We have talked enough about this festival of death. Now, let's talk about LIFE, the ONLY LIVING GOD the Lord Jesus Christ! He has done so much for each one of us that sometimes we take it for granted. We have to know what He did for us on the cross, then to acquire it personally. « Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. » John 3:3. There are some who doesn't believe that God exist. You know, even the Bible said that Satan and the demons tremble and are afraid of God (James 2:19). If you want to know what true POWER is, plug into the right source. Satan and his demons have power, but they're limited, compared to God who is UNLIMITED!

           Most people think God and Satan are opposite like the yin and yan, black and white, high and low, hot and cold, etc. That is far from the truth. The truth is found in the Bible. God and Satan are NOT antithesis, because God created Satan (Ezekiel 28:1-2 and Isaiah 14:11-15).

           Anyone reading this will be able, later in this chapter, to become a Christian. First of all, let's talk about some myths. Some people say that if you read the Bible, pray, go to Church or know a priest you'll make it straight to Heaven. It is sad to say but not one of these things that we do can bring us to Heaven. I don't mean that the things I mentioned are bad (because I practice them all), but IT IS NOT because of these things that I will make it to Heaven! We all have our own opinions, but what really counts, is what the Bible is saying about Heaven and Hell.

           Some people are telling us they don't believe in Heaven or Hell, so it doesn't matter what's going to happen when they die, they emphasize they're convinced there is nothing after when we die. At this point it doesn't matter what I or my neighbor believes, but what the Bible has to say about it! Jesus himself talked about Hell. In some cases he called it Gehenna, in others the lake of fire.

           I know in the 70's some priests use fear to get people to church. It is NOT TRUE that everyone going to church will make it to Heaven, some will and some won't, yet it's not a reason not to go. Yes there were abuses in the churches in that period of time (and before) and the priests SHOULD have been removed from offices, but unfortunately it hasn't been done. They tried to cover it, but thank God it came out. Someone CANNOT call himself/herself a Christian and in a dark room abuse children.

           A Bible story relates that 70 disciples of Jesus were sent with power to cast out demons and heal the sick. Anybody who would cast out devils think it's great (and it is), but Jesus mentioned it is MORE important that our name is written in the Lambs Book of Life. If your name is NOT written in His book of life (this is done when someone receives Christ), you're going to Hell: « And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. » Revelation 20:15.

           In our days, some people are playing so much games with multiple lives, that the time that they have here on earth doesn't have the same meaning. They begin to think that if they don't like this life it's all right, for they will start over in another life. This concept is coming from Hinduism and from the new age people. It's not an absolute, but a misconception. If you want to know more about reincarnation click here. We have only one life to live. If we miss it, it's too bad, because we don't have many chances as these religions or games are telling us. In spite of that, we are blessed that with Jesus, we can have a new beginning every day.

           Jesus says the truth will set us free (John 8:32). I was raised a Catholic and I always wondered about one thing. Why can't the priests be married? After I received Jesus as my Lord and personnal Savior, I started to read the Bible and I began to understand some things that I didn't in the past. What I found amazing is what the apostle Paul said concerning the end-times and some doctrines coming directly from demons.

           Let's look together at the Bible for truth! « BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, [2] Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), [3] Who forbid people to marry and [teach them] to abstain from [certain kinds of] foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and have [an increasingly clear] knowledge of the truth. [4] For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away or refused if it is received with thanksgiving. [5] For it is hallowed and consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer. [6] If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good [Christian] instruction which you have closely followed. » 1 Timothy 4:1-6.

           I'm always amazed when the Bible is clear about something while some people are still trying to get their ways. The Bible calls "doctrines that demons teach" when someone prevents ministers from getting married. Unfortunately that is what the Catholic Church has done and I also believe it's the reason for those abuses. The Bible can be easily twisted if we don't know and read it regularly. Concerning the marriage of priests, I believe they should have the right to be married or not, instead of being imposed!

           Moreover, the Bible talks about how a minister should be chosen. The apostle Paul told Timothy: « THE SAYING is true and irrefutable: If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of bishop (superintendent, overseer), he desires an excellent task (work). [2] Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher, [3] Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means]. [4] He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful. » 1 Timothy 3:1-4.

