Gospel4You International - ’Ready for Jesus’ with Rachel Hutton

“Hello.
With the decline in churchgoing over the past few years, you may not be aware that we are now very near to the time when Jesus Christ will return (although we cannot know the exact day or hour). Many Bible prophecies heralding this moment have been fulfilled, and others are even now unfolding before our eyes.

Some believe that Jesus will come this year; others think we have a bit more time. Some believe that Christ will lift those of his church who are ready up to heaven to escape the outpouring of his wrath on the Earth…while others do not expect such an escape. Either way, the Bible tells us to be ready at all times, because he will come when we don’t expect him; on an unknown day, at an unknown hour; like a thief in the night, for those who are unprepared.

Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead, and to save his own: those who are ready and waiting. Will you be among them? How can we be ready? Being ready for Jesus does not just mean that we are tired of all the problems of life on Earth, and feel ready for someone to come and sort everything out…

The Bible explains that the price of sin is death. Because of this, the sinless Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that we might be forgiven and live forever with him. The unthinkable alternative is to suffer a lost eternity, shut out from heaven forever, tormented by regret and the fires of hell. Jesus did his part; but we have a part to play too.

Our part is to make the decision to believe and trust in Jesus - because without him we cannot be saved. Then, ask forgiveness in Jesus’ name, turning away from all wrong thoughts, words and actions. We can only be ready for Jesus if we are cleansed of our sins in this way, by his blood spilled for us. When we do this, God’s Holy Spirit lives in us, giving us new, spiritual life in Jesus. 

We must also forsake all other ‘gods’ and reshuffle our priorities, to give him first place in our lives - proving that we truly believe and love God by being obedient to his commands as found in the Bible. The Holy Spirit in us helps us to live God’s way.

Even if there is only a short time left to us, it is still enough time to get right with God. His love for us is so great that he gave his only son to die for us…so of COURSE he desperately wants you to take hold of his arm stretched out to save, even if you feel you have left it too late. In fact, that is why he has waited so long.

Don’t be afraid of being a hypocrite by coming to God after years of denial: God loves you with a very great love, and wants to forgive everything and save you - if only you will come to him, through Jesus his son. 

Jesus told us that no-one can come to God the Father except through him. However, you can come to JESUS from any faith/belief and from any background or situation, if you turn away from mistaken beliefs and any wrong ways of living, making him Lord of your heart.

Perhaps you live a good life, and generally or vaguely agree with Christianity and/or the Bible. This is not enough to make you ready for Jesus. You need to personally ask forgiveness, even for sins which may seem very small; and also for the sins you are unaware of. Beginning here, embark upon a personal relationship with God. 

Perhaps you are someone who has already done this, but has fallen asleep. It is now time to wake up, and do what God has called you to do, before it is too late.

You can speak to God wherever you are, at any time, and with ordinary words. You do not have to speak aloud: he hears silent prayers just the same as spoken ones; and he knows your heart. Make sure you share your faith with others out loud though!”