1. HARMONY . . . we long for it

We live in a great world. In spite of much suffering there is beauty, design and order. Without these life would be impossible and chaotic. God made the universe. God also made us to be very special with the ability to enjoy a meaningful relationship with God and each other. God wants us to be caretakers of the great world, develop it and use it for the benefit of all people. God governs and also preserves the world according to love, justice, truth and beauty - the essence of God’s character. Jesus Christ has been given sole authority over the whole creation. We are ultimately responsible to Him. In different ways, we all search for security, love and acceptance, and got a learn can give them. Note: the first book of the Bible expands on these principles. Genesis chapters 1-3, John 3:35-36 (NKJV) 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Colossians 1:16 (NKJV) 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

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2. SEPARATION . . . it is real

We have all experienced the pain of separation through broken and damaged relationships. When love and trust is rejected, separation takes place. When we reject God’s love and care and ignore God’s principles for life, we rebel against God our maker and provider. This is what happened to the beautiful relationship which existed between God and the people. Separation from God leads to confusion and disharmony in all relationships. Apart from God we cannot create a better society or manage our own lives. Our rebellion, like a disease has destructive consequences - fear . . . injustice . . .hate . . .wars . . .death . . .falsehood . . .abuse of others. Separation from God brings death which is both physical and spiritual. Unless harmony is restored it may lead to our eternal separation. But there is good news! Separation does not have to be final. Note: Romans 1:18-32 (NKJV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NKJV) 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

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3. RESTLESSNESS . . . in search of meaning

Our modern world can boast of many achievements but these have not made the quality of life better or more secure. The fact is that we will continue to be restless until we find our rest in God. Because we were made to live in harmony with God, there is in every person a God -shaped vacuum, which only God can fill. So, we keep searching! We live in the hope that material things or invented philosophies or religions can fill this emptiness. Our rebellious nature causes us to reject God and turn to substitute. Such things like education, sport, work, use of drugs, music, money, sex or fame cannot substitute for experiencing God’s love and acceptance. Some even try to find help by dabbling in the daemon and spirit world. Without God’s blessing nothing really satisfies. Here is the GOOD NEWS -- God has acted in history and provided Jesus Christ fill this emptiness. Note: Read what Jesus says in Matthew 11:28; Luke 12:13-21; and 15:11-32.

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4. GOD’S ACTION . . . is Jesus

God is in control even though it may seem that evil triumphs in the short-term. Our rebellion has attacked God’s honour and character. The gliders responded with a plan that upholds God’s honour, shows love to undeserving people and ultimately puts an end to all rebellion in the world. God’s love and mercy by providing Jesus Christ. Through His suffering and death on the cross Jesus took the punishment that we rightly deserve for sin. Those who ask forgiveness and put their trust in Jesus - will be forgiven and be brought into a personal relationship with God! All this is a free gift and not the result of anything we can do. Only because of what Jesus did can we now have peace with God. He alone can heal our hearts, and our laws and make the crooked straight. He stands by us in our needs. He can give us hope and joy! Note: Titus 3:4-8 (NKJV) 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. Revelation 21:1-4 (NKJV) 1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

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5. JESUS . . . opens a NEW WAY of LIVING

God invites us to turn to Jesus Christ who is open a New Way of Living for us! When Jesus rose from the dead he showed His victory over sin, death and Satan’s power. Because He is alive today, Jesus is: THE WAY back to God! Giving us a new direction and destiny in our journey through life. THE TRUTH so that we can trust His word, and have a reliable basis for our beliefs, values and behaviour. THE LIFE enabling us to enjoy it and reach our full potential, in harmony with God forever. God promises the help and power of the Holy Spirit to all who sincerely search, turn from a rebellion, ask forgiveness, and take on a responsible way of living in the world which God created and keeps in existence. Note: John 8:12, 32, 36 (NKJV) 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." . . . 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." . . . 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 4:6, 23-26 (NKJV) Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. . . 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 25 The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." 26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He." Acts 17:27 (NKJV) 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

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6. THE INVITATION . . . to Join God’s family

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life!” John 3:16. Millions throughout history - rich, poor, young or old, free or oppressed - have responded to Jesus Christ and taken their place in God’s worldwide family - the Christian Church. God’s family - is a community of caring, sharing, growing, discovering, accepting and forgiving people. Jesus Christ is enabling God’s family, the Church, to be like this. Have you ever seriously considered this New Way of Living with Jesus Christ? Why not ask God to take you into His family? Note: Luke 9:23-25 (NKJV) 23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? John 11:25-26 (NKJV) 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

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7. A HELPFUL PRAYER . . .

You too, may respond to God invitation, by talking to God in prayer, with words such as these: “Lord Jesus, I recognise that you are God and have the right to govern my life. I know that I have sinned against you in thought, word and deed - sometimes unconsciously, often deliberately. Please Lord Jesus, turn me from my rebellious ways, so that I can follow your Way and have eternal life. I believe that through your death on the cross you have forgiven me, loved me and accepted me! May my hurts and scars lead me closer to you. Give me that in a peace and joy I am searching for. Please guide me so that I may know more about You, and learn how to live in Your world as a true member of Your family.” Refer: 1 John 5:11-12 (NKJV) 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

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8. MY THANK YOU . . .

I didn’t know you cared so much for me and Your world. Thank you God! My ignorance and prejudices, my rebellion and my unwillingness to be open to Your truth kept me away from You too long! You have shown me Your real character, who You really are and a New Way to live - with the help of Jesus! Thank You Lord! Help me to discover your promises to me as I read the Bible. Through Your Holy Spirit let me be thankful, loving and helpful. Teach me to pray. Thank you Lord! May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth both in my life and the world around me. Keep me from the evil one and bring me into your presence. I trust you Lord! P.S. Thanks again. Refer: Romans 11:33-36 (NKJV) 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34 "For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?" 35 "Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?" 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-15 (NKJV) 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

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