On a recent trip to see my mom,“Jill”, the GPS, mapped our way and kept us on track, informing us of upcoming
turns along the three and a half hour drive. Jill’s
directions reminded me of a “road map” of sorts that I came across many years
ago called “The Roman Road”. The Roman Road was created to help us find our way,
step by step, to a relationship with God. It shares God’s plan for saving us
from sin, in a form like signposts along a highway, or directions from a GPS. It shows us the right turns in the
right order and keeps us on the right path. It leads to the adventure of a lifetime. Are you ready to start the journey?
Romans 3:23
Everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence.
Most of us think, "I'm a
pretty good person. I’m not as bad as some people." However, we all have lied;
we all have lashed out in anger. And can anyone say, “I always obeyed my
parents”? Our sin cuts us off from God, regardless of how great or small the
sin may seem. In God’s eyes there are no "little" sins or
"big" sins. When it comes to living a life that pleases God, we all
fall short.
Romans 6:23a
Sin pays its wage—death;
Disobedience
has consequences. Just as a good judge won’t
let the guilty go free or the criminal get away with murder, God cannot allow
sin to go unpunished. There is a penalty for sin and that penalty is death, not
only physical death, but separation from God and His love forever. BUT WAIT! DON’T MISS THE GOOD NEWS!
Romans 6:23b
God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because God loves us so much, He
sent Jesus to die in our place. Jesus took our punishment—He paid the price so
we could be forgiven for our sins.
Romans 5:8
God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that
Christ died for us!
God
doesn’t wait for us to straighten up or “get our act together”—He takes us as
we are! Despite our sins and shortcomings, He loved us anyway and died for us, even
when we are at our worst! What powerful love!
Romans 10:13
As the scripture says, “Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be
saved.”
God promises to receive ANYONE and EVERYONE who comes to him by placing their faith in Jesus Christ as their
Lord and Savior.
Romans 10:9
If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death,
you will be saved.
We can be saved only by
confessing and turning away from our sins, and placing our faith in Jesus, who
died on the cross as punishment for our sins. We must also allow him to be in charge
of every area of our lives because we now belong to him.
Do
you believe what these Scriptures share? Then begin talking with Jesus about what
you believe. You may find this prayer helpful in getting started:
"Dear Lord Jesus, I realize
I need you in my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I am separated from
you. I believe that you died for me on the cross and rose again so that I can
spend eternity with you. I ask you to forgive me of my sins. Please come into
my life and take total control. Help me to begin a new relationship with you.
Thank You for forgiving me and saving me. I ask this in your name, Lord Jesus.
Amen."
Did you express to Jesus your
trust in Him for your forgiveness? If so, tell someone. I would love it if you
would share your first steps of faith with me.
Blessings!
Pam
