The truth of God’s 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 Christ’s 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 God’s Word.  And the salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ is the only thing we need to spend eternity with Him.

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 there’s hell.  Most of what we know about hell comes from the lips of Jesus Christ Himself, and it’s 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 God’s rescue plan to snatch individuals from misery with no end and share with them the glory of an eternal paradise with God.

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

Second, God’s 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 God’s Holy Spirit, who comes to live within us.

God isn’t 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!

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, “That’s 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 God’s remarkable presence in this world.  So the next time someone asks us about the Bible’s reliability, let’s answer with confidence.  God’s Word is true yesterday, today, and forever.

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 you’d go?”  I was quietly listening- stunned, as I’d never heard Wendy use that approach before.

As some of you may know, our plane crashed shortly after.  My wife followed the Holy Spirit’s 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.

It’s silly, but many Christians rely on a spiritual rabbit’s foot to protect them from Satan.  They think going to church or carrying a Bible will keep them safe from his attacks.

What will keep us safe?  First, the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.  On our own, we’ll fall.  A good friend once told me, “Woe to the person who has to learn principles at a time of crisis.”  That’s good advice.  We must learn to rely on Jesus Christ before a crisis strikes so we know how to stand firm.

Then, we need the right kind of input.  The Bible urges us to think on things that are pure and admirable [Phil. 4:8-9].  What we put in our minds affects our whole personality.

Temptation never goes away.  But we can overcome it through the Holy Spirit’s power.  That’s the kind of power that makes a difference in this world!

First, don’t gossip and gloat when someone sins.  Temptation is common to us all, so have mercy and walk humbly.

Second, make a radical decision to be holy as God is holy.  Pray to God about your weakness.  You may be embarrassed, but God already knows–and it will do you good to tell Him.

Third, begin an accountability group.  Let them know when you struggle, and ask them to hold you responsible.

Fourth, get back to reading the Bible.  Many men and women fall because they read books about the Bible, but not the Bible itself.  We need to saturate ourselves with God’s Word so, as Psalm 119:11 says, “I might not sin against [God].”

As we follow God’s Word, we’re kept safe-and our holy lives become a witness beyond words.

Spurgeon wrote, “Faith is leaning, depending, relying, casting all care upon Him.  Faith is the giving up of independence and the reliance on Him whom God has laid…for a foundation.”

The book of Hebrews says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Are you certain?  Do you believe no matter what?  Faith is truly the foundation of life for those who follow Jesus.  Renew your faith today.  Then, put your faith to work.  Today, go and find one person who doesn’t know the Lord.  Tell them about Jesus Christ and his love for them.  Telling other people about Jesus is one of the greatest ways to put your faith into action.