-  The Promise  -

(The numbers in parentheses are scriptural references which are at the bottom of the page.)

      In the beginning of the world, no . . . even before the world began, God, the Creator of all things, made a Promise concerning you. (1) How can that be? It was because He can see far into time and space and knows all things. (2). . . . He even saw you reading this.

     God made you because He loves you and wants you to live with Him forever. He wants you to know Him (3) and to feel His love for you, not because of what you have done or are going to do, but because of Who He is. (4) He is a loving and a merciful God. Everyone has done things which He doesn't like but He is willing to forgive us. (5) Long ago He looked down into time and saw you in your worst way. He saw all the ugly things you have done. He heard all of the bad things you have said and knows all of your wicked thoughts (6) but loved you anyway. He loves you so much that He would even die for you. In fact, He did just that. He died for you but He didn't stay dead because He conquered death in His love for you. (7)

     His Promise, made so many years ago, was to save you from punishment in the eternal fires of Hell. That is, if you want to. He doesn't force you, or anyone else, to accept His gift of eternal life and happiness. (8) That's a decision, a choice we all have to make. (9) But, does it seem reasonable to turn down Heaven for Hell? Eternal life and happiness for eternal death and suffering.

     One day, long ago, God kept His Promise and sent His Son, Jesus, to earth. (10) Jesus is THE Promise. (11) The Name "Jesus" means "Jehovah (or God) is salvation (12) and salvation is the one thing that all men, women, and children need to live forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. (13) Jesus, God's only Son, became a Man and died a cruel death so that you could come to this point in your life. (14) To a point for you to decide if you want to spend eternity with Someone Who loved you so much.

     Do you want this eternal life? Would you choose it over death and Hell? If so, say this prayer OUT LOUD to God. The reason for saying it out loud is to let the Devil (God's enemy) know that you are making the decision and that he no longer has control over your life. (15)

     The Prayer:

     "Dear God in Heaven. I am a sinner, now and always have been but, I want to live with you forever. I accept Your Promise (Jesus) and what He has done for me. He shed His Blood and died. He was buried in a grave. And He rose from the dead. He has gone to Heaven where He waits for me. Please forgive my sins. Come into my life, my heart, my whole being and help me live like you would want me to live. Thank You. Amen"

      Now that you have said that prayer, and meant it in your heart, YOU ARE SAVED AND GOING TO HEAVEN but, this is only the beginning. You see, Jesus was THE Promise but, before He left earth to go to Heaven, He made another Promise to His followers. (16)

     He told His followers that He was going to leave them but He wouldn't leave them without help. In fact, He said He would send another a "Helper" to them. (17) The Helper would be with them until Jesus came back to earth. The Helper's Name is the "Holy Spirit". It was the Spirit of God. You see, Jesus has a physical Body and is now in Heaven. One body cannot live inside another body so, Jesus sent His Spirit, the Holy Spirit to live inside the ones who believe in Him. (18) The Holy Spirit is our guide through life. Now, when we are tempted to sin the Holy Spirit helps us to change our mind. He will guide you through life and be your protector in trouble. (19)

     When Jesus left this earth to go to Heaven, He told His followers to wait in a city called, Jerusalem. (20) After Jesus did all that He had to do in Heaven, the time was right. (21) Then Jesus sent the Holy Spirit back to earth to "baptize" His followers in "fire". (22) This "baptism" was to give the followers power and boldness so they could tell others about Jesus. (23) Jesus also told them that they would do the same wonderful things that He had done, and even greater things! (24)

     While Jesus was here He healed many people from their sickness and diseases. He freed people from the bondage of the Devil and evil spirits that had lived inside them. (24) Until Jesus came there was no power on earth strong enough to do these things. Jesus had the power and authority to do them.(25) Then, He sent the Holy Spirit to His followers with the same power.(26)

      Now you can have power and authority over the Devil, sickness, disease and evil spirits by asking Jesus for it (27) If you have prayed the prayer to ask Jesus for forgiveness for your sins, to come into your heart and live, you can also ask Him to "baptize", or totally "immerse" you in this great power of the Holy Spirit. Say this prayer: (28)

      Dear Jesus, I have already asked you to forgive my sins and come into my heart and You have done that. Thank You. Now, dear Jesus, I know that I am given the authority over the works of the Devil but I need the Power of the Holy Spirit to do the works that You did. Please Jesus, baptize me in the Power of the Holy Spirit now and I will be a witness for You wherever I go. Amen"

     Now just lift your hands up to Jesus and begin to tell Him how much you love Him for what He has done for you. Give Him praise and honor for giving His life on the Cross for you, not because of who you are or what you have done or going to do but because of Who He is. A loving, caring, and personal Saviour. When praising Him, don't be alarmed if you begin to speak a language which you don't understand as that is an indication that you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

     Now, go and tell others about THE PROMISE (JESUS) and His love, His forgiveness, and His salvation. Tell them about the Power of the Holy Spirit. Lay your hands on the sick and rebuke sickness by saying:

     "In the Name of Jesus, I bind this evil spirit of sickness and cast it out of this body.  Father God, in Jesus' Name, loose Your healing power and heal this person. Amen"  (29)

     Remember, you have the authority over the Devil and all his works when you ask anything in the Name of Jesus. (30)

      Next, you should find a church, a group of people who believe in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Being with these people will teach you more about this new life. Then, get a Bible, God's Word, and begin to read it. Ask the Holy Spirit, Who lives inside you now, to help you to understand what it says and He will. (32)

 

 Scriptural References:

-  Free Lunch!  -

   Someone once said that there's "no such thing as a free lunch". It is true that there are very few things in this life that are free. Usually, if something is free there is also a "catch" somewhere and we begin to look for the "small print" to see just what it is they are actually trying to sell us.

