South Jersey provides special opportunities for fun and recreation for the family, especially in the summertime. Many come to the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy it as a refreshing “swimming pool” and to our bay for boating, fishing, and water sports. Some even retire and live here year round.
There is one place even better and more beautiful than the Jersey Shore, a place called HEAVEN. Heaven is a real place, and the Bible gives us the directions on how to get there from here. The route is clear, so follow these simple directions. The first turn we must make is away from our sins.
ADMIT - I admit that God has not been first place in my life and I admit that I am a sinner.
What is a sin? The center letter of the word sin is "I." I want to do my own thing. I want to be my own boss. I want to live my own life the way I want to regardless of God. The Bible says we all have this problem.
We want to be boss and ignore God's principles for living. You can see this all the time in the society around us. You hear phrases like, "Look out for number one... Do your own thing. If it feels good, do it. It's my life, and I'll do what I please”. We don't want God to be our boss. We want to be our boss. The Bible calls this attitude sin.
"All of us like sheep have gone astray and each of us has turned to his own way." Isaiah 53:6
Today we'd say, "All of us have gone astray, and everybody's doing their own thing." Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." When it says "all," does that include Billy Graham? Yes. The Pope? Yes. Everybody! We ALL have sinned. There's no perfect person in the world.
When people have problems, they often try coping with them in different ways before turning to God. We try all kinds of things: Alcohol, drugs, an affair, therapy, thrills, etc. People are trying to fill the emptiness in their heart, when really what they're longing for is a relationship with God. God made you the way you are, and nothing will ever satisfy that inner yearning except a relationship with God. How do we have this relationship?
BELIEVE - What the Bible tells us about Jesus Christ.
The Bible says that Jesus Christ came to earth to die on the cross for us. “. . . while we were still sinners, Christ died for [as a substitute] us”. (Romans 5:8) And He showed He was God by coming back to life again.
It is this Good News that saves you. . . that Christ died for our sins and that he was buried, and that three days afterwards he arose from the grave.” 1 Corinthians 15:2-4
What are the directions for heaven so far: Admit that you are not perfect and believe that Jesus died on the cross as a substitute for you. Now take the next right turn!
RECEIVE - Jesus Christ as Your Savior
"As many as received Him (Christ)... He gave the right to become the children of God.” John 1:12
Jesus is the SAVIOR. Are you trying to earn your salvation by doing good works or being a good person? That is commendable, but it is not God’s way.
"It is by grace you are saved through faith, and it is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. Not of works so no one could boast." (Ephesians 2:8)
You don't get to Heaven on your own effort. You must follow God’s map. We must believe and receive Christ. When I believe I agree with God that Jesus is the Savior. When I receive Christ, I take Him as my very own personal Savior.
You can take this step by praying a simple prayer of commitment to God. If you've never settled this issue or if you've always had doubts, "Am I really a Christian?” If you are not sure you’re going to heaven, you can know for sure by doing what Christ has said to do, by praying this prayer and meaning it with all your heart:
"Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place for me in heaven. Jesus comes into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins, and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation, and I accept Your free gift of eternal life.”
Many people go through all their life wondering, "Am I really going to go to heaven?" You can settle it NOW! The Bible says, "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." If you call on the name of the Lord, He says, "I will save you." God will not lie. It doesn't matter how you feel. Feelings come and go. What matters is what God says, "I will save you if you do what I say and RECEIVE my gift.
Finally, know this.
People ask, “Is that all there is to it?” Yes. But salvation is the beginning, not the end. Listen to what your Savior says: “Come to Me...and I will give you rest...and learn from Me.” Matthew 11:28-30
We must learn about Jesus. Jesus wants you to have a life that is full. That's what this church is all about. We're here to help you grow in your knowledge of Christ. Jesus came to give us life, which means we're not really living until we know Jesus. In fact, you're not living. You just exist until you know Christ because you were made to love God and be loved by Him, to know Him and be known by Him.
When we come to know and love Christ, it produces all kinds of positive benefits in our lives. It provides purpose, power and strength, life and peace, confidence, fulfillment. He gives us help with our weaknesses. He gives us security. He gives us freedom. These are all benefits of having a relationship with Christ. I'm not talking about religion. I'm talking about a personal relationship with Christ.
Contact us as soon as you can. Let us hear from you today. We want to help you on the ROAD TO HEAVEN.