The cry of every soul

Whether it is understood or not, every person longs for and seeks inner peace, rest, and joy. Unfortunately, either because of ignorance or unwillingness for the cost of discipleship, most people search in the wrong places, only adding to their frustration and unfulfillment. The world offers countless substitutes to try to fill the heart's inner void with security, enjoyment, and gratification, but it can never deliver with any satisfaction.

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The sin problem 

The unhappiness, fear, and lack of fulfillment that so many people live with are because everyone is born with a sinful nature that is selfish and proud. "There is none that doeth good, no, not one...For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:12, 23). This inborn sinfulness is evident in every person's attitudes, words, and actions. Most of all, it results in the unsettledness of mind and heart that does not go away. It is what separates people from God and his peace and dooms them to eternal hell.

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The call of God

When man was first separated from God because of sin, God immediately offered a way for man to be restored to spiritual life and fellowship with Him. In his own way, God has offered that hope to everyone since then. The unrest that is felt in the mind and heart is the call of God. He invites everyone to come to Him for grace, salvation, and peace. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16-17). 

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The sacrifice for sin

God sent his Son, Jesus, to earth as a baby born of the virgin, Mary. He became like us in every way, yet without sin. He fully understands our feelings, temptations, disappointments, and pain. He is able to help us with anything we might experience. Most of all, He sent Jesus to suffer for our sins and pay God's righteous penalty for sin so we can be saved from death and hell. Jesus was crucified by those who hated HIm, and He gave his life to redeem every person from sin. "Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22) Then, because He is God and the essence of life, He resurrected from the dead, defeated Satan, and triumphed over sin and death forever. In this victory, He offers eternal life to us. This deliverance from sin and death brings peace of mind and heart.

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Answering God's call 

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). He also promised that, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37), and, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). God also promised that, "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Although salvation is a free gift of God's grace, it costs everything we are and have. We must confess our sins and forsake them, which is called repentance, and plead God's forgiveness through Jesus. We must also commit ourself to Him, giving Him our heart, soul, mind, and body. These works of faith can never purchase salvation, but are the condition of the heart to receive it. It is not difficult to find God and his peace; if we sincerely give our heart to God, He will change it from a hard heart to a soft one, cleanse us from all sin, fill us with His Spirit, and give us peace of mind and heart. It is a gift that we receive by faith, believing his promises.

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Walking with God 

The first and greatest commandment is to, "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength" (Mark 12:30). Jesus also said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). God has promised that the Holy Spirit, who comes from God the Father and Jesus the Son, will dwell within us, comforting us when we are obedient, correcting us when we err, and leading us in the way and will of God. He speaks to us from the Word of God, in prayer, and by quiet inspiration that reveals God and his will to us. He also speaks to us through gospel preaching and the fellowship of other believers. Our walk with God is dependent on our love for Him and our obedience to his Spirit. The second commandment is to love others as ourselves. It is a fruit of our walk with God to live for others willingly and unselfishly. God has commissioned his children to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. A sincere burden for souls is a result of our relationship with God. It is true that our flesh is sinful, and we will sometimes fail in our commitment and obedience. God's grace will keep us and help us as long as our sincere desire is to serve Him with all our heart. He has promised to always be with us and to receive us to Himself in heaven at the end of life. A joyful life of peace of mind and heartis offered to everyone..