           If we want to be ministers, we CAN BE married or not. I believe if a minister of the Bible (bishop, priest, pastor, etc.) wants to be married I have no problem. In the same thought, if a minister prefers to remain single I have no problem with it! The problem starts when someone imposes his views on others. For example, the apostle Paul was single, but the apostle Peter was not (Matthew 8:14, Mark 1:29-30, Luke 4:38).

           Let's come back to our main topic, Heaven or Hell. Once I read in a pamphlet that sinners are going to Heaven. That's true, but it is sinners that REPENT from their sins that will make it to Heaven. The word repent means turning away from where we were going. For example if I was heading East and I repent then I would go West. I will not try to compromise and go North-East, South-East, North or South, but wEST, going the opposite direction that I was going before I did. No one can claim to be righteous before God, apart through Jesus, because under Adam's nature there is none righteous. « As it is written, none is righteous, not one. » Romans 3:10.

           The Bible also said that IT IS NOT by our works (or good deeds) that we are going to Heaven, so we CANNOT DO any actions to "deserve" Heaven. The only reason that we can make it to Heaven is because we have accepted Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Most of us know Jesus died for everyone, but unless we DO an action by accepting Him, His sacrifice means nothing for us! There's no good works that can bring us to Heaven. Otherwise, Jesus would have never died on the cross for all of us: « For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works , lest any man should boast. » Ephesians 2:8-9.

           The first thing God asks from us is to accept Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. In other words, we deserve to die because we sinned; we cannot keep the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:3-17). Jesus died for us, sinners, 2000 years ago and by accepting what He did for us, the price he paid for our penalty, and then it is the beginning of a new day with God! If you're not sure if you're with God, you better be. There is a Hell, but thank God, there's a Heaven! Where are you going, Heaven or Hell? I know everyone wants to go to Heaven, but how many are willing to take the narrow path that leads to it? « Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. [14] But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. [15] Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. »Matthew 7:13-15.

           Jesus is clear there is a way (He is the way, John 14:6) and that way is narrow. NOT EVERYONE enters Heaven, because he said "few are those who find it." (Matthew 7:14) He also cautioned us to take heed of false prophets, or false teachers. Many people come in His name, in the name of God, Jehovah, etc., but not for the right reason. We will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16).

          All right, before I keep going, I know some will think: "Who do you think you are!" I'm not above anyone and I don't try to be. I only want to expose the errors of the false teachers and reveal the truth about Heaven and Hell, not what we are acustomed to hear. It's not only "my church" or "my denomination" that will make it to Heaven, but THOSE who know and follow Him and the teaching of the Bible. In fact if you're coming to my church doesn't necessary mean you'll go to Heaven! It's not because I'm in a garage that I'm a car, the same principle applies for a Christian.

           The prophet Hosea said that we perish because we don't know about God and His laws: « My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. » Hosea 4:13-15. God is quite direct through the prophet. People in authority have to give account on what they teach the people of God.

           Having said that I will continue and focus on the area many do not hear. Several people may try to hide before men (or women), but cannot before God. Everything is revealed with the Bible: « For the Word God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. [13] And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. » Hebrews 4:12-13.

           Wow, amazing. We can hide from almost anyone, but not from God. He knows the "deepest parts of our nature..." We cannot play religion with God. Of course we can go to church and show off in front of people by our many gifts or by our knowledge of Scripture yet God is not impressed by all these... Jesus is very serious when He is talking about Heaven and as I mentiones earlier, not everyone will go... « Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? [23] And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. » Matthew 7:21-23.

           Is Jesus direct to the point or what! Yet some Christians are trying to have a foot in the world and a foot in the Church. They want to be "Christians" to go to Heaven; on the other hand they want to have a part of what the world is doing. In other words, They are doing the "Christian" things in the Church, but as soon as they are outside the church, they behave as if they don't attend church regularly... That is where the problem is. The apostle Paul says: « Be not therefore partakers with them. » Ephesians 5:7. We are in this world, but we are not of it anymore, so we should not take any part in what they're doing.

