Your ticket to Heaven

Do you read holy books used by your belief system?

Have you been baptized in water?

Do you attend religious or spiritual meetings?

Do you give 10 percent or more to ministries?

Do you help the poor?

Good enough activities for a ticket to Heaven?

Do you visit nursing homes, hospitals, home shut-ins, jails, or prisons to comfort those there?

Are you kind to animals and strangers?

Do you stand up for justice and against injustice?

Your ticket to Heaven?

How would you know if you DO HAVE a ticket to Heaven?

DO THIS or DON'T DO THAT

Some make it easy to get a ticket.

Others make it difficult.

If they follow a particular belief system, most are sure that this is the way to obtain a ticket.

Some also expect obedience and without it, "There's no ticket for you!"

Some believe that once you have a ticket, you'll know that you've got one.

And that you can never lose your ticket.

Your spot is reserved in Heaven for you.

Others believe that their holy book teaches that you can know you have a ticket to Heaven BUT you'll need to hold on to it and show it when called upon at Heaven's door.

"I WANT THE EASY WAY, PLEASE."

Slogans like, "No pain, no gain" and "Nothing worthwhile is ever easy" make sense.

But who likes to hear them when they're suffering something they don't like?

If we're told upfront that something might hurt, we usually shrink back, don't we?

Sometimes people don't finish a job because it became harder than they anticipated.

They didn't count the cost. Luke 14:28

Or if they did, they later became offended, Matthew 13:53-57; 15:10-12; John 6:61, 66 which stopped their work. Luke 14:29-30 

TICKETS TO HEAVEN -- THE LORD'S IDEA

Entrance into Heaven is part of the plan of God the Father. Luke 12:32; 2 Peter 1:3-11

Why is He the answer to the following questions?

Jesus told us.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son [Jesus], that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17

He loved all so He sent His Son, Jesus.

Who created the Garden of Eden for humans? Genesis 2:8-9

Who is good to all? Psalm 145:9

Who came to the earth in the person of His Son, Jesus, God the Word made flesh, Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1-2, 14; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-3 

to live among people to reveal Himself to them? Luke 10:22

Who is kind to the unthankful and evil? Luke 6:35

Who planned that the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, John 1:29 would be slain [in His foreknowledge Acts 2:23] before the world was created for its inhabitants' salvation? Acts 2:22-24; Ephesians 1:3-4; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Revelation 13:8

Who wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth? 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Who doesn't want anyone to perish but all to come to repentance? [have changed lives] 2 Peter 3:9

WHO HAS LISTENED?

On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.

But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son,

Whom He appointed heir of all things, and through Whom He made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2

Why?

They had Moses and the prophets. Deuteronomy 30:11-16; Luke 16:16, 29

But for God the Father to reveal Himself in a better agreement with people, Hebrews 8:6-12 He had to share in their humanity in the Person of His Son, Jesus. John 1:1-5, 14, 18; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 1:3; 2:14 

Then He could show and tell Who He is in character, authority, and power. Luke 10:22; John 5:19-21

He wanted to give tickets to Heaven to His creation Genesis 1:27 but many in the past didn't want to listen.

"I [Elijah, a prophet] have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of Hosts," he replied, "but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword.

I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well." 1 Kings 19:10

All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate [disobedient] people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations. Isaiah 65:2

They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. [turned away from Me, not turned to Me]

Though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. Jeremiah 32:33

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Matthew 23:37; Acts 7:52

As it has been said: "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion." Hebrews 3:15

CAN HE CUT THROUGH THE NOISE?

Aren't there worries, distractions, and cares in modern life? Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14

Don't people tend to lean toward loving pleasure? 2 Timothy 3:4

Even when they want to hear religious or spiritual ideas, some want only those that will suit their own desires as they turn from truth to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 

Is it possible to get a clear word from Heaven's God to direct us on how to get a ticket He wants to give?

It's not as easy as it may seem.

Some of the NOISE includes... 

those who, by smooth talk and flattery, deceive the hearts of the naive [unsuspecting]; Romans 16:18

those who peddle the word of God for profit; 2 Corinthians 2:17

those who lie in wait to deceive; Ephesians 4:14

those who secretly bring in destructive heresies [opinions, lies], even denying the Master Who bought them; 2 Peter 2:1

those who, in their greed, will exploit with deceptive words. 2 Peter 2:3 

YES, THERE ARE THOSE WHO PROCLAIM CHRIST JESUS THE LORD

First, why not study the Bible FOR YOURSELF if you haven't done so? John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

You don't need to rely on human wisdom, which can corrupt things. 1 Corinthians 3:19-20

Why not let the Holy Spirit convince John 16:7-11 and guide you into all truth? John 16:13

Can the Holy Spirit really teach us? 1 John 2:20, 27

If He can, then any and all challenges to the truth He guides us to, can be addressed sufficiently for an honest person's satisfaction. Acts 17:1-4; 18:28; 28:23-24

Second, there are those who follow Paul's example as he imitated the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 

He gave no offense in anything, nor put any obstacle in anyone's way, so no one could discredit his ministry. 2 Corinthians 6:3

Perhaps you and I could read their writings and listen to them IF we'll examine carefully what they communicate.

