The Meaning of Life
THE QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of life?
Why am I here?
How did I get here?
What happens when life is over?
If you think about it, these are very thought provoking questions. The big question in my life was “what is the purpose of life?”.
I always said there has to be more in life than this because I could never reach a level of satisfaction, I was always looking ahead toward the day when my goal would finally be realized. At first I thought the party-life would bring satisfaction, you know, laughing and playing and no worries; but after several years of that I realized that wasn’t it. I thought after I graduated from college and got a good job then I would be fulfilled; I achieved that goal, but emptiness persisted. Then I thought a different job in a different state, making more money; I ended up at the Space Center in Florida making great money, but I was still empty. I thought maybe a relationship would change things; but relationship after relationship I still came up empty. At this point I knew that marriage, kids, and a house would not fill this void either. I asked what could possibly fill the void in my life and bring satisfaction.
These questions are asked by everyone, including the rich and famous. Harrison Ford, the most successful actor in Hollywood’s history once told an interviewer, “you only want what you ain’t got.” When the reporter asked Ford what he “ain’t got,” he replied, “Peace.” Imagine in spite of all the fame and money, Harrison Ford said he lacked peace.
THE ANSWERS
I found the answers to all my questions when I read the Bible from cover to cover. I found out things I never knew before. I found out how special I (we) are to God. The Bible tells us that we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), that’s pretty special. I found out that God is not a distant far away God who doesn’t think of us individually and personally, it’s the complete opposite; the Bible tells us that God knew and formed us while we were still in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-18), and that He knows the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7), and that God stores our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8), these are just to name a few. I also found out that God has a plan and a purpose for our life. God says in the Bible, “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). But the biggest message God is sending us is that He loves us (John 3:16).
However there is a problem, and I found out this is why I had a void in my life, and that is that we are separated from God because of our sins. The Bible says, “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear (Isaiah 59:1-2). To sin is to break God’s law which is the standard of conduct that He has given for our common good. We are all guilty of this, the Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Think back to the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), the 10 commandments were designed to reveal to us our sin and show us our need of forgiveness (Romans 3:19-20), the Bible tells us that if we break just one law once, we are guilty of them all (James 2:10).
THE GOOD NEWS
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH?
If you have just asked Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and be the Lord of your life, we would like to know so that we may pray for you and send you some materials to help you get started in your wonderful new walk with Him. Feel free to email us at the address below.
STEPS TO GROWTH
1. Study of the Word (Apostles Doctrine): The Bible is like spiritual food. Just as you clothe and feed your physical body, you must clothe and feed your spiritual body. (2 Timothy 2:15)(Psalm 1:2)(Psalm 119:11)
3. Breaking of Bread (Communion): This is simply remembering what Jesus Christ did on the cross for you. When faced with things you do not understand (trials/tribulation), go back to what you do understand; God loves me so much that He endured the cross to purchase my life. Seeing Gods love in its true Light, will keep everything else in perspective. (1 Corinthians 11:23-34)
4. Prayer: Prayer is talking and listening to God. The Lord loves to hear from us! You can pray anytime you want to – driving your car, on your knees, wherever and whenever. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) (1 John 1:9) (Luke 11:1-14)