As humans, we are made as relational beings. We can connect with each other, reflect on our own behavior and think about meaning, for example. Relationships give life meaning. We are convinced that our deepest destiny lies in the relationship with God. God made us as human beings, not to live our own lives, but to live from the connection with God. In this life, but also in the life after this life, in eternity.
Most people realize that there is more between heaven and earth, but many people have never had a personal experience with God. The reason is that there is a problem between us and God. That problem is in our thinking and actions. We as humans can do many good things, but when you look at the misery in the world, you see that we as humans are unable to live in harmony with those around us. You see this on a large scale, but also in our own lives. Even in doing good things, we often have our own happiness in mind. This problem creates distance between people, but also between a human being and our Maker, God.
A good conversation often solves the problem quickly, at least if the problem is not too big. With a crime, for example, this is not so easy. The victim or the victim’s family won’t just settle for “sorry” from the perpetrator. Even when you are fair, you at least still want someone to get their deserved punishment. Now, how big a problem is that to God? Is ‘Sorry God’ enough or does it take more?
When God created the world, all was well. Man was given responsibility for the world. As long as man was connected to God there would be no death and man would live with God forever. Now there is much suffering in this world. God holds us personally responsible for our mistakes, but also collectively for the misery in the world because we are no different from other people and evil does seem to have crept into our DNA. God calls this sin and deals with it like we deal with a crime. With just “sorry,” God is not satisfied. The punishment God is satisfied with is that is we die and we are without Him in eternity. Consequence would be that no human being remains. Is there any alternative solution?
God has come up with an alternative solution! That solution is the sacrifice of an innocent man. Someone who does not deserve the punishment himself, but is willing to take it for another. Who is so crazy? Which man is innocent? Only Jesus. Out of love for the world, God took the form of a human being in Jesus. He lived life as God intended. He did not have evil in His DNA. During His life, He looked out for people who had been cast out by society, pointed out the wrongdoings of the established spiritual order and spoke of a new Kingdom of love. The spiritual order wanted to put Him to death. Yet he was not a victim of this, for he allowed himself to be imprisoned, condemned and put to death-he entered eternal darkness, and so Jesus sacrificed himself for us.
What better way to learn how to continue to live from the connection with God than with a buddy who lives near you and visits you regularly? That’s what we want to help you with!
What to expect from a buddy: