Good News
I'm convinced that I have some exceedingly good news for you. This
news doesn't cost a penny, there are no strings attached and it could
inevitably change your life forever. If you want to hear this good news, all
you have to do is answer two brief but very important questions. After you
answer the questions, good news will follow.
Here's the first question:
Have you come to the
place in your spiritual life where you know for SURE, beyond a shadow of a
doubt, that you have eternal life?
Yes / No
Maybe / I donÕt know
Now for the second question...
Your answer indicated that you aren't so sure about heaven. Now I
KNOW you're going to like the news I have for you! But before I give you the
good news, let me share with you something very interesting. The Bible tells us
we can know for sure that we're going to heaven! That means YOU! Take a look:
"These things I have written to you... that you may know that you have
eternal life."
This means that we don't have to guess about life after death. If
there's one thing you really want to be sure of in this life, it's where you'll
be going after it's over. Fortunately, the Bible tells we can be certain about
heaven! Here's the second and final question. It's a bit harder than the first.
Just try to answer it as honestly as you possibly can.
Suppose you were to die tonight and stand before God... what
would you say if He asked you "Why should I let you into my heaven?"
IÕve been nearly perfect. God will overlook the mistakes in my
life.
IÕve always been very good. I tried to follow the ten
commandments.
I havenÕt really been that bad. I never hurt anyone and God will
overlook the things IÕve done wrong because HeÕs a loving God.
I cannot enter heaven on my own merit
I donÕt know what I
would say.
Thanks for answering my questionsÉ
Now hereÕs the good news that I promised. The good news is:
1.
Heaven (Eternal Life) is a free gift. All of your life you
may have been under the impression that God is weighing your good deeds against
your bad deeds and that in the end He will either welcome you into heaven or
NOT based on the outcome. The good news is that our future does not have to
hang in the balances depending on our performance. The Bible says, "...
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Heaven is a gift, and like any other genuine gift, cannot be earned or
deserved. Therefore, no amount of personal effort, good works, or religious
deeds can earn a place in Heaven for you.
The Bible also says, "By grace you have
been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest any man should boast." Why is it that no one can earn
his way to Heaven? It's clear that heaven is a gift of God. But why can't we
earn it? Because...
2.
Man is a sinner. Unfortunately, even if we wanted to earn our
place in heaven, we couldn't because man is a sinner. The Bible says, "All
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) This rules
out the possibility of us saving ourselves. The only way we could ever earn our
way to heaven... is if we could be completely PERFECT for all time. "Therefore
you shall be perfect, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)
And I'm
sure, if you're honest with yourself, you've sinned at least once in your life.
Sin is transgressing God's law and includes such things as lying, lust,
cheating, deceit, anger, evil thoughts, immoral behavior, and more.
With such a high standard, no one can save
himself for God also says, "Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10) But don't lose
heart! In spite of our sin,
however...
3.
God is merciful and therefore doesn't want to punish us. This is because...
"God is love..." (I John 4:8). He says, "I have loved you with
an everlasting love." (Jeremiah 31:3b)
But the same Bible that tells us that God loves
us also tells us that God is just, and therefore must punish sin. He says,
"... I will by no means clear the guilty..." (Exodus 34:7) and
"The soul who sins shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4)
I know by now you're wondering... where's the
good news in all this? How can heaven be a free gift? How can I go to heaven?
If man is a sinnerÉAnd he canÕt save himselfÉand even though God loves usÉHe
must punish our sinÉGod sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to remedy this problem.
4.
God solved this problem for us in the person of Jesus Christ. To understand GodÕs
plan you must first understand who Jesus is. The Bible tells us that Jesus is
God in the flesh. "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus)... and the Word
(Jesus) was God... and the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among
us..." (John 1:1,14)
Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a sinless
life. While He was here on earth, he took our place and died on the cross to pay
the penalty intended for our sin. Then he did something no one else has ever
done. He rose from the dead and now offers to us eternal life as a free gift.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own
way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah
53:6) This
free gift of eternal life (Heaven) is received by
God hates our sin, but because of His love for
us, He has placed them all on His Son. Christ bore our sin in His body on the
cross. Now Jesus Christ offers you eternal life (Heaven) as a free gift.
5.
This gift is received by faith. Faith is the key that
opens the door to Heaven. Many people mistake two things for saving faith:
o
Mere intellectual assent, that is, believing certain historical
facts. The Bible says the devil believes in God, so mere intellectual assent is
not saving faith.
o
Mere temporal faith, that is, trusting God for temporary crises
such as financial, family, or physical needs. Now these are good, and you
should trust Christ for these, but they are not saving faith!
Saving faith IS trusting in Jesus Christ alone
for eternal life. It means you are depending on Christ alone NOT on yourself to
get into Heaven. "Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will
be saved..." (Acts 16:31)
Faith is like the hand of a beggar receiving the gift of a King.
