Some people celebrate what Jesus did for them on Easter; some don’t celebrate at all.  The ministry of Jesus and His obedience to God the Father; His life are examples for us to follow are all reasons to celebrate, not only on Easter, but everyday.

Have you heard the saying, "I love my spouse or best friend so much, I'd die for them".  Jesus was beaten, tortured and died for you; would you do the same for Him?  He gave His life so we can now live forever, with Him.  The first man, Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, which caused a break in man’s fellowship or closeness between God and man.  Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice to God, for all sin, so we would once again be able to fellowship with our Heavenly Father; the Creator of this world and the entire universe. 

Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 - 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)

That sounds like a true friend....I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

My bible defines "friend" as intimate associate; association of familiarity and companionship.

"Companionship" - when I was growing up my true companions, my buddies, could spend all day and everyday together and still find things to talk about.

Now, in my marriage, my wife is my best friend.  We share companionship, but sometimes we don't say anything, we just sit close and enjoy the "association of familiarity" my bible was talking about.  When you have been through so many things together you don't have to say anything and it’s like we still communicate our feelings and desires. 

Jesus longs for that same relationship with each one of us.  He knows us so well inside and out He is truly familiar with our habits, our feelings, our deepest thoughts & desires. Why; because as we seek Him - He is the one that puts them there?

You can be - today.  It is a decision in your heart and a "confession" or speaking what you believe with your mouth.  To simply say that you believe Christ Jesus died for you, taking on Himself your sins, so you could approach God again in perfect right standing.

You may say "that sounds easy, but you can't force someone to love you".  Or "I've been so bad how could Jesus love me?  Friends; I tell you, you are too late to talk that way, the relationship has already started. God's plan from the beginning of creation was to be your friend.  More than that - He wanted you to be a part of His family.

God gave us our own will; perfect love does not demand or force itself.  We have a choice to make.  He won’t force us to believe His Word.  He just gently asks us to seek the truth.  When we do He reaches out to take our hand; no matter who we are or what we have done in the past.

Do you know Jesus; He knows you & He wants to be your friend?  He also has the most wonderful free gift for you, called salvation; living forever with Him.  Even after your "body" dies you, your spirit, will live forever.  God is asking you to decide where you want to live after you die.  He is asking you if you want to be born again spiritually into the Kingdom of God.  If you choose to say the following prayer and believe in your heart today;  Jesus will come to live with you for the rest of your days on earth.  After death you will live with Him - for eternity.

Being saved is not just so that you will have eternal life, although that is more wonderful than we can comprehend; it includes so much more.  Jesus took our sickness so we can have health in our bodies.  He took our poverty so we can have wealth and riches.  He took our oppression so we can have freedom and peace in our lives on earth.  Are you free from sickness, free from poverty and lack, free from stress?  You can be; Jesus already paid the price for you.

Romans 10:8-9 reads, "But what does it say?  "The Word is near you; in your mouth and in your heart”, that is, the Word of faith which we preach.”  For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”  (NLT)

Say the prayer below out loud if you have decided to become a friend of Jesus – for eternity…

Prayer of salvation.

Lord Jesus - I believe, I believe you came to earth as a man; you died for my sins and you were buried.  I believe you rose from the dead and you are seated at the right hand of God, according to your Word, the Bible.  I believe that by saying with my mouth and believing in my heart, I will be saved to live with you and you with me; forever.  Amen

If you have truly believed this prayer and what you have just said with your mouth and believed it in your heart; you are now born again into the Kingdom of God.  You, most likely, have questions about what's next; "is that all there is to going to Heaven"?  No, absolutely not, you are just beginning the most exciting time of you life here on earth.  God has a plan for each one of us.  A wonderful plan, full of blessings and power; which we can hardly imagine.  The next step for you is to find a bible teaching church that can help you learn to communicate with your heavenly Father. 

God wants to speak to you personally, but we all need to learn to hear His voice.  Northern Light Ministries welcomes you to the family of God.  We would love to get to know you and help you on this wonderful journey. 

Please contact us; we want to celebrate with you!