Tag Archive | Salvation

How many ways to Heaven? Jesus says, just one!

Apr3

Question:  Are there many different ways to Heaven?

Answer:  No.  Jesus says there is just one way to Heaven and that’s through Him!  In John 14:6,  it reads, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” (NKJV) Believers know that Jesus does not lie.  Therefore, we can be assured that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus, as our Lord and Savior!  Jesus does not say that there is any other way.  In fact, many other scriptures in the Holy Bible confirm this.  For example, in Acts 4:12, the Apostle Peter says of Jesus, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  John the Baptist says in John 3:36,  “He who believes in the Son (Jesus) has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Also, in 1 John 5:10-13, the Bible gives another summary on the only way to God in Heaven.  It says, “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.  And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”

These scriptures are the words of God.  Believers know that they are true.  Sadly, even some Christians will try to deny God’s Word.  They do not want to admit to others that not every person will go to Heaven even if they are doing so-called “good deeds” or saying they believe in some type of  “god.”   This “One way to God” teaching sounds mean, divisive, and unfair to them.  What these people forget is that God is a loving God.  Remember that John 3:16 says, “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.” God’s offer of salvation is given to all people groups.

God wants us to realize that we are all sinners in need of a Savior.  He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to take the punishment for our sins — although Jesus remained sinless.  He wants us to ask His forgiveness for our sins and repent.   He wants us to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and be saved.  However, He has also given us free-will.  It’s up to each able-minded individual to decide to accept or reject Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior.   Those who harden their own hearts and refuse to accept Jesus as their Savior have condemned themselves to eternal separation from a holy God.  In other words, they choose Hell over Heaven!  Still, they are making this choice for themselves.

Renowned Pastor Greg Laurie does a beautiful job of explaining that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus.  Listen to this 3 minute 13 second video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch0Qcd-wufY&feature=youtu.be

Believers must continue to pray for all those who reject Jesus Christ and the teachings of God’s Holy Word, and who believe that there are multiple ways to Heaven.  Pray that they realize that God’s words are true.  Pray that they accept that when Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me,” He meant it!  He IS the one and only way!

(Reposted from my January 24, 2014 Blog)

Do you have your priorities straight – Jesus first?

May4

Question: How do I know if I’m keeping Jesus first in my life?

Answer: It’s very important that Believers remember to put Jesus Christ first in their lives! Start by praying for God’s Holy Spirit to help you. Pray that as you go about your day you will be mindful of the things you do and say. Ask yourself if your words and actions are reflecting the love and teachings of God’s Word.

To know what God has to say to us, Believers should regularly read and study God’s Word — the Bible. It says we are to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

In doing so, we learn so many important things. For example, we learn about how God wants us to live our lives to please Him. We learn about the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Read John 3:16). Plus, we learn about the many wonderful promises God has made to us if we obey His Word (Read Jeremiah 29:11). We also learn of the deadly consequences we face if we are disobedient to Him and don’t turn from our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

God also understands how difficult our enemy, Satan, tries to make our lives. Satan definitely does not want us to put Jesus first. In fact, he’s a thief who wants to rob us of our faith. One way he may try to do this is by making us doubt God loves us. Or he makes us think God is no longer around to help us. Satan makes us have these feelings when we have to deal with hard issues like sickness, money problems, relationship troubles, or crime.

But remember not to believe Satan’s lies! “The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Also, remember that God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

So, know that there will be times when you find yourself facing difficult situations. You will face social pressures, rejection, or even retaliation for choosing to reject sin and instead follow the teachings of God. When this happens, don’t be afraid or discouraged — stand strong for the Lord! Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to help you through these challenging times. Live your life to please the Lord.

Keep Jesus first!

What excuses are you making to God today?

Apr5

Question: How do I do a better job of living my life for God?

Answer: The first step to living our lives to please God is to understand that we are all sinners. We can’t enter Heaven in our sin, so we need a Savior to take away our sin. Because God loves us, He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be our one and only Lord and Savior. (Read John 3:16) God gave His Son to die on the cross to take the punishment we deserve for our sins. Jesus rose to life again three days after His death and lives with God in Heaven. When we have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, have asked Him to forgive us, and have repented, He cleanses us of our sins.

But know that Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ! “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 NKJV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new…. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (Read 1 Corinthians 5:17-21)

Once we are saved, the next step to living our lives for God is to know God’s words to us through the Holy Bible. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness….”

In knowing the importance of the Scriptures, we can understand why Believers must stay in God’s word. We can understand why we should regularly read and study the Bible. Through these Scriptures, we also learn of our need to pray regularly. We learn that we need to pray for God’s Holy Spirit to bless us, to guide us, to comfort and help us as we deal with life’s challenges.

