Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Why am I here? Where am I going when I die, if anywhere? Time continues to move on, sometimes with alarming speed. It is vital that we realize the purpose for our life. Our time is limited. We are only here for a short time. (James 4:14) There is a choice that we must make, and this choice will affect us for all eternity. We can choose to live in eternal bliss – happiness, joy and peace with our Creator – or we can choose to live in eternal suffering – tormented day and night forever. Scripture warns us that the way to heaven is narrow, and only a few will find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The time is now to make this choice. (Revelations 14:10)

It does not matter how good we are or how evil we have been, we are all sinners and have broken God’s law. (Romans 3:23) None of us deserves heaven. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sins. The blood He shed on the cross will take away our sins, if we believe in Him. (1 John 1:7) “Believing” does not mean just knowing about Him. “Believing” means clinging to Jesus, trusting in Him, and relying upon Him. Just knowing about Jesus isn’t going to get us there because the demons “know” about Him and they certainly are not going to heaven. (James 2:19) Scriptures says that faith in Jesus is the only way to heaven. There is no other person and no other way. (John 14:6) We need to repent of our sins and ask Jesus into our hearts as Savior (call on Him for eternal life), and Lord (give Him control of our life). Eternal life is a gift from God. (Romans 6:23)

A sample prayer follows:
Dear Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner and in need of a Savior. I repent of my sins and ask You into my heart to be my Savior—to take my sins on the cross, and to be my Lord—to take control of my life. I invite the Holy Spirit into my life to help me become the person You want me to be. Take me to live with You in heaven someday. Amen.

Steps to Growth

Once we sincerely do this, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins. He sends the Holy Spirit to live in us, Who will teach and guide us, and will give us the power to do God’s will. For our spiritual growth, we should daily read God’s Word, the Bible. God’s Word is like God speaking to us from heaven. As we read, the Holy Spirit will reveal insights to the heart and mind of those willing to hear His voice. Jesus compares God’s Word to food. (Matthew 4:4) We would not consider going a day without food for our bodies, we should not consider going one day without food for our souls—eternal food from God. It is very relevant for us today. Begin reading with the book of John in the New Testament. Read the Psalms and Proverbs from the Old Testament for comfort and wisdom. God’s Word shows us how to live a victorious Christian life.

God expects us to obey His Word (the Bible). If we read and obey His Word, we will grow to maturity. We are to love God with all our hearts and love our neighbor as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-39) He wants us to repent of our sins daily, confessing them to Him and turning away from them with His help. We are to pray daily. Prayer is not necessarily reciting words, but is talking to God the way we talk to our closest friend.

The Bible instructs us to have Christian friends who will build us up spiritually. For our spiritual growth, we should attend a Bible-believing church. (Proverbs 13:20) If we obey Him in these areas, we will be growing in our walk with the Lord.

If you haven’t received God’s gift or eternal life, why don’t you do it now? Repent of your sins and ask Jesus into your heart today. Allow Jesus to make a difference in your life, and if He already has, tell somebody else about Him. For additional information about the Christian life, visit the following link: Beginning Steps for the Christian Life and follow the "Beginning Steps" or call Pastor Azzolina at (412) 835-1191.

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