We don't deserve the gift of eternal life. But we can have it, if we will
receive it by faith.
You have just read the greatest story ever told about the greatest
offer ever made by the greatest person who ever lived--Jesus Christ. The
question God is asking you now is "Would you like to receive the gift of
eternal life?" Because this is such an important matter, let's clarify
just what this involves.
It means, first of all, that you transfer your trust from what you
have been doing to get to heaven, to what Christ has done for you on the
cross.
It means, next, that you receive the resurrected, living Christ
into your life as Savior. He says, "Behold I stand at the door and knock
(at the door of your life). If any one hears My voice and opens the door, I
will come in to him." (Revelation 3:20)
It means further that you receive Jesus Christ into your life as
Lord. He comes as Master and King. There is a throne room in your heart, and
that throne is rightly His. He made you. He bought you, and He wants to take
His rightful place on the throne of your life.
It means, finally, that you repent of your sins. That means that
you are willing to turn from anything you have been doing that is not pleasing
to Him and to follow Him as He reveals His will to you in His Word.
Now, if this is what you really want you can go to God in
prayer right where you are. You can receive His gift of eternal life
through Jesus Christ right now. "... with the heart one believes to
righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation... for
whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:10,13)
If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call
on Him, asking Him for this gift right now. Here's a suggested prayer:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve
eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a
place in Heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life;
forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You
for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life."
If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what
Jesus promises to those who believe in Him. "Most assuredly, I say to you,
he who believes in Me has everlasting life." (John 6:47)
Welcome to God's family! If you have truly repented (forsaken,
turned away) from your sins, placed your trust in Jesus Christ's sacrificial
death, and received the gift of eternal life, you are now a child of God!
Forever! Welcome to the Family of God! "But as many as received Him, to
them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in
His name." (John 1:12)
Study GodÕs Word every day
Studying God's Word shows Christians how to
be obedient to God as you read it, remember it, and relate it to life.
Take time to Pray Daily.
Spending time in prayer will provide for your
needs, produce a change in your perspective, and preserve and protect you
through every situation.
Experience the Joy of
Worship
We experience the joy of worship when we
prepare our hearts to encounter God, praise God for who He is, and present
ourselves for His service.
Participate with Other
Christians
Fellowship with other Christians is important
because it provides believers encouragement, exhortation, and empowerment to
live the Christian life.
Share Your Faith with
Others.
When we share our faith with others, God's
love is spread, lives are changed, and the lost saved.
Remember the three "Rs"? In school they stand for
"readin', 'ritin', and 'rithmetic." In the Christian life, there are
also three "Rs": ÒreadingÓ, ÒrememberingÓ, and ÒrelatingÓ. First,
reading God's Word daily shows us how to be obedient to God. From the beginning
God's people have been instructed to read His Word: "Meditate in it day
and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in
it" (Joshua 1:8). Study it with other believers (Colossians 3:16).
Second, remembering God's Word keeps us from sin. Perhaps you've
heard sin defined as "missing the mark." God's Word tells us what
that mark is. So, memorize God's Word, then you'll be able to recall it when
you face a spiritual test or temptation. David, the Jewish shepherd king, knew
that truth: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin
against You" (Psalm 119:11).
Finally, relating God's Word to life helps us to understand the
importance of seeking God's guidance in everything we do. We are to "be
doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). That means that we
are to apply God's Word to every aspect of life. Nothing is exempt. Everything
is included! When we live according to God's Word, Christ is honored and people
are helped.
Why should you practice these three "Rs"? Because
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that
the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work"
(II Timothy 3:16-17). Read. Remember. Relate!
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.--Psalm 119:105
Read a chapter of the Bible each day. A good place to begin is the
Gospel of John.
Have you ever tried to have a relationship with someone without
communicating? It could never be a very strong relationship, could it? Good
communication is vital to a healthy relationship. In much the same way, prayer
is essential to your relationship with the Lord Jesus. How? First prayer
provides for your needs. Through prayer, we claim the promises of God: "In
everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made know to God" (Philippians 4:6). According to His will, God answers
our requests (Mark 11:24).
Second, prayer produces change in our perspective. Prayer helps us
see things from God's point of view. It prepares us to accept God's will. We
are to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew
6:10). Paul learned that whatever answer God gives, His grace is sufficient (II
Corinthians 12:9).
Third, prayer preserves and protects our faith. Jesus knew the
peril His disciples were in as He faced the Cross. He urged them, as He does
us, to "Pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:40).
Nothing gives Satan greater pleasure than to cause a believer to stumble.
Prayer keeps our focus on the promises and provisions of Christ.
Yes, prayer is vital to your relationship with Christ because
prayer opens your mind to God's Word. It opens your heart to experience true
worship. It opens your life to participation with other Christians. And, it
opens your mouth to share your witness. So, "Pray without ceasing" (I
Thessalonians 5: 17).
