Question: "Is Jesus the only way to Heaven?"
Answer: "I'm basically a good person, so I'll go to heaven." "OK, so I do some bad things, but I do more good things, so I'll go to heaven." "God won't send me to hell just because I don't live by the Bible. Times have changed!" "Only really bad people like child molesters and murderers go to hell."
These are all common rationalizations, but the truth is that they are all lies. Satan, the ruler of the world, plants these thoughts in our heads. He, and anyone who follows his ways, is an enemy of God (1Peter 5:8). Satan is a deceiver and often disguises himself as someone good (2 Corinthians 11:14), but he has control over all the minds that do not belong to God. "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4).
It is a lie to believe that God doesn't care about small sins or that hell is reserved for "bad people." All sin separates us from God, even a “little white lie.” Everyone has sinned, and no one is good enough to get to heaven on their own (Romans 3:23). Getting into heaven is not based on whether our good outweighs our bad; we will all lose out if that is the case. "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace" (Romans 11:6). We can do nothing good to earn our way to heaven (Titus 3:5).
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" (Matthew 7:13). Even if everyone else is living a life of sin in a culture where trusting in God is not popular, God will not excuse it. "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" (Ephesians 2:1-2).
When God created the world, it was perfect and good. Then he made Adam and Eve and gave them their own free will, so they would have a choice whether to follow and obey God. But they were tempted by Satan to disobey God, and they sinned. This separated them (and everyone that came after them, including us) from being able to have a close relationship with God. He is perfect and holy and must judge sin. As sinners, we couldn't reconcile ourselves to God on our own. So God made a way that we could be united with Him in heaven. "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). "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus was born to die for our sins so that we would not have to. Three days after His death, He rose from the grave (Romans 4:25), proving Himself victorious over death. He bridged the gap between God and man so that we may have a personal relationship with Him if we only believe.
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). Most people believe in God, even Satan does. But to receive salvation, we must turn to God, form a personal relationship, turn away from our sins, and follow Him. We must trust in Jesus with everything we have and everything we do. "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference" (Romans 3:22). The Bible teaches that there is no other way to salvation than through Christ. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Jesus is the only way of salvation because He is the only One who can pay our sin penalty (Romans 6:23). No other religion teaches the depth or seriousness of sin and its consequences. No other religion offers the infinite payment of sin that only Jesus Christ could provide. No other “religious founder” was God become man (John 1:1,14) – the only way an infinite debt could be paid. Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die. Salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ! “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here? If so, please leave a comment so that i can keep on praying for you.
Lots of love
Leslene
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
JESUS TO THE RESCUE
Hi there everyone. I am so honored and blessed to be writing this awesome message. It was dropped in my spirit after i had a discussion with a beautiful friend of mine. I was reminded of my past and i give God all the glory for the reminder. It just showed me once again that Daddy is and always be true to His word.
I trust you will be blessed and i hope i will get some feed back from you.
Often times people are in a situation where they wish someone would just reach down and rescue them.
They stop and look at their lives and they wonder, "How in the world did I get into all of this?"
They want a change or they just want to get away from a particular moment,
a particular situation.
They feel trapped and can't see a way out.
This is what eventually happens in life when we try to live life without Jesus.
We keep trying different things so that we will feel some kind of fulfillment within and then we feel like we are surrounded by every struggle possible.
It happens to people who try to find happiness within relationships,
and yet they can never find that one person who makes them feel fulfilled.
It happens to people who try alcohol, drugs, having a once off affair or even just sharing a kiss, thinking that if they put something inside of them it will change how they feel.
It can even happen for a moment where we go somewhere or do something and we know right away
that we are in the wrong place, with the wrong people, doing the wrong thing.
But then something happens. Some people say that they "hit rock bottom".
Others realized their lives were "out of control". It could even be as simple as
"I don't want to be here" or "I know I should be somewhere else".
They just want to be rescued from their own lives.
JESUS TO THE RESCUE!!!
Somewhere in each of our lives we need to come to a realization that we need to be rescued,
we need to be saved.
Jesus said in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
People feel lost.
They feel like there is little hope.
So Jesus reaches down to rescue them and they fight Him off, looking for other answers.
Jesus is the only answer.
He is the only way that we will ever feel like we are on the right track in our lives.
With Jesus, we are never alone.
With Jesus, we know the way out.
With Jesus, we know how to change and what needs to change so that we can be happy.
I have often talked to people who aren't ready to change their lives for Jesus because of what they will have
to "give up".
The strange thing is that the things they will have to give up are usually the things that are making them miserable.
In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Life with Jesus is a wonderful life.
It is true that we will still have trials and struggles, but that will happen with or without Jesus.
At least when we are going through the trials and struggles with Jesus,
we know we are not alone and we know that in the end it will be worth the fight.
Life with Jesus is life to the full! Paul describes the struggle we all have in Romans 7:15-17: "I do not understand what I do.
For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.
As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me."
We have all said it: "I don't know how I got into this mess and I sure don't know how I'm going to get out!"
