Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the most outstanding person of all time. He is the One who has changed the whole course of history. Even our calendar gives witness to the fact that Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, lived on this earth nearly two thousand years ago. "BC" means "before Christ"; "AD," anno Domini, is the Latin phrase meaning "in the year of our Lord."

Another example is Lew Wallace, a famous general and literary genius. He and his friend, Robert Ingersoll, covenanted together to write a book that would forever destroy the myth of Christianity. Mr. Wallace tells how for two years he studied in the leading libraries of Europe and America, seeking information that would enable him to write the book that would destroy Christianity. While writing the second chapter of his volume, he found himself on his knees crying out to Jesus saying, "My Lord and my God." The evidence was overwhelmingly conclusive. He could no longer deny that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. The One whom he had determined to expose as a fraud had captured him. He later wrote Ben Hur, probably the greatest novel ever written concerning the times of Christ.

What about my sin? Jesus is unique and there are many things that He can do for us that no one else can. He alone can answer some of your questions about life. Are you lacking purpose? Only Jesus can give real purpose to your life. Do you have inner peace? Only Jesus can give lasting and true peace. Are you frustrated with the sin in your life? Only Jesus can pardon your sin and give you the power to change. The Bible tells us that God is a holy God and that we are sinful. There is a great gulf separating us and God and we cannot bridge it ourselves. The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of God's standard. The result is death - separation from God; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Because we are sinful, we cannot bridge this gulf between ourselves and God, no matter how good we are. But God bridges the gap through His Son, Jesus Christ. The scripture says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). What do we mean by sin? Sin is not simply a matter of lying, stealing or immorality. Sin is also an attitude. We were created to have fellowship with God, but because of our stubborn nature, we often choose our own way. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is evidence of what the Bible calls sin. Study the most popular religions of the world and you quickly become aware that no provision is made for the forgiveness of sin apart from Jesus Christ. Basically most religions embrace the philosophy of good works as a means to salvation. People subscribe to the concept that if their good works outweigh their bad works, they will go to heaven. But if their bad works outweigh their good works, they go to hell. Of course, that person doesn't know until their life is over whether or not they are going to heaven or hell. What a tragedy! How inadequate is such a religion or philosophy! God has promised that we can know Him, and have a relationship with Him now and for all eternity through His Son, Jesus Christ. With respect to the differences between Christianity and the other religions of the world, if you take Buddha out of Buddhism, Mohammed out of Islam, and in like manner the founder of the various leaders out of their religious systems, and little would be changed. Take Jesus out of Christianity, however, and there would be nothing left. Jesus is the Cornerstone of our faith, which is a stumbling block to many, but a foundation to anyone who believes. The Bible says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Only Jesus can pardon sin.

How can I find purpose? Not only is Jesus the only one who can forgive sin, but He is also the only one who gives purpose to life. We are, you are, the highest expression of God's creation. God created us with a free will, with a right to choose. We can say 'yes' or 'no' to God, and for the most part many have chosen to say 'no.' Those who have made such a choice have never discovered God's purpose for their lives. Those who do not know Him are like a ship upon a rough sea without rudder and without sail, drifting with the tide. Now matter how brilliant you might be or how successful an athlete, as a student, as a business or professional person, unless you know Jesus Christ, you will never know real purpose in life. St. Augustine said centuries ago, "Thou had made for us Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee." No building contractor would think of constructing a beautiful building without consulting the blueprint of the architect, the designer. How can we be so foolish as to try to build our lives without first consulting the great architect of life, the One who created us for a wonderful purpose? Is there an emptiness in your life? Have you discovered your purpose? I don't know you. But in all honesty, in the quiet of your own heart, sitting in front of your computer terminal, are you saying today, "Yes, there is an emptiness; I am not satisfied with life"? Then invite Jesus Christ into your life. He will show you the very purpose for which He created you. There is no one else who ever lived who can do this - no religion, no philosophy, no person. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me" (John 14:6).

How can I have peace? Jesus alone can pardon sin. He alone can give purpose to life. Third, Jesus of Nazareth is the only One who can give you peace. He is the Prince of Peace. There will be no peace in the individual heart or at the peace tables of the world until Christ, the Prince of Peace, reigns supreme in people's hearts. In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." In Matthew 11:28, He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Perhaps you are now experiencing fears and frustrations in your life. Perhaps you are worried about your grades, your social life, your finances, and/or problems in your home. You say, "Of course. Everyone has these problems." True, and the Christian is not exempt. Becoming a Christian does not mean that you will suddenly live a problem-free life. Rather, you will have One with you who said, "And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Jesus can give you the peace that passes all understanding, all you have to do is accept Him into your heart and life.

How can I change? Heartache and sorrow will come into your life, too, but Christ, the Prince of Peace, awaits to give you His pardon, His purpose, and His peace. But that's not all that Christ can give, for Jesus is the only One who can give you power to live a new life. Frequently men and women will say, "I would like to become a Christian, but if I do, I am sure I will never be able to live the life. You don't know the mistakes I have made, the resentments I have, the tendencies to sin, the immorality, the heavy drinking, the cruel tongue, and many, many other problems. I do not believe I could live the Christian life." But many of these people have given their lives to Christ, and they have discovered the Christian life is a supernatural life. You and I cannot live it, no matter how good we are. Jesus Christ must live His life in and through us. Therefore, it is no longer what we do, but what He does, because He is the One who provides the power through His Holy Spirit and we are merely the instruments through which He releases that power. You see, we are born with a physical body to live on a physical level. But the kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom and God is a spiritual being. If we are to have fellowship with Him, we must become spiritual creatures. This new birth takes place when Jesus Christ comes to live within you.

Your opportunity If you have not already invited Jesus into your life, He is knocking at the door of your heart. Can you feel Him calling? Will you invite Him into your life to live His life in you, to pardon your sin, to give purpose to your life, and to give you His peace and power? Do you want to know Him personally? Click here to find out just how you can do that. And may God bless you!