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with
Thanksgiving.--Colossians 4:2
Read the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). It provides a model for
how Jesus taught His disciples to pray.
Do you know anyone who worships idols? Even in our modern,
sophisticated society, people choose to worship idols. Now, granted, those
things may be fame or fortune, power or popularity, or even good things like
family and friends. All the same, God alone is worthy of our worship (Exodus
20:3-4). Even for the Christian, there is always the temptation to engage in
idol worship that can never satisfy. But there is great joy for those who
worship the living Lord God!
So, how do you experience joy? First, we experience the joy of
worship when we prepare our hearts to encounter God. If you were going to meet
someone famous, think of the great lengths to which you would go to be ready.
How much more, then, should we prepare ourselves to meet the Creator of the
Universe! King David wanted to be ready: "Give unto the Lord the glory due
his name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (Psalm 29:2) Will
you prepare yourself to worship the King of Kings?
Second, we experience the joy of worship when we praise God for
Who He is. If God had done nothing for us, He would still deserve our praise.
Make this your desire for worship: "I will praise You, O Lord my God, with
all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore" (Psalm 86:12). God
inhabits our praise.
Third, we experience the joy of worship when we present ourselves
for His service. You see, when we truly worship God, we respond to His call.
(Read Isaiah 6:1-8). That is what Paul meant when he wrote, "Present your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable
service" (Romans 12:1).
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His
holy name.--Psalm 103:1
Read a Psalm each day as part of your personal worship and Bible
study time.
Have you ever noticed that the coals of a charcoal fire glow
brighter when they're touching each other. They draw warmth from each other.
Those coals can teach us an important lesson about Christian fellowship: We
glow the brightest when we fellowship with other Christians.
Why is Christian fellowship so important? First, we find
encouragement in fellowship with other believers. Christian fellowship provides
an atmosphere where we can share our joys and sorrows. That is what God's Holy
Word says: "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of
Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
Second, we receive enthusiasm from fellowship with other
Christians. As we share in the lives of other believers, we are energized to
live out our faith. The Bible puts it this way: "Let us consider one
another in order to stir up love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24).
Finally, we receive empowerment from Christian fellowship because
we find Christ in the midst of other Christians (Matthew 18:20). The first
Christians knew they needed to be empowered by the living Lord Jesus. They
found that power together as "they continued steadfastly in the apostles'
doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts
2:42).
Will you learn the lesson of the charcoal? Make it your priority
and prayer to find other believers with whom you can enjoy all the blessings
and benefits of Christian fellowship. It will increase your joy and stimulate
your growth!
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have
love for one another.--John 13:35
Find a Sunday school class or a Bible Study made up of people who
share your age, background, or interests. Get involved and grow together.
How did you become a Christian? More than likely, you knew how to
become a Christian because another believer cared enough to tell you how to be
saved. And how did that person become a Christian? Probably the very same way.
You see, God has chosen to include us in His plan to save people. Only we can share
the Gospel. When God's people are faithful in this plan, some wonderful things
happen.
First, God's love is spread to those who need it. Spreading that
love is as simple as sharing 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 everlasting life." If you could quote no other verse, this
"Gospel in a nutshell" would be enough. Commit it to memory. It will
bless your life and the lives of others!
Second, when we share our faith, lives are changed. The Bible
makes that clear: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have past away; behold, all things have become new"
(II Corinthians 5:17).
Finally, when we share our faith, the lost are saved. Now, we
cannot save anyone. That is God's work. We can be faithful, though in telling
others of God's promise that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall
be saved" (Romans 10:13). Your faithful witness can impact
destiny-determining decisions!
If your life has been genuinely changed by the saving power of the
Lord Jesus Christ, you cannot help but tell that "Nor is there salvation
in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which
we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.--Matthew 28:19
Use the "Things to Remember About Your Faith" guide in
the introduction to help share your faith in Christ.
Choosing a church home that is right for you and your family is a
very important decision. Several key factors, some of which are outlined below,
need to be considered. This is an important process and one that may take some
time. YouÕll probably want to visit several churches. To find a Baptist church
near you, click here. Remember, the key is to pray, asking God for guidance. He
is able and desires to lead you to a healthy, active, growing church where you
can serve Him and grow in your walk with Him and in fellowship with other
believers.
Doctrine
To find answers to these and other questions, you will need to do
some research. The best place to start is by observation. Most churches give
informational material to visitors. Notice what this piece says about the
church and its beliefs. Check the bulletin or other church literature for
information about the focus of church programs. Note the message contained in
the music and sermons, as well as the prayers, practices and activities of the
church. A visit with a staff member to ask specific questions may also be
helpful. In addition, many churches offer a class on their beliefs and what
membership involves.
Worship
Leadership
People
Programs
Other Considerations