepared to meet You face
to face at my appointed time. I pray You will keep me safe from the evil one and keep me fully clothed in genuine
acts of righteousness through Christ Jesus my precious Lord and Savior. I love You my Lord and my Savior God
forever! In Christ's precious holy name, the name above all names, the name of Jesus, I ask these things.
Amen
In Christ's Love and Service,
Robert & Mickey Crank
Treasured Word Ministries
*Bible verses quoted are from the New International Version and the New American Standard Version translations