A third important step in living to please God is to understand that living for God is not merely a suggestion. It’s also not something you apply to one area of your life but not to another. It’s not something you do just on Sundays. And it’s not something you make excuses not to do because of the unfair actions of others towards you.

You can’t tell God you are making decisions in your life that go against His word because you want to be accepted by those in the sinful culture. You can’t even blame your life choices on the fact that there are some hypocrites in the church.

God already knows about everything that’s going on in the world. He is still in control and will deal with all these things in His own time! He wants us as Believers to love and trust Him and to live according to His word. In part of what’s known as The Great Commission (See Matthew 28: 18-20), Jesus instructs His disciples to “make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” His word expresses His desire for how He wants us to live!

So, as you talk to God today through prayer, see to it that you are not making excuses for why you are not living to please Him! Instead, follow the instructions of Jesus and live your life according to God’s word. Ask His forgiveness and repent when you fall short. He loves you and will forgive you.

Show your love for Him by choosing to live your life to please God. No excuses!

(Re-posted from my June 2022 Blog Post.)

Are you letting Satan play with your mind?

Oct6

Question: Why do I have such a hard time believing God loves me?

Answer: You’re having a hard time believing God can really love someone like you because Satan is messing with your mind! The devil does not want you to believe that God loves you. He does not want anyone to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! Simply put– Satan does not want you to believe God because he wants your soul for himself!

Instead of letting Satan play with your mind and convince you that God doesn’t love you, trust instead in God’s own words to us.

For example, 1 John 4:9-10 (NKJV) says, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 15:9: “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you, abide in My love.”

Therefore, Believers need to protect themselves from the devil’s lies. You do this by first praying for God’s protection and guidance, and then by staying in His Word to know what is true. Know that any thought that comes to your mind that does not agree with the teachings of God’s word is a thought that is not of God. Don’t believe it! Remember “that the thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus Christ) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV)

By knowing that Satan has evil intentions, Believers can be prepared to face the challenges he brings against us each day. God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us win our daily fights with Satan. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians describes this preparedness as putting on “the whole armor of God.” (Read Ephesians 6: 10- 17.)

So, be prepared. Don’t allow Satan to play with your mind. Instead, totally trust in the truth of God’s word!

Stop just shaking your head about things. Take action!

Jul1

Question: I just shake my head in disbelief about our country’s moral decline. What can I do?  I feel helpless!

Answer: It’s understandable to feel frustrated about the onslaught of daily bad news. So many people seem to be on the fast-track to see how low they can go when it comes to doing things that go against God’s Word.  Still murder, hatred, theft, etc. — none of these sins are new. (Read Romans 1:18-32 )

But these days, thanks to our access to 24/7 news, we can witness our elected officials, celebrities, and media and academic elites shamelessly supporting sinful things on a regular basis.  This can be very disturbing to watch! But instead of just shaking your head about the negative direction our society is headed, take action!

First, pray! Remember, we need to show the love of God to everyone – including those who are leading our society away from God. Since doing this does not always come easy, we need to pray about them regularly. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in how and when we are to deal with those who work against His Word. Pray that He gives us the right words to say when speaking with those who do not share our beliefs.

Also, realize that one person really can make a big difference! Ask God to give you wisdom to know how you can help people live their lives to please Him. Many people believe God would have them give financially to support organizations, in addition to their churches, to help them spread the Gospel to others.

You could join others in educating people about the negative results of not living according to God’s Word. This type of action might take the form of holding public forums, rallies, and marches to get people’s attention so that you can teach them about current issues.

When it’s time to elect new officers into leadership locally, state-wide, and nationally, take action! For example, you could distribute voter guides to let people know where the politicians they vote into power stand on the important cultural issues of today.  That way, people will not make the mistake of voting for leaders who plan to support policies and laws which go against the Word of God!

When all is said and done, Believers need to know that ultimately it’s not about how clever we are with our words. But rather it’s about God’s Holy Spirit moving on people’s hearts that will get them to change their immoral ways.  So, as 2 Thessalonians 3:13 says,  “…do not grow weary in doing good.” ( NKJV )  Continue to pray for people to live their lives to please God. Pray that they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, ask God for forgiveness, and repent of their sins.

Remember “… with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)  So stop just shaking your head about the declining moral condition of the culture. Take action!

(Re-posted from my Feb. 8, 2019 Blog Post)



Believers beware…the battle is on!

Jun3

Question:  Why do some Christians say we’re in a spiritual war?

Answer:  Just being Believers makes us target number one for Satan.  The Bible tells us to “be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV)   Jesus also says in John 10:10 that “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…”  Therefore, Christians must be on guard against the devil achieving his goals of  causing trouble and trying to destroy our lives. In other words, Believers need to recognize when we are facing spiritual warfare.

