I have a friend that claims to be an atheist. He says there is no God, but he cannot prove it. He thinks that when you die that's it, nothing. For him he is right, nothing but eternal Hell, a total separation from God. I asked him to prove his theory. His reply starts with, according to scientist! He believes what some scientist proclaim, that we evolved from monkeys. I asked him if that were true, why do you not see monkeys turning into humans today? There usually is not a valid reply. It breaks my heart that he does not believe there is a God and he created man. The Bible tells us in Genesis 1-27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
People, like my friend, are usually seeking for peace of mind. Some way to justify their actions. A way for them to continue to live in sin and not feel guilty about it. He says everywhere you look you can see signs of evolution. Colossians 1, 16-17 "For by him were all things created, that are in, heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." I see the simple signs of a loving Lord and Savior. When driving down the road I think about how narrow the lane is. How small this space is in which to operate a car safely. If the car moves just a little to far from either side of the lane the results could be catastrophic. God's word tells us in Matthew 7-14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." We need God to direct our daily lives.

As I drive down the road, the telephone poles, and their cross members that hold up the wires, reminds me of the Cross-of Calvary. Jesus shedding his precious blood for a sinner like me. Jesus died for you, overcame death and
Hell, arose from the grave on the third day, and he wants to be your Lord and Savor. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10-12, "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God." I love my child with all my heart. No matter what mischief she may do I will never stop loving her. God is the same way with us; he loves us regardless of our sins. He is also willing to forgive us. But you must take advantage of his forgiveness. He gives it to us when we accept him as our Lord and Savior.

Hebrews, 10-17 "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Complete forgiveness in other words. Another friend of mine told me he knew he was going to Hell. He said there is nothing he can do about it. He believes there is a God, but he believes he is unworthy of Gods forgiveness. He knows he is a sinner and, but he is not ready to give up his sins. In Romans 3-23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." I told him of 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." Romans 10-13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." He said, "It just can't be that simple." He feels that he has to do something to atone for all his past sins. Ephesians 2, 8-9, " For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not
of works lest any man should boast."

He's a good friend, father and husband and he says he is just as good as a lot of Christians he knows. He said, I'll just have to take my chances that God will let me in Heaven." How sad to see a friend in this condition and know there is nothing I can do, except to keep praying for him. And try to keep witnessing to him and be his friend.
John 14- 6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." There simply is no other way. You cannot just take your chances, as my friends want to. As long as you are alive on this earth you have a chance to become a child of God, to accept his son as your Lord and Savior. But when you die your chance to meet Christ as your Savior is over.
Why put off accepting Christ? You are not guaranteed tomorrow or even the next breath of life. Take a look a the two thieves who were crucified with Christ. One said in Luke 23-42, "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." His way of accepting Christ. And in Luke 23-43, "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."

There is no doubt that this man waited to the last minute to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He alone accepted Jesus; no one did it for him. But the other thief who was crucified with them said in Luke 23-39, "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." This man wanted to be saved from death but he did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. And therefore he went to Hell, where he is today. People take too many chances with their lives today physically and spiritually. When you see a danger sign do you just ignore it? Don't you stop, look, and listen? Do you not try to figure out what the danger is so you can avoid it? Many see the danger signs of sin but often ignore it for the pleasures of sin, even when their eternal soul at stake. You only have to do one thing to get into Hell. That one thing is to do nothing about accepting
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. My atheist friend believes in nothing and my other friend believes in nothing but taking chances. What kind of chances are you taking today? You have a chance today to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, a chance that will have an eternal effect on your life and soul. Won't you take that first step in meeting him today? Salvation is God's gracious work, and not a reward for man's worthwhile acts. Romans 6-23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

My fellow Christians if you are not living a Christ centered life, you have a chance today to ask for forgiveness and ask God to take control of you life. In 1 st John 1-9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

I hope the Lord has spoken to your heart and you will make decisions for God and not take chances. The Bible says in II Thessalonians 1-12, "That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." This is my prayer for you today, may God bless and keep you.

Inspired by: My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him I give all the Glory
and praise.
By: G.L.F.
Ephesians 2-8:9