Are You Ready?...

On Wednesday nights I’m teaching through the Book of Revelation. It’s an amazing book that helps us better understand Jesus Christ. But it’s also encouraging to know that God holds the future and is in absolute control. You see, the next event on the Prophetic Calendar is the Rapture of the Church: Where Jesus will return suddenly & silently to take His Church home. And it will cause mass hysteria on the earth. Just imagine all the Christians suddenly disappearing from earth. (If you think the Covid-19 Pandemic has been bad, it pales in comparison to those coming days after the Rapture) Now here’s my point: Bible prophecy is not given to scare us but to prepare us. Knowing about the rapture should bring us hope. But if it fills you with fear, I encourage you to get right with God, through His Son-Jesus Christ.

You can receive Jesus by following these 4 simple steps:

#1: Know that God loves you and has a plan for you!

The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” — a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).

#2 Know the problem: people are sinful and separated from God.

We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23). The good news?

#3 God sent His Son to die for your sins!

Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives! “Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

#4 Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?

We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you’re a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. You can pray now to receive Christ as your Savior.

I genuinely hope you take those steps!

Love You All

Pastor Tanner

(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)