Where is the picture usually placed under the Basic Idea Ministries logo?
I made the logo larger that usual because the name is the”basic idea” for today!
Some of you know our story and how God miraculously moved our life events to place us in a position to find the truth we needed. That truth changed us and every key relationship in family and ministry for the last 29 years of so.
This is not hyperbole. It is the truth.
What is/was the specific truth that set us free? “God loves me and you and wants us with Him forever.” You may be thinking, “That’s no big deal. I know that already.” I hope you do, but would you consider for a few minutes contrasting the opposite of this truth compared to the truth itself?
If God does not love me and even like me, then why would He have gone to the pain and trouble of allowing His only Son Jesus to come to earth, live among sinful mankind, then allow Him to be whipped and crucified? If He doesn’t love us and like us, God would never have done that. Can I answer all the questions this truth produces? I doubt it. But just because I don’t have all the answers doesn’t mean I can’t know some crucial answers to some obvious questions.
If God doesn’t love me/us and like me/us, then why did He design the earth in such a way to supply the needs of mankind in the first place. Oh, I know some believe we evolved to this place, but I think it is actually foolish upon examination to conclude that all this intelligently designed world and universe – full of information – just happened to produce life in all its beauty and complexity. The variety of color, resources, races, animals, emotions, relationships, and other facets of creation scream of a good God who loves us and likes us.
Even the power to overcome difficulties, addictions, tragedies, and pain tell of His provision for us allowing us to be delivered from the darkest of days and experience joys and love.
I could go on, but I will keep this brief. When Carol and I faced our toughest life challenge, and I was at the bottom emotionally, God through His words in the Bible delivered to us by a teacher, now a friend, from John 17:23 – “…Then the world will know that you sent me(Jesus) and have loved them even as you have loved me(Jesus).” I came to experience this truth: God loves me as much as He loves His own Son, Jesus. God loves me, likes me, and wants me to be with Him in a relationship now and forever. All this is possible because the Basic Idea is that I am loved and so are you. Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection proves it to me…..what about you?
I am placing my future on earth and in eternity on the Good News of Jesus Christ and have accepted His offer of forgiveness for my sin and acceptance into His forever family. I have experienced for myself and have observed hundreds of other find peace and hope after having come to know and love Jesus receiving His love and mercy personally.
Where do you find hope? Because God loves me and you, we have a chance to be forgiven, accepted, and free from addictions and the guilt and condemnation of the past. Have you taken Jesus at His Word.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Revelation 3:20
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.