If you are not a Christian or you are uncertain of your faith we would like to send you a free copy of the gospel of John and a helpful explanation of how you can know God personally.  Please send a short e-mail to dave@bridge-builders.net.

Dave Bennett – our National Director – would love to hear from you and would do his best to answer any questions you might have about the Christian faith.

For a really helpful explanation of the Christian Gospel go to:  http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/  

Below is another helpful expanation which appears at the end of our edition of the Gospel of Mark

Unlocking the book of Mark…

The Gospel (or Good News) of Mark is part of the Bible. It is one of the true, eye-witness accounts of the life of
Jesus Christ.

More than 30 times in this fast-moving story we read that people were amazed at the words and works of Jesus.

Many people today would say that Jesus was the most influential person who has ever walked this earth.

A key verse

The key verse that captures the message of Mark is on page 36 where Jesus explains that he “came not to be served, but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark’s account tells of a life of service and sacrifice by Jesus who lived a perfect life. But he was crucified on a Cross – and as a Roman officer saw how Jesus died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (see page 56).

Mark begins his account by describing Jesus as ‘the Son of God’, which to the people of his day meant he was equal with God. Jesus often referred to himself as the Son of Man to emphasise his humanity, although in being born as a man he did not cease to be God.

As Jesus taught the people, he backed up his radical words with many miracles – healing the sick, multiplying food, overcoming evil powers and even controlling the wind and the waves with a simple command – “be still!” No wonder huge crowds followed him – even his enemies were amazed at his wisdom and authority.

Keys to freedom

Although great crowds followed him, Jesus makes it clear that his call to each individual is truly personal. Again and again, Jesus says, “Follow me…”

He did not preach a new religion, but a living relationship with himself. He knew that relationships are so important to each of us. Speaking with kindness and great authority, Jesus gives purpose and meaning to life. As the perfect key to our freedom, his words and actions answer our deepest needs:

• In raising the dead to life – and by his own resurrection – Jesus shows that he has power over death and so gives the hope of eternal life to each of us.
• He offers forgiveness and a fresh start as he declares on page 2: “Repent of (or turn away from) your sins and believe the Good News!”
• He offers us freedom from guilt. “I will prove to you the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins,” he says, (see page 5).
• He offers freedom from fear. As he calmed the storm on the lake of Galilee, (see page 13), Jesus asked his fearful followers: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
• Then on page 14, Jesus brings sanity to a tormented man – and hope for all who today wrestle with crippling life-styles, habits and addictions.

Key choices

No matter who we are, the life and words of Jesus are so extraordinary that they demand a response. Very simply, he says: ‘Follow me and be my disciple.’

• But to those who would put off any decision, God says, “This is my dearly loved Son, Jesus – listen to him.” (see page 28).
• To those who say they have no need of God, Jesus lays bare the secrets of the human heart, (see page 23). “For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride and foolishness… they are what defile you.”

The Bible says that if we claim we have not sinned, “we are calling God a liar,” (First letter of John chapter 1 verse 10).

• To those who say they just don’t know how to trust God, Jesus says, “Anyone who welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (see page 31).
• To those who say it would cost too much to be a follower of Jesus, read how Jesus was “crushed with grief to the point of death,” then tortured and crucified. (See pages 50-56).

Key steps

Jesus is the key to a transformed life – and the promise of life after death. To accept this priceless gift of salvation is the greatest miracle that anyone can experience.

Although sin separates us from God, Jesus offers us the way back. He says, “I am the way… no-one can come to (God) the Father except through me.” (Gospel of John chapter 14 verse 6).

To have a relationship with God, we need to take three simple steps:

• First, ask God to forgive you – this means saying sorry, from the heart. The Bible calls this repentance, which implies a complete turnaround and change of mind. The Bible says “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts chapter 3 verse 19).
• Second, put your trust in Jesus Christ who, when he died on the cross, took the punishment for all our wrongs. The Bible says: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts chapter 16 verse 31).
• Third, accept God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life. We suggest how to do this on the next page.

Opening the door

Here is a very simple prayer you can pray:

Lord Jesus,

I believe you are the Son of God. I believe you died on the Cross for me. I am sorry for my sins. I come to you now and ask you to forgive me and cleanse my heart.

(Pause here to mention anything on your conscience).

I really want to trust you, starting today. Please be my Lord and Saviour. I invite you into my life.

Help me to live by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love and obey you with all my heart.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Amen.

Getting started

1. It’s a great help to tell a friend about your decision. This takes courage, but God is greatly honoured when we do this. This also helps your faith to come alive.
2. To receive helpful information, please send us the reply card at the end of this booklet.
3. Read the Bible, asking God to speak to you. The Gospel of John is a good place to start.
4. Speak with God each day in prayer, just as you would talk to a close friend.
5. Find a lively church where the Bible is taught and lived out. Fellowship with other believers will help you grow as a Christian. If you would like help in finding a suitable church, please indicate this on the reply card.

Remember, God promises: “I love all those who love me. Those who search for me will surely find me.” (Proverbs chapter 8 verse 17).