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Pastors Journal

The Only Way to Heaven

20. November, 2011Pastors JournalNo comments

First, you must realize that you are a sinner.Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

This means no one is perfect. We have all done things that are wrong.Second, you must realize that there is a penalty you owe for 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.”
This death is described in the Bible as the “second death,” the lake of fire. If we received what we deserve for our sins, we would have to go to Hell, the lake of fire.

Third, you must believe that Jesus Christ paid your sin debt for you.Romans 5:8 say, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. He did this to pay for your sins.

Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The Bible tells us that in order to go to Heaven when we die, we must trust Christ as our Savior. If you would, by faith, trust Jesus today, pray this:

Dear Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I know if I had to pay for my own sin, that I would have to go to Hell, but I believe that you died for me. I am trusting you today to be my Savior, and to take me to Heaven when I die. Amen.

Ten Ways to Give Back on Thanksgiving

18. November, 2011News|Blogs, Pastors JournalNo comments

For most families, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on everything you’ve been given, and be grateful for all that you have.

This year may be tough for many of us; with the stock market in freefall, millions of Americans are losing money from their retirement accounts and stock portfolios, and crashing home values mean that many of us owe more on our houses than they’re even worth. But no matter how bad things are looking for you this year, there’s always someone who has it worse. So this year, take the time to give thanks for all that’s good in your own life—and to give to others who may not share the same luxuries. Here are ten ways to help the less fortunate this Thanksgiving.

1. Donate to a nonprofit that helps the hungry.
Millions of people can’t afford the food they need to survive, both in the United States and throughout the world. Make a contribution to an organization that will provide food and aid to hungry families, such as the internationally-based Friends of the World Food Program; Feeding America, formerly known as America’s Second Harvest, which works on the national level to help America’s hungry. Or check out your local food bank, which will ensure that the people in your own neighborhood have enough to eat on Thanksgiving day—and every other day of the year. To learn about more great hunger-related organizations you can help, check out our Razoo Giving Guide to World Hunger.

2. Donate a Thanksgiving basket.
Many organizations collect turkeys and all the trimmings to distribute to local families in need. When you do your Turkey Day shopping, pick up extras of everything, and donate them to a local organization like You can also volunteer to help assemble and deliver the baskets—just check in advance to find out what your local organization needs.