THE GOSPEL - what is the gospel?
You and I are sinners, guilty, under the wrath of God, and on our own, apart from Jesus Christ, we are dead - not dying - dead in our sinfulness. BUT God sent Jesus to die on that cross to shed his blood to pay the whole penalty for our sin. But on the third day, he didn't stay dead, he got out of that tomb, and he came back to life - physical life - giving new life to his people. And he did this so that every person who repents of their sins and believes in him will be forgiven and saved.
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Don't repent or do good works to be saved, do this because you are saved - out of thankfulness to God for his sacrifice. We deserve death for our sin, so we don't deserve heaven, it's only by God's grace and mercy we do enter heaven - those who had TRUE faith in Jesus Christ will be granted eternal life. Remember, it's a relationship with God, not just keeping the rules and being a "good person". Hate the sin, not the sinner. Love God, love others. Spread the Gospel, keep the commandments, love and act like Jesus, have a live and faithful relationship with God.
---Don't know where to start in the Bible?---
NEW TESTAMENT
John - story of Jesus's life.
Matthew - how to become a disciple for Jesus Christ.
James - how to live with faith.
Romans - how to live a Christian life.
Ephesians - how to live a holy life.
OLD TESTAMENT
Proverbs - wisdom, how to live well.
Psalms - how to deal with your emotions.
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Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
The Golden Rule - Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
James 2:17
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
John 14:15
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8
"But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. †
Romans 10:9
"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
John 8:12
"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.”
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
LOVE is defined as a selfless, sacrificial commitment to seek the well-being of others. Not a feeling you jump in and out of.