Later he describes that moment when we give up and give in to Jesus:
"What a wretched man I am!
Who will rescue me from this body of death?
Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25)
The assurance for the Christians is found in the words to the church in Colosse in Colossians 1:13-14,
"For (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,
in whom we have redemption,
the forgiveness of sins."
Not only are we rescued from those moments of darkness but from a life of darkness.
But the hope is not for us alone.
It is for everyone who is willing to turn from the darkness and follow Jesus.
There is a reason why Jesus is called the "Savior".
If you are feeling like you are trapped in the darkness and you want to be rescued,
He wants to help.
I can share with you how Jesus rescued me and wants to rescue you.
I love you so much and i want you to be rescued.
Love
Leslene
I trust you will be blessed and i hope i will get some feed back from you.
Often times people are in a situation where they wish someone would just reach down and rescue them.
They stop and look at their lives and they wonder, "How in the world did I get into all of this?"
They want a change or they just want to get away from a particular moment,
a particular situation.
They feel trapped and can't see a way out.
This is what eventually happens in life when we try to live life without Jesus.
We keep trying different things so that we will feel some kind of fulfillment within and then we feel like we are surrounded by every struggle possible.
It happens to people who try to find happiness within relationships,
and yet they can never find that one person who makes them feel fulfilled.
It happens to people who try alcohol, drugs, having a once off affair or even just sharing a kiss, thinking that if they put something inside of them it will change how they feel.
It can even happen for a moment where we go somewhere or do something and we know right away
that we are in the wrong place, with the wrong people, doing the wrong thing.
But then something happens. Some people say that they "hit rock bottom".
Others realized their lives were "out of control". It could even be as simple as
"I don't want to be here" or "I know I should be somewhere else".
They just want to be rescued from their own lives.
JESUS TO THE RESCUE!!!
Somewhere in each of our lives we need to come to a realization that we need to be rescued,
we need to be saved.
Jesus said in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
People feel lost.
They feel like there is little hope.
So Jesus reaches down to rescue them and they fight Him off, looking for other answers.
Jesus is the only answer.
He is the only way that we will ever feel like we are on the right track in our lives.
With Jesus, we are never alone.
With Jesus, we know the way out.
With Jesus, we know how to change and what needs to change so that we can be happy.
I have often talked to people who aren't ready to change their lives for Jesus because of what they will have
to "give up".
The strange thing is that the things they will have to give up are usually the things that are making them miserable.
In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Life with Jesus is a wonderful life.
It is true that we will still have trials and struggles, but that will happen with or without Jesus.
At least when we are going through the trials and struggles with Jesus,
we know we are not alone and we know that in the end it will be worth the fight.
Life with Jesus is life to the full! Paul describes the struggle we all have in Romans 7:15-17: "I do not understand what I do.
For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.
As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me."
We have all said it: "I don't know how I got into this mess and I sure don't know how I'm going to get out!"
Later he describes that moment when we give up and give in to Jesus:
"What a wretched man I am!
Who will rescue me from this body of death?
Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25)
The assurance for the Christians is found in the words to the church in Colosse in Colossians 1:13-14,
"For (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,
in whom we have redemption,
the forgiveness of sins."
Not only are we rescued from those moments of darkness but from a life of darkness.
But the hope is not for us alone.
It is for everyone who is willing to turn from the darkness and follow Jesus.
There is a reason why Jesus is called the "Savior".
If you are feeling like you are trapped in the darkness and you want to be rescued,
He wants to help.
I can share with you how Jesus rescued me and wants to rescue you.
I love you so much and i want you to be rescued.
Love
Leslene
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
DISAPPOINTMENTS - How would you handle it???
I have just been disappointed by a friend of mine and it hurt so much but only for a few minutes. I was so surprised at my reaction and it overwhelmed me so much because i just realized who I(Leslene) is in Christ.
Most of the time you being disappointed by a friend that is in Christ or even a family member that's also in Christ. BE STRONG, BE COURAGES and do what David did. He encouraged himself in the Lord.
When things don't turn out the way you hoped, it may seem like the end of the world. Here are some things you can do to keep disappointment from getting you down.
1. Stop. Calm Down. Give yourself some time. Things might not seem nearly so bad tomorrow.
2. Get your feelings out in a way that doesn't hurt you or anybody else.
3. Talk about it with your parents or a good friend.
4.Ask yourself if this is really worth getting angry or upset about.
5.Think about what you can learn from the experience and how you can do better next time.
6.Don't judge yourself. Failing at something does not mean that you are a failure.
I have done some things in my past that has caused me to feel so sad in the end, but God made all things new. He made me so strong and i just cannot help myself not be angry at people when they hurt or disappoint me. Jesus is living on the inside of me and i don't need people to make me feel better, all i need is Jesus and the people He sends on my path to help me. So whoever hurt me/you, it's ok. Move on, don't ponder on it. Know who you are in Christ.
The way i used to feel after a disappointment was so bad, i just locked myself up in my little corner. AGAIN I SAY, JESUS made all things new by planting a few things in my spirit.
