WHERE WILL YOU BE?

     I'm sure many of you have been to church at least once in your lives.  Even though you may not consider yourself a "religious" person, many of you still believe there is a God...or some sort of being greater than yourself.  The question is not whether you believe in God --- the Bible says that even demons believe in the Almighty.  The most important question lies far beneath a shallow belief in a higher power. 

It has been perhaps one of the most controversial subjects to ever inhabit our world.  You can say His name in school and immediately cause a group of people to squirm in their seats.  One can speak His name at work and someone will surely change the subject.  You can ask another if he or she believes in Him and that person all of a sudden becomes angry, upset, or defensive as if you had just insulted them.  Why?  Because we are in control, right?  I mean...who could be silly enough to believe that a man who died around 32 A.D. could possibly have any significance in my life? 

Let me tell you why --- because that man was no ordinary man.  He was the Son of God --- sent to this world to share the good news.  So what's this "good news"?  The good news is this:  God the Father sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die a horrible death on the cross for the sins of mankind and be raised from the dead three days later. 

So what does this mean?  This means instead of being separated from God forever when you die, He has provided a way for us (through Jesus) to enter into the kingdom of Heaven to live with Him for ETERNITY. 

So how do you know this is true?  Because it is written in the Scriptures over and over and over again.  The story of Jesus Christ was written down by eyewitnesses (His disciples) only a few years after He was crucified.  Archaeologists have found over 20,000 writings that date back to the time of Christ or shortly thereafter that precisely match the Scriptures we read today.  

The complete book of Isaiah was found in the Dead Sea Scrolls uncovered near Jerusalem in the 1950's.  Isaiah was a prophet in the Old Testament who spoke of the one called "The Christ".  In his book he foretold the place where Jesus would be born, how he would be born (of a virgin), how he would die, the Resurrection, and more importantly --- who Jesus is.  Well okay...where's the proof?  Here it is:  The scrolls that had been found by archaeologists were carbon dated.  The results:  copied down over 100 YEARS BEFORE THE BIRTH OF JESUS.

Josephus, a Historian who lived during the time of Christ, described Jesus in his book The Antiquities as "...a wise man, if it be lawful to call Him a man...for He was a doer of wonders" (referring to Jesus' miracles).  It may also be important to note that Josephus was not a follower of Christ, yet he still mentioned His name in the book.  The author also stated that, "...and the tribe of Christians, so named from Him, are not extinct at this day (early 90's A.D. --- roughly 60 years after Jesus' crucifixion).

Many of Jesus' followers were executed because they would not denounce their faith in Him.  They were crucified, stoned to death, and even beheaded.  Why would they die for a cause that did not exist?  The fact is, it's not silly to believe in Him --- it's silly NOT to. 

The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ is knocking at the door of your heart.  Will you let him come in and change your life?  Just talk to Him --- He's listening.  Whatever you're struggling with...whatever hurt or heartache is upon you...just cry out to Jesus and I promise He'll meet you wherever you are.  Admit that you're a sinner and ask forgiveness...confess Him as Lord and Savior of your life and let Him come in.  If He can change a person like myself who was soaked in sin and immorality, He can change YOU.  There's nothing that you've done...and I mean NOTHING, that can prevent you from being saved and washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Guys and gals, believing in God is not enough.  Jesus was quoted in the Scriptures saying, "No one comes to the Father except through me".  Ask Him into your heart today.  Take my word for it --- you WON'T regret it.