When you're young, you feel like you'll live forever.  But, in reality, that's simply not the case.  Scan the obituary pages of your local paper.  Watch the local news.  Young people die every day... young people who thought they would life forever.  Since we don't have any guarantees about life, it only makes sense to prepare for the reality of a sudden death and for the eternity that follows. 

The first step in that process is to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In your personal opinion:
What do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven?

     Consider how the Bible answers this question.  
                                                                              It is a matter of FAITH.

F is for forgiveness.
We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.
The Bible says, "In Him (meaning Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the redemption (forgiveness) of Sin. (Ephesians 1:7)

A is for available.
Forgiveness is available.
It is  - available for all.
The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever would believe in Him, would not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Forgiveness is available, it is available for all, But it is NOT automatic.
The Bible says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 7:21)

I is for Impossible.
It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.
 - Because of who He is: God is loving and just.  His judgment is against sin,  The Bible says, "For judgment is without mercy." (James 2:13)
 - Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner.  The Bible says, 
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

     But how can a sinful person enter heaven, 
                                                                 where God allows no sin?

T is for turn.
Turn means repent.
Turn from something - sin and self.
The Bible says, "But unless you repent you will all likewise perish."
Turn to someone- trust Christ only.
The Bible tells us that, "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."  (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) 
It also tells us that, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."  (Romans 10:9) 

H is for heaven.
Heaven is eternal life.
Here ... Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  (John 10:10)
Hereafter ... Jesus also said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:3)

How?  How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord?

           
      By trusting in Jesus Christ and asking Him for forgiveness.

    Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH.

                     Forsaking All I Trust Him.

A Simple Prayer:    You can read and pray this simple prayer
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways.  I believe you died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven.  I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as  my Savior and Lord.  From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases you.   Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving and forgiving me.  Amen

Tell someone about the important decision you have made.  Grow in your faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming part of His church and attending a Youth Bible Study Class. Our church has a place just for you!

Email our Youth Minister - Joe Sinclair - joesinclair@arbc-garner.org.   Tell Him of your decision.  He will answer any question that you may have and will help you to receive a Bible and study guide designed to guide you in discovering what it means to be a Christian.  Do not hesitate to call us at 919-779-0434 to talk with Joe personally. 

To learn more about Jesus.  Begin to read your Bible.  The Gospel of John is a wonderful place to begin.