There is Hope!

It is estimated that between 650,000 and 900,000 people are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in the United States (Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov).
Approximately 35-42 million people were infected with HIV worldwide in 2004 (World Health Organization) infected with HIV/AIDS. AIDS took 3 million lives worldwide in 2003 (Ibid).

Three million lives—that’s 1,000 times the number of people who died in the United States on September 11, 2001. The limitations of the human mind make it difficult, if not impossible, to even fathom a number that high.

But these are not just numbers. They’re people. And they’re dying from a highly contagious, highly dangerous disease that in some parts of the world has become an epidemic.

Here at Victory Life Center we want you to know that there is HOPE for those who are HIV positive or who have AIDS. There is hope because of the medical advances in the treatment of HIV and AIDS, and because there is a Heavenly Father that loves every person that has been devastated by this disease.

Regardless of how a person may have become HIV positive, God loves them. According to Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Even if you have AIDS you can have hope and a positive future on this earth and have eternal life in heaven. The reason is that God is on your side. That may be hard for some of you to believe. Maybe you have heard that God hates you. Here at Victory Life Center we want you to know that God may dislike how some of you have obtained AIDS, but He does not hate you.

All of us have done things in our life that is displeasing to God. The Bible says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This is true for a person who is HIV positive or a person who appears to have their life in perfect order. All of us are sinners. The Bible states "For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23. AIDS can kill your body, but sin will damn your soul to hell. There is no cure for AIDS, but there is a cure for sin.

The Good news is that in spite of us doing sinful things and being sinners, God has created a way for each of us to live a victorious life and spend eternity in heaven. If you are struggling with HIV, AIDS, drug abuse, illicit sex, or any other issue, would it not be nice to have God's strength and love on your side. You can! God prepared a way for us to be in relationship with Him, despite our sins, through the saving power of His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). It was part of God’s plan that Jesus would be born on earth, lead a ministry, perform miracles, be put to an agonizing and humiliating death, and rise again three days later. This was all done so that Jesus would take on the full weight of our many sins, reconciling us with God and giving us eternal life.

According to the Bible, blood is required to pay for sin "...without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22). Our blood is polluted by sin, so it could not be shed to take away our sin. However the blood of Jesus can take away all of your sins, because He is sinless, and His blood is pure.

While a relationship with Jesus gives us hope for eternal life, it can also bring us peace and comfort amidst our suffering on earth. One of the consequences of collective human sin is that we all suffer in some way. Some people suffer from AIDS; for others, it is cancer, mental illness, or a crippling accident. But you can find solace in knowing that there is someone who can identify with your pain and discomfort. Jesus died an excruciatingly painful death by crucifixion. He understands our pain. So if you open your heart to Jesus, you will always have a friend who understands what you are going through. Tell Him about your pain and ask for His comfort. He will always be there to listen.

Jesus died on the cross, but three days later God raised Him again. His triumph over death is our salvation. Jesus did the hard part, but there is still one thing you must do to be saved. “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” (Romans 10:9). You can do this right now. Simply tell God you are sorry for your sins, and thank Him for sending Jesus to be your Savior. Letting Jesus change your heart will change the fate of your soul, guaranteeing your place in Heaven. Plus, once you receive Jesus as your Lord & Savior, you will be able to walk a victorious life here on earth.

Remember what we shared earlier?
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Does this make more sense to you know?

So what’s stopping you from receiving Jesus as your Lord & Savior? Why not do it right now.

The following prayer is one you can say to confess Jesus as Lord and ask Him to save you:

Dear God, I admit I am a sinner in need of You. Please forgive me of my sins and give me abundant life here on earth and eternal life with You in heaven. I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins. I confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, please e-mail us with your contact information so that we can be of support to you in your new life of victory over sin. You may also call our church at 425-822-5598.

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