Meaning in Life

Have you thought about if God exists? Maybe you've wondered if God can be known, and if so, how? At Harvest City Church, we believe God wants you to know Him-and that He already knows and loves you!

Years ago, someone asked Jesus, "What must we do to do the works that God requires?" In other words, "How do we get into heaven?" Jesus' reply was, "The work of God is this-to believe in the One He has sent." (John 6:28-29, NIV). In other words, you can't work your way to heaven, it's faith that pleases God.

Although God made the world to be very good, the first human couple He made chose to disobey Him. What God warned them came to pass-sin and death entered their lives and the lives of their descendants. Fellowship with God was broken, but He never gave up on people.

God's solution was to demonstrate His love for those He had made, and to satisfy His justice at the same time. God sent His Son Jesus to live on earth as a human being. Jesus also died a bloody death on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and rose from the dead the third day after his burial. Because Jesus was without sin, His death could pay for the sins of others, sparing them the certainty of hell. Jesus "took the rap" for people out of love for them.

After every ethnic group on earth has had a chance to believe in Jesus, He will return to set up His Kingdom on earth. At that time, the harmony between God, His creation, and people will be restored. Eventually, He will make a new heavens and a new earth, and wipe the tears from everyone's eyes. There is a "happily ever after!"

Meaning in life is found in loving, knowing, and serving the One who made you-God. Through this, relationships, employment, recreation, and every aspect of the life you presently enjoy comes into proper perspective. He changes your nature and provides and cares for you. In return, He also takes His proper place in your life-as God! This means the Ruler of the universe also becomes your Father, a person of care, authority, and guidance for you.

If you believe these things and would like to begin a relationship with God, please say aloud a prayer like this: "Dear God, I admit I have done wrong things in my life. But I ask you to forgive me. I believe your Son Jesus died on the cross and rose again. I ask that my sins be paid for through Jesus. I choose to obey Him and live according to His teachings. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Amen."

According to God's Word, the Bible, "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). If you have just done this, the God of the Bible assures you that you will live forever.

But there's more than that. Living for God takes the help of others who have the same purpose. This is where church comes in. The church, though made up of imperfect people, should be a place where the love, encouragement, correction, and support needed to follow God takes place. That is what we at Harvest City Church strive to do, for loving God and one another is the meaning of life!