Many times in life we ask the question, “What’s next?” That simple question has many possible answers in our lives. Yet this question has an answer that can be found in the Bible. What happens to us while on earth is limited to our time here on the earth. However, where we spend eternity is not limited by time. We must choose where we will spend eternity. The second question of “What’s next?” deals with how we live while on this earth. The answer to that is also found in the Bible.

The first question deals with how we prepare for life after death. We know that death will come. We have all seen cemeteries. We understand that life is short and we really have no promise of tomorrow. Therefore it is imperative that we plan for eternity. God made a plan for eternity. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us on the cross. God’s plan is to save mankind from the penalty of sin. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Notice the word “wages.” It means what we have earned. Because we sin (do wrong things), we have earned death. Death is not just the ceasing of life, but it is also eternal death. That eternal death is separation from God for all eternity in a place of eternal punishment named hell. No one in their right mind would want to suffer that death. God does not want you to either! John 3:17 says, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Where will you spend eternity – in heaven with God or in hell eternally separated from God? You can choose to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or you can reject Jesus Christ, God’s love gift. The choice is yours. Going to heaven is easy; it is as easy as the ABC’s.

A – Admit that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” This verse tells us that we have sinned (done wrong things) and we cannot reach God on our own. The Bible tells us we cannot work our way to heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9 “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.” Grace means unmerited favor.

B – Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” The word “believe” means to put your trust in. It is an act of faith. The word “confess” means to agree with God. Therefore, you must agree with God’s Word as to what it says about Jesus Christ. God says that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and arose. If you agree with God that Jesus did this and that He did it to save you, you are ready to receive Jesus. We must receive Jesus by faith – simply believing with all your heart! John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” Notice that you must receive Jesus to become part of God’s family.

C – Call upon the Lord for salvation. Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Now we see how to receive Jesus. We call upon him by faith believing that He is God’s Son; that He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again. This is our act of faith. God promised us eternal life if we will receive Jesus as our personal Savior. 1 John 5:11-12 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Notice that to have eternal life, you must have God’s Son. So, you need to call upon the Lord to come into your heart and save you. This is an act of faith. You totally trust God and call upon Jesus to save you and take you to heaven when you die.

If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, pray this prayer by faith; simply trusting Jesus to save you. This is your act of faith. Now, will you receive Jesus or reject him? Please receive Jesus. Pray: “Lord Jesus, I am a sinner; I believe that you are the Son of God; that you died on the cross for my sins; and you were buried and rose again. I, by faith, totally trusting you, call upon you and ask you to be my personal Savior. Amen.”

If you just prayed this prayer and really meant it, you are now saved. We want to know about your decision. Please come to church and let us know that you received Jesus. If you are unable to come, please call us and let us know. We want to pray for you and rejoice with you for your new life in Jesus.

The second “What’s Next” question deals with how we live as a Christian. If you have already received Jesus as your Savior, you are a born again believer. Now God expects you to live for Him. That means we obey His Word, the Bible. Our Church wants to help you learn how to live a life that pleases God. We will teach you and guide you. The Bible tells us that as a new believer we have been changed. Our old lifestyle needs to be changed and we live a new life in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” How do you learn about this new life? Come and join us for our church service and we will help you learn how to be the person God wants you to be.

CrossPoint Baptist Church is truly a loving church. Our service is lively and our message is Bible-centered. I preach the Bible as it is to men as they are. We are not about philosophy, psychology, or man’s teachings, we present the Bible straight forward. The Bible is our guide and authority for our faith and practice. If you want the truth, you will enjoy CBC. Come and see!

Dr. Owen