God
There is one idea that can be found in all cultures regardless of age, gender, and socioeconomic status … this is the idea that there is something beyond the natural world that we can touch and see around us. It is this idea that causes us to ask questions such as “Is there life after death?” “What is the purpose of being alive?” and “Is there a purpose for my life”? Some people completely reject the idea of an unknown entity, and for some it remains an abstract and intangible idea that has no impact on their day-to-day lives. However, many look for a meaning for their lives and find that this unknown entity has a name—God.
Many have tried to find signs or proof of God’s existence, but God surpasses all scientific
methodology—he remains a mystery, an incomprehensible being that none of our arguments
can prove or disprove.
In the end it comes down to a decision of faith and an answer to the question:
“Do I believe that this God really exists?”
Jesus
In today’s world, most people know about the man who caused a stir in the Middle East about 2,000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth. The Bible tells us all about who he was and what his life was like. Jesus traveled with a small group of discipless through the land formerly known as Palestine, telling everyone about God´s nature. He taught the people about the important values and laws given by God and how God viewed the world. He called upon the people to trust God completely and authentically. Everywhere he went he performed supernatural miracles: He healed the sick, multiplied loaves and fishes, and turned water into wine.
Jesus is also called “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” Through his words and actions, he demonstrated who God is. The purpose of his life here on earth was to reconcile mankind to God and to serve as a gateway to God. His journey finally led him to Jerusalem, where he was arrested and crucified by the political and religious elite. But three days after he died, he rose from the dead. Many of his disciples saw him after this unfathomable phenomenon as written in the Bible.
Because of his death and resurrection—his greatest sacrifice—our debts and sins have been forgiven, and through him we are able to receive a new life and be reconciled with God here on earth and for all of eternity. When we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we are granted eternal life.
Changed through Faith
In the years after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, his message spread quickly throughout the world. From all corners of the Roman Empire, people who believed that they could be reconciled with God through Jesus came together. This first community of believers, or “church,” practiced their faith radically and uncompromisingly. Miracles were still performed, and many people were healed. Everyone in need received help, and many came to faith in Jesus. The first believers were so convinced that Jesus was the Messiah that they were willing to die for their faith.
However, it isn’t just the first believers who experienced this devout faith in Jesus’ ability to changes lives … even today, we experience God’s active involvement in the world and can see how his mighty power changes our lives when we come to have faith in Jesus.
When I was 20 years old, I decided to follow Jesus. I experienced something that the Bible calls rebirth. Jesus made everything new and filled me with peace and joy. Later I was baptized – as a testimony for the visible and the invisible world. I became a member in a lively church and was received and supported by lovely brothers and sisters.
I am now 77 years old, and when I look back upon my life I am amazed by the love and mercy of God. In 1966 I was married. In the beginning, my husband visited the church services, too, but later he stopped. I experienced many blessings and miracles and learnt more about God through “digging wells in the desert”, that is, seeking God when my life was particularly challenging. My husband was healed from cancer, and I was healed too from pain and disease. Jesus is so wonderful. No one matches him!
I grew up in a Christian family, which gave me a strong foundation of faith. As a young boy, I helped my mother with her sermons by performing plays and I supported my father in worship with my guitar, which was hand-made from a piece of wood. Through these experiences I learned to hear God’s voice in a creative and joyful way. His joy lived like a child within me, and I was baptized in a lake when I was 13 years old to fully commit myself to him. When I was on a trip to Australia, I experienced my relationship with God in a new way. I learned that you can always feel at home if you search for God’s presence, even if you are at the other end of the world. Since being back in Karlsruhe, I have joined the AGAPE youth group, and I am so glad to be a part of this community. I want to pass on the love that God has shown me to others. I demonstrate the character and love of God to my fellow coworkers and my community at university through kindness, acceptance, and appreciation. “I will not be ashamed, for my Savior knows my name.”
After one year of marriage, we both came to know Jesus.
Michael: “Before accepting Christ, I struggled with the same questions over and over again: ‘Is the meaning of life just to be born, live a fairly good life until I am old, and then die? Is that all there is?’ I said to God, ‘If you exist, show yourself to me.’ He heard me, and he showed himself to me. My first very strong experience of God’s existence was when he instantaneously freed me from my addiction to nicotine.”
Ute: “I followed after my husband because I couldn’t imagine going different ways as a married couple in important matters. I thought, ‘If this turns out to be a delusion, then I’ll just go back to my old life. I have nothing to lose. It’s my free choice.”
But after we made our decision to follow Christ, we couldn’t let Him go. He changed our characters in an astonishing way. Today we are very different people from who we were before we knew Christ. Without Jesus as our common Lord, our marriage wouldn’t have lasted, but with Jesus it has lasted for 32 years and continues to reach greater depths.
Getting to know God
It is not difficult enter into a relationship with God! A simple prayer can have great power when it is spoken from the heart.
Please do not hesitate to write us if you have any questions and feel free to visit our services. We are looking forward to meet you there!