321: The Story of God, the World and You
Two Ways to Live: The Choice we all Face
1
- God is the loving ruler of the world
- He made the world
- He made us rulers of the world under Him
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Rev 4:11
2
We all reject the ruler God by trying to run our own way without Him, but we fail to rule ourselves or society or the world.
“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands;
no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” Rom 3:10–12
3
- God is the loving ruler of the world
- He made the world
- He made us rulers of the world under Him
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Heb 9:27
4
- Because of His love, God sent his Son into the world: the man Jesus Christ
- Jesus always lived under God’s rule
- Yet by dying in our place he took our punishment and brought forgiveness
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit…” 1 Peter 3:18
5
- God raised Jesus to life again as the ruler of the world
- Jesus has conquered death, now gives new life and will return to judge
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” 1 Peter 1:3
6
The two ways to live; our way or God’s new way…
Our Way
- Reject our ruler (God)
- Try to run life our own way
- Result: Condemned by God, facing death and judgement
God’s New Way
- Submit to Jesus as our ruler
- Rely on Jesus’ death and resurrection
- Result: Forgiven by God & given eternal life
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36
John's Story
What's Next?
If you’re interested in finding out more, we’d love to chat. You’re very welcome to join us on our regular courses or Sunday services or you can get in touch with our minister, Dave.
Still Got Questions?
Christianity Explored has a helpful page offering short answers to those tough questions.