HOW TO COPE
With An Unpleasant Feeling
Sometimes we feel good, and sometimes we feel bad. Both kinds of feelings are normal. Of course, we all enjoy good feelings. But when we don't like the way we are feeling, sometimes we don't know what to do about it. Here is a plan that will help you help yourself when your feelings are bothering you.
1. ACCEPT your feelings. Say to yourself: "I am sad." "I am frightened." "I am angry." "I am embarrassed." It's all right to have feelings. I am counting on Jesus to help me.
2. RELAX and take "time out" before you act. Take slow deep breaths and relax all the muscles of your body. Know that you are in a safe palec.
3. THINK about ways to help yourself. Thinking helps you do something smart instead of harming yourself or making things worse.
4. DO something to help yourself. Maybe it would help to talk to someone, or to do something you enjoy.
Remember what the scripture says:
Hebrews 13:5 (The Message)
5-6Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
I AM SO GREATFUL THAT THE DISAPPOINTMENT THAT HAPPENED TODAY WAS ANOTHER WAY OF BUILDING MY CHARACTER.
Love
Leslene
Most of the time you being disappointed by a friend that is in Christ or even a family member that's also in Christ. BE STRONG, BE COURAGES and do what David did. He encouraged himself in the Lord.
When things don't turn out the way you hoped, it may seem like the end of the world. Here are some things you can do to keep disappointment from getting you down.
1. Stop. Calm Down. Give yourself some time. Things might not seem nearly so bad tomorrow.
2. Get your feelings out in a way that doesn't hurt you or anybody else.
3. Talk about it with your parents or a good friend.
4.Ask yourself if this is really worth getting angry or upset about.
5.Think about what you can learn from the experience and how you can do better next time.
6.Don't judge yourself. Failing at something does not mean that you are a failure.
I have done some things in my past that has caused me to feel so sad in the end, but God made all things new. He made me so strong and i just cannot help myself not be angry at people when they hurt or disappoint me. Jesus is living on the inside of me and i don't need people to make me feel better, all i need is Jesus and the people He sends on my path to help me. So whoever hurt me/you, it's ok. Move on, don't ponder on it. Know who you are in Christ.
The way i used to feel after a disappointment was so bad, i just locked myself up in my little corner. AGAIN I SAY, JESUS made all things new by planting a few things in my spirit.
HOW TO COPE
With An Unpleasant Feeling
Sometimes we feel good, and sometimes we feel bad. Both kinds of feelings are normal. Of course, we all enjoy good feelings. But when we don't like the way we are feeling, sometimes we don't know what to do about it. Here is a plan that will help you help yourself when your feelings are bothering you.
1. ACCEPT your feelings. Say to yourself: "I am sad." "I am frightened." "I am angry." "I am embarrassed." It's all right to have feelings. I am counting on Jesus to help me.
2. RELAX and take "time out" before you act. Take slow deep breaths and relax all the muscles of your body. Know that you are in a safe palec.
3. THINK about ways to help yourself. Thinking helps you do something smart instead of harming yourself or making things worse.
4. DO something to help yourself. Maybe it would help to talk to someone, or to do something you enjoy.
Remember what the scripture says:
Hebrews 13:5 (The Message)
5-6Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
I AM SO GREATFUL THAT THE DISAPPOINTMENT THAT HAPPENED TODAY WAS ANOTHER WAY OF BUILDING MY CHARACTER.
Love
Leslene
Thursday, November 4, 2010
GIVING UP
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE FEEL LIKE GIVING UP?
BIBLE READING: Psalm 13:1-6
KEY BIBLE VERSE: O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? (Psalm 13:1)
BEING HONEST WITH GOD ABOUT OUR FEELINGS IS OUR FIRST STEP TOWARD VICTORY.
Sometimes all we need to do is talk over a problem with a friend to help put it in perspective. In this psalm, the phrase how long occurs four times in the first two verses, indicating the depth of David’s distress. David expressed his feelings to God and found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to express hope and trust in God. Through prayer we can express our feelings and talk our problems out with God. He helps us regain the right perspective, and this gives us peace (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
REAL TRUST DOESN’T GIVE UP.
David frequently claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience. It seems that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is going to stop them. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God’s justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, remember David’s steadfast faith in God’s unfailing love.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 9:18-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Jesus turned around and said to her, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (Matthew 9:22)
GOD’S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY IS ONE REASON TO NEVER GIVE UP.
God changed a situation that had been a problem for years. Like the leper and the demon-possessed men, this diseased woman was considered unclean. For twelve years, she too had been one of the “untouchables” and had not been able to lead a normal life. But Jesus changed that and restored her. Sometimes we are tempted to give up on people or situations that have not changed for many years. God can change what seems unchangeable, giving new purpose and hope.
BIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)
GIVING UP OFTEN CAUSES US TO MISS THE BEST GOD HAS TO OFFER.
It is easy to quit. We all have faced problems in our relationships or work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away. Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Don’t let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job. Renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don’t forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today’s pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.
Love
Leslene
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