‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!’ – Unknown.

Internationally, April 1^st brings millions of people together, in planning and undertaking some sort of prank or joke, in hopes of shouting ‘April Fools Day’ and hysterically laughing at each other. Nowadays, there is the added hope of capturing it on our smartphones, so as to be able to relive it daily!

This year, April also brings with it Easter, an incredibly important and essential time for any Christian around the world.

Often times, though, many Christians and churchgoers mix up what this season is about and what it is we are actually celebrating. Others, unfortunately, use tactics to fool and persuade people to come to church. But, that’s not my style. So in thinking about what to share with you this month, I am inspired to unpack the crux of what I believe, in four points (www.the4points.com/uk). These points aren’t just for me, but for you as well… so here you go:

God LOVES you!
I know it’s hard to believe that sometimes. You might not feel it, or see it, or understand it. But, you are created in His image and for a purpose. God loves you, even though you may ignore Him, or step out against Him; He loves you, and deeply desires to be in a relationship with you!

You have MESSED UP!
We don’t like talking about the things we do wrong because we only like to be known for the good we do. The truth of the matter is, we often do wrong, be it through our addictions, or lying to someone, cheating on someone, breaking the law, or insulting each other. In the church, we call this sin, and we believe that God brings forgiveness for these and that by His Holy Spirit, He washes us clean.

Jesus Died on the cross for YOU!
History has proven that Jesus not only walked this earth but also died on the cross. That is not a point of contention, that is historical fact. But God loves you so much that He gave His only son, Jesus, that you would be saved through Him; that you would have eternal life through your belief in Him. At Easter, we don’t just celebrate His saving death, but His resurrection three days later. Jesus is not dead but alive, reaching out to you, that you too may enter into this life-giving relationship.

The choice is YOURS!
The thing is, I am not going to fool you into believing, or coming to church. While I believe that God is constantly reaching out to you, you have to make the decision to believe and enter into a relationship with Jesus. You may not understand what that means. If that’s the case, why not come visit us, and come explore with us, as we’d LOVE to meet you, and journey with you.

ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN THE APRIL 2017 EDITION OF THE GAMLINGAY GAZZETTE.