WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE?

Nigel Smillie, one of our members, has written this short pamphlet "What is the meaning of life?"  It's a good question, and one that we encourage you to ask of yourself and those around you. 

What is life all about?

Death - is this the end of our lives? Or is there something beyond the grave?
The Bible gives us clear answers to these questions. Because of our sin, we are separated from God.
Sin? What is sin?
Sin is blasphemy, lying, cheating, envy, hatred, etc.
By breaking any one of God’s commandments, we have sinned against God, and are separated from Him. God is Holy. God is a God of Mercy, Grace, Love and Justice. His Justice demands the penalty be paid for our sin. Because we are stained by our sin, we are impure. Something impure, cannot by itself, become pure again.
God showed His amazing love for us by sending His only son, born of a virgin, to die and thus pay the penalty for my sin and yours. Jesus Christ was God’s sacrifice. Jesus gave His life freely for each one of us. This sacrifice is God’s gift to all mankind. But because Jesus himself was without sin, death had no power over Him, and He rose to life three days after His crucifixion, and is now sitting at the right hand of God.
We receive forgiveness for our sins through faith in what Jesus did on the cross.
As a declaration to our new way of life, we are baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is a symbol of our dying to our old life, and rising up to this new life through Jesus Christ. We are born again. A spiritual rebirth.
Becoming a Christian, does not mean that we may never experience tragedy or illness, but if we do, God strengthens us through prayer and understanding His word. And for those who believe Jesus is Lord, when we die, our body will be raised to life and we will be with Jesus in heaven for all eternity. Only at this point are we perfect.
But what about those who do not believe in God? The Bible is very clear, we cannot earn or pay for the forgiveness of our sins. We cannot save ourselves.
When we reject Jesus, we call God a liar. There is to be a day of judgement, when each one shall stand before the throne of God. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. And the unbelievers shall be judged.The Bible speaks of this judgement in terms that are harsh and shocking. Rev 21 v 8 tells us "But cowards , traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols and all liars. The place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulphur which is the second death”. What a terrible place to be. If you died this day, where would you spend eternity?
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Please pray this prayer.
“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. Forgive me Lord, I want to turn away from my past, toward you. Please forgive me, and help me.I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.I invite you Jesus to become the Lord of my life, my Saviour and friend, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”