There are many different circumstances Christians find themselves in that are actually experiences of spiritual warfare.  For example, when you’re facing challenges like marital troubles, unemployment,  financial difficulties, medical problems — physical or emotional — and  you start to feel like things are never going to get better or that you’re just a failure in life, you’re in a spiritual battle.

Or, when your children, who were raised in the Church but then later rebel against the biblical morals they were taught to live by, you know you’re in a spiritual battle.  Another example is when your boss or co-workers show open resentment of you for being morally different from them.  They may even deny you promotions because you believe in living out your Christian beliefs.  They make fun of you because you don’t laugh at their dirty jokes or join them in their after-work partying where they are known for getting drunk and doing other sinful things.   You know you’re in a spiritual battle.

God’s Word tells us to handle these times of spiritual warfare by turning to Him through Bible study and prayer to receive God’s guidance and help. Said another way, the Word tells us to put our armor on!    Ephesians 6:11-18 says:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (NIV)

Nationally known pastor and author Dr. Tony Evans created a compelling and helpful Bible study on how Christians should deal with spiritual battles.  The title of the study is “Victory in Spiritual Warfare.”   Check out the 1 minute, 26 second trailer about this study here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n6m9DLHJ_Y.

So, Believers beware; the battle is on!  Thankfully, we can trust that God has provided the way to victory over Satan in these battles. That way to victory starts when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, ask Jesus to forgive our sins and repent, then receive the power of God’s Holy Spirit into our lives.  It is God’s power that will give us the victory over spiritual battles!

Re-posted from my February 25, 2014 Blog post.

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family     http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries   http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine    www.worldmag.com

Don’t have a Jesus-free Christmas!

Dec3

Question:  In the hustle and bustle of the season, how can I make sure I’m keeping Christ in Christmas?

Answer:  Even dedicated Christians can sometimes find themselves consumed with every tradition of the holiday season except what’s most important.  They can forget that Jesus really is the reason for the season!  Christians know that this is the time of the year we choose to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should make the time and make the effort to keep Christ in our Christmas!  But, if we know this, then why don’t we do it?

Unfortunately, some Christians can get as consumed with creating the picture-perfect Christmas experience as the world does. They fill themselves with anxiety trying to get the best super sales on the most popular gifts.  Adults get worked up over seeing their peers gifting themselves with the latest “must-have” gadgets and new technology.  They wear themselves out trying to keep up with the trends of the crowd. They forget to pause, reflect, and be thankful for the greatest gift – Jesus Christ.

Likewise, many Christian families find themselves in turmoil during this season.  Married couples fight over which in-laws they are going to spend Christmas Day with.  Parents argue over how much money they are going to spend to make sure their children have this year’s hottest toys. They fill the family calendar with so many seasonal activities that they find themselves exhausted.  Yet, they fail to make time for the most important things – reading, meditating on, and discussing God’s Word.

Most importantly, during this season of spending extra time with family and friends, too many Christians fail to include in their discussions talk of their walk with the Lord.  They tend not to share with their family and friends how God has brought them faithfully through this year.  They are willing to talk about everything else but Jesus.  It doesn’t have to be this way.

Don’t have a Jesus-free Christmas!  See that you and your family are keeping Christ in Christmas. There are many ways you can do this.  For example, plan to take your family to a church Christmas program that tells the story of Christ’s birth.  While decorating the tree, play or sing Christmas hymns that give praise to our Lord.  Make sure to share with your family and friends how God has blessed you this year.  And, always make sure your family knows the story of the birth of our Savior.  Luke 2: 1-20 spells out in detail how Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  This Bible passage may be one you’d even want to read aloud together.  Listen to a reading of this account by clicking here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCKpwaRxIww&feature=youtube_gdata.    

And, have a very Merry CHRISTmas!

(Re-posted from my December 2014 Blog)

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family    www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries   http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network  www.cbn.com

World Magazine   http://www.worldmag.com

What excuses are you making to God today?

Jun3

Question: How do I do a better job of living my life for God?

Answer: The first step to living our lives to please God is to understand that we are all sinners. We can’t enter Heaven in our sin, so we need a Savior to take away our sin. Because God loves us, He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be our one and only Lord and Savior. (Read John 3:16) God gave His Son to die on the cross to take the punishment we deserve for our sins. Jesus rose to life again three days after His death and lives with God in Heaven. When we have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, have asked Him to forgive us, and have repented, He cleanses us of our sins.

But know that Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ! “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 NKJV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new…. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (Read 1 Corinthians 5:17-21)

Once we are saved, the next step to living our lives for God is to know God’s words to us through the Holy Bible. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness….”

