Is Jesus the Only Way?

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Have you ever been confronted with the statement, “There are many paths to heaven”? As followers of Jesus Christ, we can respond with confidence: there is only one way to heaven.

The truth of Gods Word rings out loud and true. Jesus Himself claims, “No one comes to the Father except through me” [John 14:6].

What shall we do with this claim? C.S. Lewis suggested that Jesus Christ is either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord of lords. Throughout His life, Jesus was confronted in several situations where he could have lied–but instead proved his honesty. The case for Jesus Christs authenticity is backed up by His resurrection. Every other religious figure in history has died and is buried somewhere: Jesus tomb is the only one with a vacancy sign.

The only claim left is that Jesus Christ is Lord. When we share our faith, we can boldly proclaim the truth of Gods Word. And the salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ is the only thing we need to spend eternity with Him.

 

What are Hell and Heaven like?

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When someone asks us to physically describe heaven and hell, how should we respond?

First, heaven is a very real place. In Revelation, John tells us, “the Holy City…shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel” [Revelation 21:10,11]. In heaven, we will spend eternity in the presence of the Lord. There will be no more sadness, pain, or sin. Instead, there will be singing, worship, and service to God.

Then theres hell. Most of what we know about hell comes from the lips of Jesus Christ Himself, and its no laughing matter. Jesus describes hell as the place where “the fire never goes out” [Mark 9:43] and where “the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” [verse 48]. He hardly could have painted a worse picture.

The truth about both heaven and hell can be a very positive motivator. When we share our faith with others, we are part of Gods rescue plan to snatch individuals from misery with no end and share with them the glory of an eternal paradise with God.

How can God be Personal?

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Sometimes its hard to believe God can be close when we feel as if Hes far away. But the Bible tells us that God is our Father and He loves us. So how do we explain this personal relationship with someone who doesnt know the Lord?

First, Christianity is not about rules. Its about relationship. When we admit our sin and ask for forgiveness through Jesus Christ, we can enter Gods presence and talk with Him, hear from Him, and enjoy the closeness of His company.

Second, Gods Spirit lives inside those who follow Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me . . . my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” [John 14:23].

When we trust Christ, we receive a new nature born of Gods Holy Spirit, who comes to live within us.

God isnt just a guiding spirit up in the sky somewhere. He is a Father and friend whose Spirit lives inside us and with whom we can have an intimate, loving relationship. The world needs to know this truth–now more than ever!

Is the Bible really True?

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Many people today wonder, “Is the Bible really true?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

The Bible is one of the most well-documented manuscripts in history. Most of the books of the New Testament were probably written within 35 years of the events they relate. If the writers had tried to pull the wool over their readers eyes, there were plenty of eyewitnesses still living who could have said, “Thats not what happened!”

The apostle Peter was well aware of the influence of eyewitnesses. In Acts 10:37, he said to his listeners, “You know what has happened throughout Judea . . . How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth . . . We are witnesses of everything he did.”

The Bible was not written simply to appease those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Bible is a historically accurate and well-documented collection of inspired writing–a unified witness to Gods remarkable presence in this world. So the next time someone asks us about the Bibles reliability, lets answer with confidence. Gods Word is true yesterday, today, and forever.

Confidence in Christ

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My family was on a flight to Jamaica to spend the holidays with my wifes family. I was seated in one row with the boys, and Wendy was seated behind me with our daughter, Sadie.

Wendy sat down next to a young, quietly confident man named, Rob. Wendy is very friendly, so naturally she struck up a conversation with him. I listened as they chatted throughout our flight. The conversation eventually turned to spiritual matters, and Wendy boldly proclaimed the truth in love. He listened, and they shared their views back and forth.

Finally, Wendy said, “If you died today, do you know where youd go?” I was quietly listening- stunned, as Id never heard Wendy use that approach before.

As some of you may know, our plane crashed shortly after. My wife followed the Holy Spirits leading, and was obedient to share with Rob. And on the day she questioned him about death, he barely escaped it.

As a military man, Rob was equipped to calmly handle the emergency. He took charge, and helped everyone off the plane, including my family. Rob was the last man off the plane. He is a hero. We are continuing to pray for his salvation.

Is there someone in your life, who needs preparation for their last day on earth? Learn from my wife, and be bold in your faith. That day may come soon.