THERE IS HOPE - becoming a Christian.

The end of time is as real as birth and death, everything has a beginning and end, and the end of this age is fast approaching.

It is quite clear from the Bible that a time of tribulation like never before seen on earth will engulf the whole world very soon. It is not going to be pleasant and many will die and go to an eternity without God. Christ offers us a way out, a life-line to which we can escape the coming troubles. He does not want anyone to go through the troubles that are to come but if we reject Him we have only ourselves to blame.

If you want that security and peace of knowing you will have eternal life you must first put all your preconceived ideas of Church and Religion behind you. Becoming a Christian is nothing to do with membership to a Church or an understanding of the Bible, it is the personal acceptance by yourself, that God exists and that Jesus Christ died for your sins.

Christians often use very strange terminology, which confuses people and puts a lot off the church, but in actual fact it is very straightforward.

Since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden all of their descendants (mankind) have been born into sin. This means that every boy and girl born from Adam end Eve have inherited the nature of Adam and Eve, the nature of disobedience and as a result the separation form God. We know this to be true, as no child needs to be taught to be bad, it is our nature to be this way. To be good takes practice and teaching.

God does not want us to stay like this, it hurts Him to see us suffer but due to our stubbornness we refuse to listen to what God is saying. God has given us a way out and because He loves us that much He sent His Son to give us a way out, to pay that price, knowing it was too high for man to attain.

When Jesus died on the cross the way out mankind needed was created. Now all God asks is that we say sorry for our sinful ways, and accept that Jesus Christ paid for our sins on the cross. If we accept this then God can start to work in our lives. They say half of the answer is accepting there is a problem and this is why God needs us to accept we are sinners and that we need God's help to overcome the enemy, Satan.

So you see Christianity in essence is very straightforward and that first step is as simple as saying 'God, forgive me, I am a sinner'. God knows our hearts and minds and knows if we mean it. If we do mean it then God can help you; if not whatever you do is irrelevant, being good, going to church and praying does not replace that act of repentance, or saying sorry.

Whether we like it or not we all die physically, and whether we know it or not we can all die spiritually. At the end of our lives we will go to an eternity, but that eternity could be in heaven or in eternal punishment. Forget about the pictures you see of heaven and hell, and remember this, you either spend eternity with God, who is light or you spend it without God in total darkness, tormented forever.

There is a time coming soon when you will be forced to make a decision, either for or against God. The outcome of that decision will determine whether you live or die. Christ wants to save you from that time, the end times when the Anti-Christ with the aid of Satan will try to kill all those who believe in God. When you die it is too late to change your mind. God is a God of love but He also is a just God and while we are alive we have ample time to make amends. It is only laziness and selfishness, which stops us.

People think becoming a Christian means giving up with the pleasures of life. How many people now wish they had given up smoking now they realise it is killing them. Sin is killing you now, give it up while you have a breath left in you. Don't wait until it is too late because you might never get the chance again.

Life isn't worth living how you want it if in the end you get what you don't want. They say when you are saving up for the future to put a little aside now and go without a few pleasures so you can retire in comfort and reap the reward of your patience. Well God says follow me now, go without those things which will harm you and I will give you more than you ever dreamed of when you enter eternity.

If you want this future with God, this eternity of light and love then say this following prayer to God, and mean it. Make a conscious decision to want to change. If you meet God half way he will be waiting to lead you through the other half.

Heavenly father, I want to be a real Christian. I realise that my sins have separated me from you. Please forgive me. I believe in what Christ did for me on the cross. I don't fully understand it, but I accept it by faith. I do want to be a child of yours. Please come into my life, Lord Jesus, and make me your child right now. I will follow you and obey you for ever. Amen.

If you know any Christians, then go and tell them what you have done, seek guidance from them about your next move. If not start to read the Bible and pray that God will bring someone to you or guide you to the right church.

Above all do not rush to please God by doing the things YOU think God wants. He will teach you through the Bible until you are able to find a Church that will help you on the Christian road. If you need advice or support, email us and we will try and guide you in the right direction.

If you have taken this act of faith we ask God will bless you and strengthen you. You have just taken what will be the most important step in your life.

God bless you.