Why does MASH talk a lot about God?
MASH was set up by ASHA whose faith in Jesus Christ, the son of God, inspired her to pray and seek healing for her daughter who struggled with self-harm during her teens. Her daughter was looked after and mentored by some very good friends in her local church, then quite ‘by chance’ a lady she had never met before told her everything about herself and how she needed prayer to be set free from self-harm. Asha’s daughter came home that night completely transformed. After just one minor set-back, she stepped out into freedom and has never looked back. Asha believes that the Jesus of the bible is just as powerful in today’s age as He was then. She has set up this blog to help others in practical and spiritual ways, but this page seeks to explore the spiritual, the supernatural God who cares for us all and wants to heal us – and our children.
We would like to stress that in no way do we insist that you have to share our beliefs in order to receive help from MASH. Lots of our pages deal with topics that are practical and offer practical support. You are welcome to air your views on any topic you find on the blog or email us with any further comments/questions on mash@redballoonfamily.co.uk
But what about you?
Have you felt the “tug” of God on your heart?
Have you read some of the posts about God and asked questions? If so please read on.
Becoming a Christian is one of the most important steps you will take in your life on earth – but what does it mean?
Jesus invites us all to know Him
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in …” (NIV)
BUT The human race has a problem.
We are separated from God because we have ‘sin’ in our lives. Don’t switch off here though, because there is good news!
We have a problem. Our sin separates us from God, leaving us spiritually empty.
Romans 3:23 says
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NIV)
It is impossible for us to find peace with God through our own efforts. Anything we try to do to obtain God’s favor is worthless and futile.
Isaiah 64:6 says
6 All of us have been sinful; even our best actions are filthy through and through.’’ (GNB)
A Gift from God:
Salvation is a gift from God. We haven’t earned it – it’s free. God offers us this gift through Jesus, his Son.
The price for sin is death..ie existence without God. No place in Heaven.
HOWEVER
Jesus Christ took our place on the cross for us.
Jesus was without sin but died on the cross to pay the price for our sins.
We deserve to pay a penalty for our sin –just as any guilty person should.
Imagine it being the same as a court appearance where you were found guilty but someone else came along and offered to take your punishment for you-even though it meant death!
So then, since Jesus died for us he is our way – the only way to God.
Look at John 14:6
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
and Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
What should we do in response to this?
The response to God’s call is explained in these simple steps found in God’s Word:
1) Admit you are a sinner and turn away from your sin.
Acts 3:19 says: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (NIV)
Repent literally means “a change of mind that results in a change of action.” To repent, then, means to admit you are a sinner. You change your mind to agree with God that you are a sinner. The resulting “change in action” is, of course, the turning away from sin.
2) Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from your sins and give you eternal life.
John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Believing in Jesus is also a part of repenting. You change your mind from unbelief to belief, which results in a change of action.
3) Come to him by Faith
In John 14:6 Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
Faith in Jesus Christ is a change of mind that results in a change of action—coming to him.
4) You may pray a simple prayer to God.
Prayer is simply talking to God. Pray using your own words. There is no special formula. Just pray from your heart to God, and believe that he has saved you. If you feel lost and just don’t know what to pray, here’s a model prayer :-
Dear Lord,
I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry and I repent. I ask you to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you. I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you.
Amen.
5) Congratulations you are now saved by the grace of God.
Saved means that you have been spared the punishment for sin and you have a place in Heaven with Jesus. Grace means that you didn’t earn this- it was God’s free gift to you. There’s nothing you did, or ever can do, to deserve it. It’s a free gift from God. All you have to do is receive it!
Ephesians 2:8 says:
‘’ For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it’’.
6) Tell someone about your decision.
Romans 10:9-10 says, ‘’If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.’’
Why not drop us an email and let us know; we would love to hear from you. mash@redballoonfamily.co.uk
What should you do next?
Join a church.
When someone becomes a Christian it is a good idea to go along to a supportive church where you can make friends with other like-minded people. Bear in mind that church is not about a building or denomination but should be about the people that gather together to worship Jesus. Sometimes it is necessary to visit a few places until you find one you feel at home in.
Here is a link to the people Asha regularly meets with – why not watch and see how Jesus has changed lives.
http://www.efcchurch.org.uk/about/ ( scroll down to ‘cardboard testimonies’ ).
Consider an Alpha Course.
Alpha courses are great for new Christians and those who wish to explore the Christian faith. Look here for information or to find a course in your area
M.A.S.H 