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Minister Sasha E. Butler |
God's News |
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Committed to be like Christ - Doing everything in excellence |
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By Sasha Butler Have you ever wondered what it was like in the beginning? In the beginning God created both male and female equally. When God made man, He made them just like Himself in every way. They walked in fellowship and perfect harmony with their Creator. They had full access to everything He had created because it was created for their sustenance and pleasure. God provided within the earth everything they needed including vegetation, all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and fruit-bearing trees. God did not withhold anything from them. The only thing God warned them to avoid was eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Other than that, the Garden was theirs to enjoy. They both had authority and ownership over everything that God had created. They were in partnership with God as managers over everything He had created. They were responsible for the earth’s upkeep which including gardening, naming the animals as well as the birds. God created the women to co-manage the earth with the man. She was not considered less than the man, but a part of him. When God announced His plans to provide for their future well-being, happiness and prosperity (blessings), He said to both of them, “Be productive and reproduce. Fill the earth and govern it.” In essence they were the first governors (rulers or presidents) on the earth. God was trying to protect His friends when He warned them about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He fully understood the ramifications they would face if they had the power to know the difference between right and wrong. Eating from the tree would result in them experiencing the blessings of life as well as the tragedy of death (spiritually and naturally). Although they were warned, they were given the freedom of choice. Unfortunately, they chose not to comply with God’s instructions. Their act of blatant defiance and betrayal was offensive to God and caused a breach in their relationship. The impact of that violation led to the man and women relinquishing their rights to rule over the affairs of the earth. They literally handed over their position to the evil one (also known as the devil or serpent). As a result, all of mankind was faced with the same fate: A degraded lifestyle (spiritually and naturally). It seemed as though their life of health, happiness and total prosperity was gone forever. The man and women had to wonder at that moment, “Will there ever be another opportunity to regain what we lost?” “How will we ever be able to approach God again and enjoy the friendship we once shared with Him?” This is where the story of redemption begins: God and man are so much alike, that He already had an answer to their questions. God loves His creation so much that He was unwilling to leave them in their fallen state. He was determined to reestablish His original partnership and friendship with man. He immediately set a plan in place that would allow them to regain their rightful place on earth. God so greatly loves and dearly cherishes His friendship with people that He sent His only Son to pay the price for all our offenses, failings, indulgences, and crimes. Regardless of the color of our skin, where we were born, our social or economic background, His Son sacrificed His life so that we would not remain in a state of hopeless. He died and came back to life so that God’s original plan for mankind would be restored. Anyone who puts his/her trust in God’s Son has the assurance of eternal life and will no longer be in bondage to the fear of death. Everyone who chooses to believe in and trust in God’s Son, experiences the fullness of His forgiveness and love. Through His Son, we can enjoy a wonderful partnership and friendship with God. He promises that we can count on Him to take care of us and provide for all of our spiritual, physical, financial, and emotional needs. Who is God’s Son? His name is Jesus! I am here to offer you a lifetime opportunity to get to know Jesus. I also want to share with you all the wonderful things God has planned for your life. Let’s talk to God together! Just repeat after me: God, I want to know you better. I know that I am guilty of offending you. I know that I deserve the consequences of my all my offenses against you. However, I know your love for me is so great that you sent your Son, Jesus, to pay the price for me. I now know that Jesus is the only one who can restore our relationship. Jesus I believe that your death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness and brings me back into a loving relationship with God. I choose to put all my trust in you alone as my Savior. I also give you total reign over my life from this day. Thank you Jesus, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!"
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Copyright 2008 Inxcellence Inc. All rights reserved |
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