     Nothing is for sale in connection with this little story, there are no hidden clauses or "small print" to worry about but, there IS such a thing as a FREE LUNCH!

     You see, long before you were born a plan went into effect which guaranteed this FREE LUNCH and many other things which are also free. . . . gifts for you to accept, or turn down.

     This "plan" concerns someone who died in order for you to be eligible to freely accept the gifts. His name is Jesus.

     Every man and woman ever born has sinned and deserves to go to Hell. All except one, this man called Jesus. He lived a perfect life and never sinned, not once.

     He lived a life full of temptations but never gave in to one.

     And, he did it for you!

     If the words "FREE LUNCH" got your attention you are probably expecting to find a link with a coupon for a fast food meal, a pizza, hot dog or hamburger and a drink to go along with it.

     Sorry. This is more than just a "lunch". This is a REAL meal and it's going to take place very soon. It's called, "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb".

You may be thinking, "Oh, they must be going to serve lamb".

     No, the Lamb has already been served.

     You see, when Jesus died he died like a Lamb being led to slaughter. He never complained once as men cruelly spat on him, pulled out his beard, beat him until his back was one bloody mess of flesh and then, if that wasn’t enough, they nailed him to a cross.

   All the time this was happening he never begged for mercy and he never condemned his tormentors.  In fact, he prayed that God would forgive them!

     You could say He was, "meek as a Lamb" when He became a sacrifice for you.

     When they finished nailing him to a cross he died and was buried but three days later he rose from grave and went to Heaven. 

This made you to became eligible for a seat at this Marriage Supper.  You can enjoy the meal and get this . . . . . . Jesus already paid the bill!

    What you are reading may not make any sense to you now.  You will just have to accept it by faith.

    You see, everyone knows, down deep in their heart, that they are sinners. The problem is, people don't want to admit it. In fact, some churches (even ones that should know better) are teaching that the worst thing to tell a person is that they are sinners and going to Hell. They say it lowers self esteem and people just don't want to hear it.  In this age it’s considered wrong to comment on one’s pride.

    But that is contrary to God's nature because pride is one thing that God hates the most and the churches proclaiming a self-prideful message will answer to God some day.

     Well, it's sad to say but, you always were a sinner and unless you know Jesus as Savior, you still are and on your way to Hell.

     But you don't have to go!  It’s a matter of choice.

     You see, salvation isn't a matter of "where" or "if" you go to church. And, it isn't matter of being a "nice person" and doing good works. Doing things for others is good but it's NOT the way to Heaven.

     Knowing the Ten Commandments front and backwards won't get you to Heaven either because it’s KEEPING them that matters.  And no matter how hard they may try, no man can keep them without breaking at least one.  The Bible says if you have broken just one you have broken them all and are still a sinner.

     Some people think that just believing there IS a God will get them to Heaven but the devil knows there is a God and it won't keep him out of Hell.

    And you sure can't pay your way into Heaven either.  You couldn’t afford it and besides, the price has already been paid.

    You see, the price was paid when Jesus died on the Cross. He died but He didn't stay dead. On the 3rd day after His death He walked right out of the tomb! Then, He went to Heaven where He sits at the Right Hand of His Father, God.

     Believing this is the only way to Heaven.  It’s called “faith” and it’s by faith in the finished work of Jesus that you are saved.

     Some day soon, Jesus is coming back for all those who have accepted Him as their Savior.  Their sacrificial Lamb.

     He will come first to collect them all, take them to Heaven and then there will be the greatest meal ever served, the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb".  It will be a celebration which will mark the beginning of eternal happiness with Jesus in Heaven.

    If you would like to be part of this, you have to ask God's forgiveness for your sins. Then ask Jesus into your heart. Say a simple prayer like this:

     "Jesus, I know I am a sinner but I also know now that you, as the Son of God, died for me. And I never really knew it until now. Please forgive my sins. Come into my heart. Help me to live like I should live. I want to be at that Marriage Supper so please, when You come back for your people, include me. Take me with You so I can live with you forever. Amen"

    If you have said the prayer and meant it in your heart, congratulations!  You are now saved and going to Heaven and will take part in that great celebration, The Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

   Now find a church that believes in what you have just read. Get a Bible, God's Word, and begin to read it and, as you read, ask God to help you understand it. If you will, He will. That's a Promise and it's just one of many wonderful Promises that are in store for you in this new life as a child of the living God!