Do You Know? Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. -Luke23:43 If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity? this question use to always make me uncomfortable. In fact, I felt so far away from God I didnt even know how to approach him. I would sometimes go weeks without reading my Bible. How could someone as sinful as I spend eternity with a holy God? In the midst of my struggle, I discovered someone in the Bible who must have felt a lot like me-- the thief on the cross. The thief walks with another criminal and Jesus up a hill where they are nailed to crosses. His only hope is to die quickly. When the second criminal begins mocking Jesus, the other quickly rebukes him and, giving one last cry for mercy, says, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. This thief does not have time for a lengthy prayer or to read a tract to make sure he gets the words right. He cannot respond to an altar call or be baptized. Where will he spend eternity? Jesus answers that question: Today you will be with me in paradise. Jesus gives the thief new life, even on the cross. Was it deserved? No. Was it given? Yes. That is grace. Salvation depends on God alone. Salvation cannot be earned; it can only be received. Thank you, Father, that through the shed blood of your Son even I can spend eternity with you. Amen. Pastor Mike< Jeremiah 29:11
Posted on: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 14:15:54 +0000
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