Articles home page

(Text-only transcription of the Dallas Theological Seminary 3"x4" multi-page tract, cited in my parody, How to get your head chopped off. For reference only.)

How to have a happy and meaningful life

Many people are experiencing a happy and meaningful life. This life consists of: All of these make sense...

but

we all know people who have these things and
still feel empty.

Why?

They started at the wrong place.

Here are four vital facts we need to know...

1. A happy and meaningful life begins with God!

Jesus said,
"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life."                        John 3:16

Jesus also said,
"I have come that they might have life, and that they might
have it more abundantly."                        John 10:10

Augustine observed,
"Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and the heart of
man is restless until it find its rest in Thee."

God

According to the Bible, look what God offers you:

                                                unfortunately...

2. Man's sin has separated him from God.

The Bible says,
"All of us, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned,
every one of us, to his own way...."          Isaiah 53:6

"Your sins have been a barrier between you and your God."
                                              Isaiah 59:2

According to the Bible sin is:

Man

Obviously then, all of us have sinned. Consciously or
unconsciously we have rebelled against God. That's not
all. The penalty of sin is death. God is righteous so
God must judge man's sin.

Man   Sin   God

As long as sin separates us from God, you see, we
cannot enjoy the happy and meaningful life God wants
us to have.

           fortunately...

3. God loves you very much! He gave Jesus Christ,
His son, to take away your sin.

The Bible says,
"God showed His love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us."                   Romans 5:8

"Christ died for our sins... and arose again the third day."
                                       1 Corinthians 15:3-4

God is satisfied with what Jesus Christ has done. Now he is
completely free to forgive you, and to offer you a happy and
meaningful life with Him.

Man ✞ God

Jesus Christ has removed the barrier of sin through His death.

                     However, you have ONE responsibility...

4. To enter into a happy and meaningful life, you must
turn to God by trusting Jesus Christ to forgive your sins.

Look at what the Bible tells us:
"Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
comes to the Father, but by me."                 John 14:6

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."
                                             Acts 16:31

"Being justified (set right with God) by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."         Romans 5:1

But what is faith?

We exercise faith when we Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore, is trusting Him to
forgive your sins and to bring you into a right relationship with God.

Man / God

                       Let's review...

You know that...
1. Life begins with God.
2. Your sin has separated you from God.
3. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sin.

The only thing God asks you to do:

4. Trust the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your sins so that you
may begin a happy and meaningful life with God.

Man
Are you still here?
 
Man / God
Or have you trusted Jesus Christ
completely to forgive your sins?


Wouldn't you like
to trust Jesus Christ
to forgive your sins
right now?

You many want to use this prayer to
express your decision:
"Dear Father, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that the Lord
Jesus Christ died for me. I trust Jesus Christ to forgive my sins
right now. Let me start a new and meaningful life with you
today. Amen."
To realize fully the happy and meaningful life you need
to grow in Christ. Here are some suggestions for
spiritual growth:

You need to study the bible daily to become aware of what God wants to
do for you and with you.                          (1 Peter 2:2)

As a Christian, Christ's Spirit now indwells you. Power to do what the
Word of God says comes as you rely on the Holy Spirit.  (Galations 5:16)

Prayer is another vital part of a happy and meaningful life. Speak to
God often about your needs.                      (Phillipians 4:6,7)

One more thing. It's difficult to be a Christian alone. Meet with
others who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ in a church where the Bible is
taught..                                        (Hebrews 10:25)

If this booklet has helped you or you have a question, contact us.
Perhaps we can be of further help.

[name of church]

Dallas Theological Seminary/3909 Swiss Avenue/Dallas, Texas 75204
Additional Copies 5 cents each

There are some people
who want the very best
for you!