           When Jesus came He sat with the prostitutes and the people that the crowd would not invite in their homes, BUT He didn't become like them, He showed them the Way (Himself). We (some Christians) have a tendency doing Church things the world's way. When we behave like them this is where we miss the boat because Jesus said: «Let your light so shine before men, that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. » Matthew 5:16. He wants to be examples in our lives. It is not only for ministers, but for ALL believers!

          He taught us what to do then He showed us how to do it. God wants us to be like Him: «For it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy'. » 1 Peter 1:16. God is holy and the world is not, so if we call ourselves Christian, we should do what He says. Our behaviours should follow when we're with otherChristians or when alone. « We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. » 1 John 4:6.

           The apostle Paul gave recommendations that are good for Christians... « And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them. For it is a shame, even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret... Therefore He says, Awake o sleepers, and arise from the dead and Christ shall shine. » Ephesians 5:10-14.

           What I want to say is there is only one way to Heaven: « Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me... » John 14:6. Below are the four steps that we need to take to get to Heaven:

          1- AKNOWLEDGE that you are a sinner and that you have sinned against HIM (Romans 3:10, 3:23).
          2- RECOGNIZE that YOU CAN'T save yourself but you NEED A SAVIOUR (Proverbs 14:12, Acts 4:12).
          3- BELIEVE in your HEART that JESUS DIED and ROSE AGAIN, the third day and that He DIED
              on your behalf on the cross (Acts 16:31, Romans 3:22, 10:9).
          4- CONFESS with your mouth that HE IS YOUR LORD and your SAVIOUR. (Romans 10:9-10).

           It's that easy that many say it's too easy, but if it's that easy WHY DON'T YOU DO IT ??? Here's a little prayer that you can say out loud to God WITH ALL YOU HEART IF you truly believe in God:

          « Dear Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner and that I have sinned against you. I'm sorry, I ask you to forgive me of ALL my sins. I know that I CAN'T make it by myself to Heaven, but I NEED YOU. I truly believe IN MY HEART that you died for me, in my place and that the third day you ROSE AGAIN from the grave. I CONFESS with my mouth that you are MY LORD, MY SAVIOUR and MY GOD. Come into my heart and change my heart and my life. I ask you to show me the path that you have prepared FOR ME on THIS EARTH, Amen. »

           If you have said this prayer WITH ALL YOUR HEART you are now born again. By being born again something happened inside you: « A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. » Ezekiel 36:26-27.

           Now if you have done all these things above, I encourage you to do the following:

          1- Read the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15),
          2- Pray daily, (Ephesians 6:18)
          3- Go to a good Christian Church (a Church where you know that you can grow spiritually, Hebrews 10:25).

           This is what Paul is saying to those who prayed: « Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: OLD things are PASSED AWAY; behold, ALL THINGS are becoming NEW. » 2 Corinthians 5:17. Now you have received your "ticket" to Heaven, keep it closely. Ask God to help you change your life and He surely will! « Hitherto have you asked nothing in name: ask and you shall receive, that your joy might be full. » John 16:24. When someone receives Christ, his (her) name is written in the Book of life. This is what's important and makes the difference. Jesus said: « Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. » Luke 10:20.

If you have accepted Jesus with the prayer mentioned above, I encourage you to write me an E-Mail or to write at my Church and we will give a Bible and some pamphlets if you want to.

           We have to know that Jesus wasn't only a prophet as some may think, or a man with an incredible IQ, as some others, but He was God himself in the flesh (John 1:1, 14 and 1 Timothy 3:16), and it's Him, Jesus, who crated us (John 1:3 and Colossians 1:15-16). He is THE ONLY ONE who died for ALL our sins. (Romans 6:10 and 1 Corinthians 15:3). The Bible tells us that the soul that sin must die and that is why Jesus died on the cross for our all sins and that by accepting Him in our lives (what He did for us), we are justify before God (Romans 3:23-24).

           If you have no Church to go, I invite you to my mine. We have services Sunday 10:00 AM and Wednesday night 7:30.