Searching for answers to life?
THE
SECRET
TRUE
OF Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
LIFE
THE
SECRET
TRUE
OF
LIFE
Are you sure of your destiny?
How can I get real peace?
Are you under a heavy load?
Searching for answers to life?
THE
SECRET
TRUE
OF
LIFE
Are you sure of your destiny?
How can I get real peace?
Are you under a heavy load?
iscover D how to live life as
the Creator intended
You were created to live a happy and fulfilled life. This little booklet will help you discover how to live life as the Creator intended. It quotes the world’s best-selling book, the Holy Bible. Millions of people all over the world turn to this book to find satisfying answers to life’s deepest questions and problems. From beginning to end, this booklet is about God — the God who created the world, and made men and women in his image for a special purpose. So what went wrong? This booklet explains and also shows how you can have a life-changing relationship with the Supreme God.
2
The Supreme God created the heavens and the earth
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind — livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.” Genesis 1:1, 20, 24, 26-28
3
The
Supreme God is a loving father
“I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18
4
You parents — if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
STO
NE
Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:9-11
There is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. 1 Corinthians 8:6 5
Tragically,
man turned away from God All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Isaiah 53:6
6
My way
GOD’S Way N RU Y M WAY
Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! Psalm 53:1-3
7
You can know the supreme God through the
Lord Jesus Christ Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see. Colossians 1:15-16
8
Man God
There is only one God and one Mediator There is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity — the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6
The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honour at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. Hebrews 1:3
Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:23 9
The Lord Jesus came with
Good News for the‌
poor, captive, oppressed and sick God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 10
When Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:16-20
11
The Lord Jesus has the
P ower to Heal After sunset, many sick and demon‑possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. Mark 1:32-34
12
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, ”If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?” His disciples said to him, ”Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, ”Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” Mark 5:25-34
13
The Lord Jesus has
authority over evil spirits
It’s scary?!
14
Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority — quite unlike the teachers of religious law. Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, ”Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” Jesus cut him short. ”Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. ”What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. ”It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” Mark 1:21-27
Amazing?!
15
The Lord Jesus has
authority over nature
16
One day Jesus said to his disciples, ”Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, ”Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm! Then he asked them, ”Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. ”Who is this man?” they asked each other. ”When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” Luke 8:22-25
17
The Lord Jesus has
authority to forgive sins How did He do that?
18
Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!” Luke 5:18-26
19
How can someone love me … a sinner … and die for my sins?
20
The Lord Jesus came
to die for our sins God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified — one on his right and one on his left. Luke 23:32-33
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18
21
The Lord Jesus
conquered death and lives today Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
22
The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” Luke 24:1-7
I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
23
The Lord Jesus
took the penalty for our sins
God’s Glorious Standard
Everyone has sinned; we all F short of God’s glorious standard. AL L Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:23-25
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Man’s Standard
You cannot reach up to God’s standard and please him by your own efforts; you need the Lord Jesus to rescue you. Lord Jesus is the only way to God.
24
Only in Christ can we reach God’s standard God’s Glorious Standard
Apostle Paul says, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
25
You can receive
eternal life
Forgiveness
through the Lord Jesus
LIFE
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Receive the free gift of salvation from God For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 26
Let the Lord Jesus into your life Jesus says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20
Believe that Jesus died for you 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. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10
Know that you are a child of God! To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
You can receive Jesus Christ right now Pray this prayer from your heart:
Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me on the cross. I admit that I can’t reach up to your standards or save myself. I need you, Jesus. Forgive my sins. Save me! I give myself to you now. Thank you for loving me and accepting me as your own. Thank you that I am now a child of God! Amen 27
The Lord Jesus
cares about your problems. He will help you overcome
If you prayed the prayer on page 27, your sins are forgiven. You are now a child of God! The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, lives in you. He will help you to be a follower of the Lord Jesus — encouraging you, guiding you as you go about your daily life. Jesus said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
The Holy Spirit will remind you of God’s love and care for you. You are not on your own when troubles come; you have all the wonderful promises of God to give you comfort, wisdom and courage. Here are some of them:
When you are afraid Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
When you are depressed The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:17-18 28
When you are sick It was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:4-5
When you are tired Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
When you are close to death Dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” John 11:25-26 29
When you are insecure What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Romans 8:31-32
When you are worried Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
When you are worried about money Apostle Paul says, “This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
When you are angry Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26
When you are lonely Jesus says, “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.” Matthew 28:20 30
When you are insulted God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. Matthew 5:10-12
When there is injustice
If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience Injustice clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:15-17
When you are frustrated You (God) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal rock. Isaiah 26:3-4
When you are feeling guilty If we confess our sins to God, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Guilt
Isaiah 1:18 31
When you are impatient Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
Dear God, thank you that I can call you my Father. I am eternally thankful that you sent Jesus to die for me, to redeem me from my sins and guilt. Thank you that you love me and care for me. No problem is too small for you to take notice, or too big for you to solve. Thank you for the wonderful promises in the Bible. I pray that the Holy Spirit will always be with me, giving me guidance and comfort in my everyday life. I thank you for the joy and peace that come from putting my trust in you. Amen. Please make sure you have read carefully the first part of this booklet and prayed the prayer on page 27. If the free offer page has already been removed from this booklet, and you are interested to know more about the Bible and God’s wonderful plan for you, please write to: IET, P.O Box 10803, Mehrauli P.O., New Delhi 110 030 Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2008 FL Media All rights reserved Printed in India for MediaServe, 2011 www.mediaserve.org
Cartoons by alfred luther
A prayer of thanksgiving
Searching for answers to life?
THE
SECRET
TRUE
OF Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
LIFE
THE
SECRET
TRUE
OF
LIFE
Are you sure of your destiny?
How can I get real peace?
Are you under a heavy load?