What If the Story Was Real?

I really enjoy watching movies. There’s just something powerful about the way a good story can move us, inspire us, and make us think. One of my all-time favorites is Star Wars.

I know not everyone has seen it—and that’s totally fine. But if you have, I want to invite you to imagine something with me for a moment. And if Star Wars isn’t your thing, think of your own favorite story—something that captured your imagination and made you feel like you were part of something bigger.

What If It Actually Happened?

Now, picture this: What if Star Wars were real? What if the evil Empire had actually fallen and freedom had been restored across the galaxy? Wouldn’t that inspire you? Wouldn’t it change how you saw the world—and maybe even how you lived in it?

That feeling—the thrill of hope, the victory of good over evil, the joy of transformation—that’s powerful. But here’s the thing: while Star Wars is fiction, there is a story that’s even more incredible—and it’s true.

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ isn’t just a tale we tell to feel better. It really happened. And that changes everything.

Why Was the Gospel Written?

In John 20:31, the Bible says:

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

John, one of Jesus’ closest followers, tells us exactly why he wrote his Gospel: not to entertain, not just to inform—but so that we would believe. And more than that, so that by believing, we could have life. Not just a better life now, but eternal life.

This Isn’t Just for Entertainment

Maybe you recently stumbled across a play, movie, tv series, or even book about the Jesus and found it interesting or thought-provoking—and that’s great. But that’s not the ultimate point. The real goal is simple: that you would believe.

Because believing in Jesus is the start of something far greater than any movie could offer. It’s the beginning of a relationship with the living God—a relationship that brings forgiveness, purpose, peace, and the promise of eternal life.

What Do You Need to Believe?

It’s actually very simple. The gospel invites you to accept three life-changing truths:

• You are a sinner. You’ve fallen short of the standard of a holy and perfect God.

• God loves you and offers salvation. He made a way for you to be forgiven—not by your own efforts, but through Jesus, who paid the price for your sins on the cross.

• Jesus lived, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven and have new life.

How to Respond: The A-B-C of Salvation

If you’re ready to respond to this message, here’s how:

• A: Accept that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

• B: Believe that Jesus is who He said He is—the Son of God—and that His death and resurrection are enough to save you.

• C: Confess your need for Him and place your full trust in Him alone.

One Last Question

So let me ask you again: What if this story were real?

Because it is.

And it truly does change everything.

The invitation is open. Believe—and receive the gift of eternal life.

The Transformative "Why" of Jesus

We serve a worthy God—a God who sent His Son, worthy of all praise. This truth forms the foundation of an essential question: Why?

Why did Jesus come to earth? Why would God Himself choose to be born as a human, to endure life with all its messiness and challenges? The answer lies in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." God’s love is the reason. He came not to observe from afar but to live among us, embracing our humanity out of love.

But why did Jesus die on the cross? The Bible tells us, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sin, by its nature, separates us from God, and its consequences are dire: "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Yet, God demonstrates His love in this: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins—a penalty we could never pay on our own.

And why did Jesus rise from the dead? In John 11:25, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." By rising from the grave, Jesus proved His power over death and affirmed His identity as the resurrection and the life.

These “why” questions lead to the most personal one: Why should you care?

The answer is life-changing: Jesus transforms lives. For those who believe, Jesus’ payment for sin removes shame and anxiety. His resurrection promises eternal life and a hope-filled future.

Raised in a home filled with the teachings of Jesus, I came to realize my own sinfulness and need for a Savior. At a young age, I understood the profound truth that Jesus had paid for my sins, sparing me from the punishment I deserved. This decision, though made in childhood, remains transformative in my own life. And the good news, the truth, is that this transfomration is available to anyone—regardless of age, background, or past mistakes.

My hobby is to fly airplanes. That's what I do when I want to relax. I love to fly over the city of Lincoln and see everything from 2,000 feet above the ground. I love to take people with me and show them this is what the city looks like when you don't have to deal with traffic.

It's fun to show people because it's something they've never experienced zipping above the traffic without a concern for the next red light. This is the life that Jesus offers each of us. life at “30,000 feet,” viewing the world with clarity and peace, unburdened by the guilt of sin. This is what living in the forgiveness and freedom of Jesus feels like. It’s a life filled with abundance, hope, and purpose.

As you reflect, ask yourself: Are you living above the traffic, or are you stuck in life’s rush hour, overwhelmed by sin and its consequences? Jesus offers a way out, a life of forgiveness, and a future anchored in His love.

Take time today to consider this truth. Whether you’ve known Jesus for years or are hearing about Him for the first time, His invitation is the same: believe, accept His payment for your sins, and experience the transformative power of His love.