Ride to Freedom

[ English | Vietnamese ]

There's nothing like the freedom of the open road. The feel of the wind in your face, the sun on your back, the engine powerfully pulsating beneath you as you open up the throttle. There are no other vehicles in sight--it's a perfect day for a ride.

There are few things on this earth more enjoyable than the freedom of the open road. But as every biker knows, the perfect ride can be interrupted by a myriad of things--the angry honk of a horn, an inconsiderate driver, a thunderstorm, or a blowout. The enjoyment of a good ride can fade as quickly as the echo of pipes in a tunnel. You're left wishing for something better . . . a thrill that can't be interrupted, a freedom that can't be taken away. Good news! There is a freedom that will last forever, a joy that no one can take from you. This joy can only be found in a Person, in the God who created you. Let me take a moment to explain.

God lovingly created each of us for His glory, to enjoy Him forever. But each of us has rebelled against God and tried to live life on our own terms. Every one of us has made mistakes. We've all disobeyed the "rules of the road." We've left God's path to follow our own. The Bible says, "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside . . . no one does good, not even one" (Romans 3:10-12). The Bible calls this "sin"--and it carries a stiff penalty: eternal separation from God.

But God, in His loving-kindness, couldn't bear to see us destroy ourselves. He didn't want us to be separated from Him forever, so God provided a way to bring us back to Himself.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Jesus set an example for us by taking the right road. He led a perfect and sinless life of obedience to His Father. Then--although He didn't have to--Jesus took the punishment we deserved and died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins. God then raised Jesus from the grave, in victory over death, making a way for us to be restored into a right relationship with God our Creator. Because of all that Jesus has done, we are free to enjoy God today and forever.

Is this something you would like in your life? All you have to do is admit the truth: that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Jesus said,

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

The Bible tells us simply,

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and follow His directions, He promises to take us on the ride of a lifetime! Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." It's an adventure that never ends. Even if inconsiderate drivers cut you off, or rain ruins a long ride, nothing can disturb the peace in your soul or interrupt the sheer joy of knowing your Creator. And one day He'll take us to Heaven to be with Him forever--a trip beyond our wildest dreams.

"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

To begin the ride of your life, you might pray something like this:

Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I've taken the wrong road time and time again. Please forgive me. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins, then rising to life again to break the power of death. Help me to faithfully follow the road that You have chosen for me, that I might experience life abundantly. Amen.

© 2002-2004 Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
Translated by permission of Good News Publishers
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