"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

For God so loved the world… God created our universe, everything in fact, including us. More than that he created us in his image and said we were "very good" (Genesis 1:31). God loves us to bits. The Bible is a fantastic love story between God and the people he created and chose.

…he gave his one and only Son…

However we only went and messed it up, turning away from God's direction and protection for our lives and trying to do it our way, thinking we know what is best for our lives. The bible calls this rebellion and it separates us from having a relationship with God. Another word the bible uses which you may recognise is 'sin’. Romans 3:23 says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". That’s you, me, in fact, everyone!

The bible says that the consequence and penalty of sin is death but don’t worry, it’s time for the good news. God, because of the fact he adores us and doesn’t want anyone to be lost, sent Jesus as a substitute to take our place in paying the penalty of sin.

…that whoever believes in him… The great thing is it doesn't matter who you are or what you have done, ANYONE who believes that Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice can patch things up with God and make it right again, in other words we have a second chance (Romans 3:25). "If you [anyone] confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9)

…shall not perish but have eternal life.

When we turn back to God and put our faith in Jesus Christ, we have our future mapped out for us and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. We have real hope and the promise of not just life, but a life that is full of joy and adventure and all the things we long life was like.

At Bethel we pray more than anything that you would discover the author of love... Jesus. That you would see that through his life and death he gave the greatest gift of love the world will ever see... a gift for you. And the fantastic thing is all you need to do is accept it/ him... to start to live a life in relationship with God through accepting Jesus as your King and Saviour. Meeting God is as simple as praying a prayer... asking Jesus to meet you right where you are. One word of warning it will change your life and turn your world upside down!. If you are not sure that you really know God, and that you are going to spend eternity in Heaven with him, then don’t delay, listen to your heart and make this your prayer today...

"Jesus, I need you... I need you to forgive the stuff I've done wrong and I need your love to change me. I'm sorry. I want to turn around 180 degrees and now live for you. Thank you for your amazing love. Thank you for giving me life and purpose. But above all, thank you for giving your life for me. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. I belong to you. I will live my life for you and I will love you forever...    Amen."

If you have prayed this prayer we would love hear from you and help you step into God's purpose for your life, click here to contact us.

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