God loves us and has a purpose for our lives. The Bible states it this way, "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" (John 3:16). God's purpose is that we have eternal life.

* We receive eternal life as a free gift (Romans 6:23). * We can live a full and meaningful life right now (John 10:10). * We will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven (John 14:3)

As we search for meaning in life, we discover our sinful nature keeps us from fulfilling God's purpose for our lives.

* We are all sinners by nature and by choice "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). * We cannot save ourselves by our works (Ephesians 2:9) * We deserve death and hell (Romans 6:23).

God is holy and just and He must punish sin. Yet He loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me" (John 14:6).

* Jesus is God and became man (John1:1,14). * Jesus died for us on the cross (1 Peter3:18) * Jesus was resurrected from the dead (Romans 4:25).

The only way Jesus can affect our lives is for us to receive Him. The Bible says, "but as many as received Him, to them gave hepower to become the sons of God,, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12).

* We must repent of our sin, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19).

--Repentance is not just feeling sorry for our sin (acts 26:20). --Repentance is turning away from our sin and turning to God through Jesus.

* We must place our faith in Jesus. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

--Faith is not just believeing facts about Jesus (James 2:19). --Faith is trusting in Jesus alone to save us.

* We must surrender to Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).

--Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is not just saying we give our lives to Jesus (Matthew 7:21). --Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is giving Jesus control of our lives.