In knowing the importance of the Scriptures, we can understand why Believers must stay in God’s word. We can understand why we should regularly read and study the Bible. Through these Scriptures, we also learn of our need to pray regularly. We learn that we need to pray for God’s Holy Spirit to bless us, to guide us, to comfort and help us as we deal with life’s challenges.

A third important step in living to please God is to understand that living for God is not merely a suggestion. It’s also not something you apply to one area of your life but not to another. It’s not something you do just on Sundays. And it’s not something you make excuses not to do because of the unfair actions of others towards you.

You can’t tell God you are making decisions in your life that go against His word because you want to be accepted by those in the sinful culture. You can’t even blame your life choices on the fact that there are some hypocrites in the church.

God already knows about everything that’s going on in the world. He is still in control and will deal with all these things in His own time! He wants us as Believers to love and trust Him and to live according to His word. In part of what’s known as The Great Commission (See Matthew 28: 18-20), Jesus instructs His disciples to “make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” His word expresses His desire for how He wants us to live!

So, as you talk to God today through prayer, see to it that you are not making excuses for why you are not living to please Him! Instead, follow the instructions of Jesus and live your life according to God’s word. Ask His forgiveness and repent when you fall short. He loves you and will forgive you.

Show your love for Him by choosing to live your life to please God. No excuses!

You can count on Jesus!

Apr10

Question: I find it hard to trust people these days, Too many people are dishonest and just out for self gain. Do you think this is why I find it hard to trust in Jesus?

Answer: Yes, this is probably at least part of the reason. But, unlike people who are all born in sin, Jesus Christ never committed any sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21) That is why Jesus Christ is our one and only sinless Savior. We can’t go to Heaven with our sin. The wages of our sin is death (Romans 6:23). But, because God loved us so much (John 3:16) He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in our place. Jesus took the punishment we deserved for our sins. He died but rose to life again on the third day! He now sits at the right hand of our Heavenly Father! Based on His ultimate sacrifice for us and being sinless, we know that He is honest and we can trust Him.

For those of us who accept Jesus Christ as our only Lord and Savior, there is everlasting life in heaven one day. Accepting Christ as our Savior is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). We can’t do enough good works to earn our way there. We are saved by the grace of God through our faith in His Son Jesus! We can put our trust in His plan of salvation for us.

Since Jesus never sinned that means He never lied. Therefore, you can count on everything He says to be true. You can trust in His Holy Word. And, as Jesus said of Himself and God, “I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30 NKJV) When we read about Jesus, we are also reading about God. So when we read that ”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), we know that we can trust the Scriptures to be God’s words to us.

Included in God’s Word are many promises to those of us who are Believers. He promises to stay by our side and never forsake us. He promises to bring us peace. In fact, His Word says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesu.” (Philippians 4:6-7) We can trust that He will help us and comfort us.

So, by these promises, we know that we can depend on Jesus to do what God’s Word says He will do. And, His Word says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). That means we can always count on Jesus to be there for all of us who believe!

A Family Needs a Firm Foundation

Mar5

*** Praising God for blessing me to be celebrating my 10th year anniversary as a Christian Living Blogger! What an honor it has been to be able to share the importance of God’s word and tell people about salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! My blog has been read by people from 98 different countries. God is good! I’m re-posting my very first blog post below. It’s just as relevant today as it was when I first posted it in March 2012. *** ( 98 Countries listed at bottom of this page.)

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Question:  In these challenging social times, how do I help my children be strong Christians?

Answer: It’s true that traditional Christian values are being challenged from every direction.  If your son or daughter attends public schools or universities, they are most likely being taught to believe ideas and ways that are contrary to God’s biblical teachings…in addition to the regular reading, writing, and math.  Most parents are not aware of this.  That’s why parents need to be very active in keeping up with what’s going on in their child’s school.  However, the bottom line is that parents cannot be with their child every minute.  Therefore, it becomes even more important that parents are teaching their children from a very early age what exactly their family believes.  Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  This training will be their firm foundation.

Sadly, too many Christians today don’t even know themselves what God teaches us in His Word-The Holy Bible.  As Christians, we need to read and study the Bible for ourselves.  Plus, it is extremely important to attend a true Bible believing, Bible teaching church.  Be aware that many places call themselves a church, but they don’t even teach that the Bible is true.  If you are in a church like this, you and your family need to leave NOW!  Learn God’s Word!  Being strong in the Lord starts with you and your children understanding that we are all sinners in need of a Savior.  Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, is that Savior.  Once we ask Jesus to forgive us our sins, repent, and accept Him as our Savior, we can go on to grow in our faith in the Lord!  Know that we cannot strive in this world by our own strength.  God gives us His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us through this life…until we die from this world, and move on to eternal life in Heaven!

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Reaching 98 Countries….and counting! Amen!