We need to make sure that it's the whole will of the Lord Acts 17:11; 20:26-27 from all of the Bible, don't we? Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39

We also can learn that Jesus must increase and we must decrease. John 3:30

Here are some more words that show Paul's conduct. 2 Timothy 3:10

But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles [non-Jews],

but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks [non-Jews], Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23

My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power,

so that your faith would not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit.

On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God. 2 Corinthians 2:17

Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways.

We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God.

On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2

For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5

But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 

IS SALVATION YOUR TICKET TO HEAVEN?

How to get salvation? 

Aren't there many gods, lords, and beliefs? 1 Corinthians 8:5; Colossians 2:8, 21-23; 1 Timothy 4:1; 6:20

Which is right?

Or are any equally effective?

Some argue that they don't need "saving" because they're good enough for whatever lies ahead.

Even those who use a specific holy book or books to guide them to salvation may disagree on interpretation Acts 15:1-2, 5-6 

UNTIL the Father by the Holy Spirit reveals the correct way to believe. John 16:13; Acts 15:7-11, 13-29; 18:24-26; 19:1-7; Galatians 3:21-22; Philippians 3:15

If this is true and there IS a genuine way to put faith in, which is it?

Remember that it IS God the Father's desire to give tickets to Heaven. John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9

So, the burden is on Him to draw, convince, and compel us to receive tickets through His way. Luke 14:23; John 6:44-45; 12:32-33; 14:6; 15:26; 16:7-11; Acts 3:26; Hebrews 7:22-25

Are we honest and open enough to be shown that we've been wrong?

Few seem willing to admit, "I've believed what isn't true. I need the real truth, NOW!"

Why?

Usually, it's because they haven't become like little children.

Jesus said,

"Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:17

How can we know that OUR way to believe will give us a ticket to Heaven?

If we possessed a ticket now, should there be evidence that "this is the way" to get it? Acts 24:14, 22

FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Can others see the fruit of a new life in us? Matthew 5:16; Galatians 1:21-24; 5:22-24

Have times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord? Acts 3:19

If not, maybe we don't have a ticket to Heaven in our heart. John 5:37-38; Acts 8:22-23; 1 John 2:29; 3:10, 15

BELIEFS SHOULD BE CHALLENGED 

Most of us think that the Lord Jesus Christ came to give peace on earth.

But Jesus said of Himself,

"Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

A man's enemies will be the members of his own household." Matthew 10:34-36

When the real Lord Jesus Christ is revealed, sometimes division is a result. Luke 12:51-53; John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19-21; Acts 14:4

When He lived among people, John 1:14 His teachings and miracles caused a stir.

Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, "When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?"

When the Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus, they and the chief priests sent officers to arrest Him. John 7:31-32

So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast and asking, "Where is He?"

Many in the crowds were whispering about Him.

Some said, "He is a good man."

But others replied, "No, He deceives the people." John 7:11-12

These opinions about Jesus are still held today, aren't they?

Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished.

"Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?" they asked. Matthew 13:54

And they took offense at Him.

But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor." Matthew 13:57

"Never has anyone spoken like this man!" the officers answered. John 7:46

And when He had said these things, all His adversaries were ashamed:

and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. Luke 13:17

And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. Matthew 22:34

While the Pharisees were assembled, Jesus questioned them:

"What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?"

"David’s," they answered.

Jesus said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord'?

For he says:

'The Lord said to my Lord,

"Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet."'

So if David calls Him 'Lord,' how can He be David's son?"

No one was able to answer a word, and from that day on no one dared to question Him any further. Matthew 22:41-46

OUR TURN 

If our beliefs are right, shouldn't they be able to withstand fierce cross-examination?

Jesus said,

"For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your [disciples of Jesus'] adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." Luke 21:15

Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia.

They began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by Whom he spoke. Acts 6:8-10

If you're a genuine follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, the real Savior the Bible reveals, Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:3; 2 Peter 1:1

are you ready to debate others with gentleness and respect? 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1 Peter 3:15-16

Paul was ready.

Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him.

Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?"

Others said, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods."

They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. Acts 17:18

Paul would open the Scriptures Acts 17:3 to reason with Acts 17:2; 18:4, 19 and dispute with others. Acts 9:29; 17:17; 19:8-9

He testified about the kingdom of God and persuaded them about Jesus. Acts 28:23

Apollos was corrected and led into a more complete knowledge of Jesus by two believers. Acts 18:24-26

People CAN change their beliefs. Acts 14:11-18; 17:32-33; 19:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 2:13

Then, Apollos powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 18:28

If what we believe can't endure direct challenges, perhaps it's wrong.

YOUR TICKET TO HEAVEN IS A PERSON

Really?

As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said to Jesus,

"Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters —one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)

While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.

And a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, Whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!"

After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present with them.

The disciples kept this to themselves, and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen. Luke 9:33-36

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,

"Look, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29

Jesus said,

"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." John 3:14-17

Jesus answered, "I am the bread of life.

Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." John 6:35

Jesus said, 

"Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away." John 6:37

Jesus said, 

"For it is My Father's will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice,

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." John 7:37

Jesus said,

"I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." John 10:9

Jesus answered,

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

Suggestion: RECEIVE your ticket to Heaven today. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Romans 10:8-13

"Then the King will say to those on His right,

'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.'" Matthew 25:34

Your thoughts?

R. Jason