--- FREE LUNCH! --- Someone once said that there's "no such thing as a free lunch". It IS true that there are very few things in this life that are free. Usually, if something is free there is also a "catch" somewhere and we begin to look for the "small print" to see just what it is they are actually trying to sell us.
Nothing is for sale in connection with this little story, there are no hidden clauses or "small print" to worry about but, there IS such a thing as a FREE LUNCH.
You see, long before you were born a plan went into effect which guaranteed this FREE LUNCH and many other things which are also free. Gifts for you to accept or turn down. This "plan" concerns Someone Who died in order for you to be eligible to freely accept the gifts. His Name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who came to earth as your representative. Every man and woman ever born has sinned and deserve to go to Hell. All except One, this Man Jesus. He lived a perfect life and never sinned, not once. He lived a life full of temptations but never gave in to one. And, He did it for you!
If the words "FREE LUNCH" got your attention you are probably expecting to find a link with a coupon for a fast food meal, a pizza, hot dog or hamburger and a drink to go along with it. Sorry. This is more than just a "lunch". This is a REAL meal and it's going to take place very soon. It's called, "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb". You may be thinking, "Oh, they must be going to serve lamb".
No, the Lamb has already been served. When Jesus Christ died He died like a Lamb being led to slaughter. He never complained once as men cruelly beat and nailed Him to a cross. You could say He was, "meek as a Lamb" when He became a sacrifice for you. Having done all that, you became eligible for a seat at this Marriage Supper. You can enjoy the meal and, get this . . . Jesus already picked up the tab!
What you are reading may not make any sense to you now, you'll just have to accept it by faith. You see, everyone knows, down deep in their heart, that they are sinners. The problem is, people don't want to admit it. In fact, some churches (ones that should know better) are teaching that the worst thing to tell a person is that they are sinners and going to Hell. They say it lowers self esteem and people just don't want to hear it. But this is contrary to God's nature because pride is one thing that God hates the most and the churches proclaiming a self-prideful message will answer to God some day.
Well, it's sad to say but, you always were and (unless you know Jesus as Saviour) you still are, a sinner and on your way to Hell. But you don't have to go there! You see, salvation isn't a matter of "where" or "if" you go to church. And, it isn't matter of being a "nice person" and doing good works. Doing things for others is good but it's NOT the way to Heaven. Knowing the Ten Commandments front and backwards won't get you to Heaven either because it's KEEPING them that matters and man can't do it. Some people think that just believing there IS a God will get them to Heaven but the Devil himself knows for sure there is a God and it won't keep him out of Hell. And you sure can't pay your way into Heaven either. You see, the price was paid when Jesus died on the Cross. He died but He didn't stay dead. On the 3rd day after His death He walked right out of the tomb! Then, He went to Heaven where He sits at the Right Hand of His Father, God. Believing this IS the only way to Heaven.
Some day soon, Jesus is coming back for all those who have accepted Him as their substitute, their sacrificial Lamb. He will come first to collect them all, take them to Heaven and then there will be the greatest meal ever served . . . . the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb". Those people through the ages who believed on Him and His coming will be there to take part in the meal. It will be a celebration which will mark the beginning of eternal happiness with Jesus in Heaven.
If you would like to be part of this, you have to ask God's forgiveness for your sins. Then ask Jesus into your heart. Say a simple prayer like this,
"Jesus, I know I am a sinner but I also know now that you, as the Son of God, died for me. And I never really knew it until now. Please forgive my sins. Come into my heart. Help me to live like I should live. I want to be at that Marriage Supper so please, when You come back for your people, include me. Take me with You so I can live with you forever. Amen"
Congratulations! Now find a church that believes in what you have just read. Get a Bible, God's Word, and begin to read it and, as you read, ask God to help you understand it. If you will, He will. That's a Promise and it's just one of many wonderful Promises that are in store for you in this new life as a child of the living God!