The Central Christian Message of Hope

The Central Christian Message of Hope

The Central Christian
Message of Hope

While the most telling evidence of the Christian faith is the stories of those who have embraced it, what is the core belief itself? This is most simply explained in a statement Jesus made — as recorded in the disciple John’s summary of Jesus’ life and teachings.

What if?
The Christian Message
If you prefer, read the
What if? Message here

John 3:16

The most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16, because it summarises the ultimate message of hope:

  • 1

    Love was the motive — “For God so loved the world…”
    Jesus claimed to be God visiting Earth. He didn’t have to come. He didn’t have to limit himself to a human body or die.

  • 2

    Jesus gave willingly — “…that he gave his one and only Son…”
    Jesus wasn’t sent simply to show a new way of love and then leave. He chose to die on our behalf, taking our wrongdoing upon himself so that we could receive his perfect record in exchange.

  • 3

    Our choice is needed — “…that whoever believes in him…”
    However, this gift of love isn’t automatic. While all our wrongdoing can be forgiven, and friendship with God and eternal life are offered, we must turn toward him and choose to receive it.

  • 4

    Eternal life can be ours — “…shall not perish but have eternal life.”
    If we receive this gift, the result is life both now and in the future. Our relationship with God is restored. This life is what the stories in this booklet illustrate. We can live beyond our limitations, both in this life and for ever.

We all face limitations, sadness, and grief. God’s love affirms our value. God’s love can motivate courage in our lives. God’s love can leave us with a hope that never ends.

Personal Prayer

God, our Creator, thank you for showing us who you are — both through Creation and more fully through Jesus. Thank you for loving me for who I am, regardless of any limitations. Thank you for loving me despite the wrong things I have knowingly thought and done. Thank you, Jesus, for dying to take the punishment I deserve, and for coming back to life to invite me into an eternal friendship with you.

Today, I choose that friendship. Please forgive me for the selfish and wrong things I have done. Help me to understand your ways through the Bible, and to find friends to walk alongside me on this new journey. Help me to live a life that pleases you.

Amen.

The significance of the Christian faith to our nation and cultural values cannot be understated.  Cultural festivals like Christmas and Easter, inclusive of public holidays, exist as a reflection of this contribution — to help us remember our history. Waitangi, Matariki, King’s Birthday and other similar public holidays became such for the very same reason.