There is a place that most people don’t enjoy talking about, yet Jesus talked about this place 70 times and it’s mentioned in the New Testament 162 times. It is a place absent of love, peace, and joy, and filled with never-ending, fiery torment, darkness, and pain.  According to Matthew 25:41, it was created for the devil and his crew.  This dreadful place is called “Hell”.  Despite the horrors of hell, many people choose to go there by their own free will. Jesus states in Matthew 7:13 (NLT), “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.”

Which Way Are You Headed?

Attending a church doesn’t make you a disciple of Jesus, no more than sitting in a car garage would make you a vehicle. By the way, I am not saying don’t go to a local church. The point here is that God desires a dedicated heart toward him. He is not impressed with religious activities that are missing an obedient and yielded life. In Luke 6:46 (NLT) Jesus asks, “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” Ponder on the following questions to help you identify if you are headed in the right direction:

• Do you have a surrendered heart to Jesus Christ that believes and strives to obey the Bible?
• Do you have godly sorrow for your mistakes, repent of your sins, and yield to God’s will even when it’s difficult?
• Do you strive to love God with everything within you?

The Great Throne

According to Revelation 20:11-15, one day everyone will stand before God and be judged.  When God opens up the movie curtains of your life and reveals every unholy or disobedient thought, word, and action of your life, it will be too late to escape the penalty for sin. But there is hope! You can become born again right now through repenting of your sins, believing in the sacrificial offering of Christ (his death, burial, and resurrection), and receiving him as Lord and Savior. Romans 6:23 (ESV) says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Allow him to take the reins of your life. You won’t regret it, and you will be prepared for eternity!  

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

“Father I praise you as the righteous judge and lawgiver. I could never stand before you on my own merit. I am sin-infected and sin-contaminated. My best efforts are like grease-stained rags. Without Jesus, I am headed in the wrong direction. Please, forgive me of my sins and hidden faults. Search my heart and take away anything that stands between you and me. Thank you for sending Jesus to take the penalty of sin for me. I choose to surrender to Christ. I believe and receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I ask you to fill me with the Holy Spirit. I want to be with you basking in your love and Presence, now and throughout eternity. In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.”