For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 NIV

 

Heaven is a free gift.

God offers us the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life in Heaven.  According to a recent poll of some of the world's richest people, they would be willing to pay over $600,000 for a place in Heaven.  However, Heaven is a gift and cannot be purchased.  The minute one pays anything for a gift, it ceases to be a gift.  In Romans 6:23, the Scriptures tell us "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"- Romans 6:23 NIV

Because Heaven is a gift, it can not be earned or deserved.  The Scriptures also tell us that "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" - Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

 

God is Merciful

God loves us.  He created us in His image and cares what happens to us.  We all know how much parents love their children, yet God loves us even more.  John tells us in his first letter that "...God is love" - I John 4:8 NIV.

At the same time that God is love, the Old Testament also tells us that God is just.  In Exodus, Moses wrote "...Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished" - Exodus 34:7 NIV.

 

Man is a Sinner

There are different types of sin.  Sin's of commission are those sins that we act out, such as lying, cheating and stealing.  There are also sins of omission, which are those things we should do, but do not.  This includes failing to pray, read the Bible and not loving our neighbors.  Also, our thoughts can be sins when we dwell on those things that are not pleasing to God.

According to Romans 3:23 (NIV) - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Notice that the Scripture does not say some have sinned, it says that all have sinned.

Because man is a sinner, he cannot save himself.  God sets the standard in Matthew 5:48 - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

Jesus, the Infinite God Man

Most people know that Jesus was a great teacher and a great leader.  Many also know that he performed many miracles.  The Bible also tells us that he is the Son of God.  However, Jesus is not only the Son of God, he is also God the Son.  The Gospel of John tell us "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:1, 14 NIV.

Although Jesus did all of the things listed above, that wasn't why He came.  Instead, He came to die on the cross and rise from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and to purchase a place for us in Heaven.  He paid the penalty for our sins, the penalty that we could not pay.  Isaiah wrote that "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" - Isaiah 53:6 NIV.

This gift is received through faith.

 

Faith, the Key to Heaven

Faith is not head knowledge.  Many people know a lot of facts about Jesus.  However, that head knowledge is not the faith we are talking about.  James wrote that "You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that - and shudder" - James 2:19 NIV.  We know that the demons will not be going to Heaven.  Their knowledge of who Jesus is does nothing more than frighten them.

Faith is also not temporary.  We often pray for protection when we are traveling, or when someone is sick.  We have faith that God can protect us and heal us.  However, as soon as the situation is resolved, there is no longer a need for this type of faith.

Instead, the faith we are talking about is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for our eternal salvation.  When Paul was in prison once, he was asked what one must do to be saved.  His response was "Believe (trust) in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" - Acts 16:31 NIV.

 

Do You Still Have Questions?

A decision to follow Christ should not be taken lightly.  If you still have questions, please watch the following video from Pastor Rick Warren (author of The Purpose Driven Life) about what it means to be a follower of Christ.

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If you would like to speak to someone directly, please call our church office at (954) 755-7723 and ask to speak to either Pastor Bob or Pastor Carlos.

 

The Sinner's Prayer

If your true wish is to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, repeat the following prayer.

Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner.  I know that I have fallen short of your perfect plan and that I cannot save myself.  I thank you for the free gift of Heaven that you offer us.  I am grateful that you are a loving God, but know that you are also a just God who must punish sin.  I know that you sent your son, Jesus Christ, to die for us on the cross, to pay the penalty for our sin and purchase a place in Heaven for us.  I now place my trust in Jesus Christ alone for my eternal salvation and receive him as my savior and Lord.  I repent from my sins.  I know that I do not deserve this gift nor have I earned it, yet I receive it gladly.  Amen

John 6:47 tells us "I tell you the truth. he who believes has everlasting life."  You have just placed your trust in Jesus Christ and you have eternal life.

This is the start of a remarkable journey for you.  It is not always an easy path, so there are several things that you should do now.

First, let us know of your decision.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will add you to our prayer list to ask God to protect you.

 

The Next Steps

There are 5 means to continue to grow in your walk with Jesus.

 

Bible

Read the Bible every day.  The Bible is God's word to us and He gives us instructions in it.  If you do not already have a Bible, we would recommend the New International Version for you.  They can be found inexpensively at any Christian Bookstore and many major retailers.

 

Prayer

Prayer is just talking to God.  It means to tell Him what is on our minds; our joys, sorrows and concerns.  Spend time talking to God each day.

 

Worship

Worship is spending time celebrating who God is and what He has done for us.  This is best accomplished through finding a church that teaches you the Bible.  If you do not already have a Bible-based church that you attend and you are in the Coral Springs area, we would welcome you to come and visit us.  If you are not in the area, then find a local church.

 

Fellowship

Fellowship means spending time with fellow believers.  Many of these fellow believers are around you already.  This will help you to stay true in your walk.

 

Witness

Tell others what Jesus Christ means to you.  Tell them about your decision to follow Christ and what that means to you.  Why should you do this, you may ask.  Jesus told us, "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before by Father which is in heaven.  But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in Heaven" - Matthew 10:32-33 NIV.