**** Missing Heaven by 18 Inches ****


Does this title startle you?
     How can anyone get so close and yet in the end hear the Lord say, "I
never knew you: Depart from me"? (MATTHEW 7:23).

     However, this will be the terrible result of many in our churches today
who are professing Christians, often with responsible positions, but who have
had only a HEAD acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Tragically enough, even
teachers, preachers and religious workers are not exempt from the possibility
of this chilling indictment.

     The distance between the head and the heart is 18 inches. Unfortunately,
a head - intellectual - knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, fully knowing and
giving mental assent to the plan of salvation, without also a HEART acceptance
that brings the personal relationship that the Bible demands, avails nothing
to any man.

     Listen to Paul's heart cry concerning Israel as he spoke under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit, "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of
God, but not according to knowledge." (Romans 10:2)

     He was speaking about misdirected efforts, energies expended in the
strength of the flesh but not under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The lack
of power today in many of our churches as well as the lack of power today in
the lives of many professing Christians can be laid directly to this.

     It is only as we see ourselves in the mirror of God's Word as without
excuse and without hope, utterly lost and undone, that the truth of the
Scriptures convicts us, for the Bible clearly reveals that this is how God
sees man. (Romans 3:10-18,21-23).

     Then, when the glorious truth of the Gospel brings us to recognition of
our own sinfulness, and in true repentance we cry out to God asking
forgiveness and help, asking Him to come into our HEARTS, not our heads, we
experience the new birth.

     Jesus Christ said, "I am the way the truth and the life; no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6).

     The Bible also tells us that "He that hath the Son hath [eternal] life;
and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12).

     Reading up 2 verses from our opening scripture, God tells us what we    
must do to enter the kingdom of heaven "..he who does the will of My Father
in heaven" (Matt 7:21) which is an outpouring of the heart as also depicted
by Jesus in John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep my commandments"

     Christ wants your HEART, not just your head, because "The Lord seeth not
as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh
on the heart." (I Samuel 16:7).

     It is vitally important that you make sure it is not just head knowledge
and mental assent you have given to Jesus Christ. He needs the complete
surrender of your heart and life so that you may truly be born again.

     Eighteen inches can mean an eternity with Christ or an eternity
without Christ. Are you sure of your relationship to Him? Why not
settle the question in your heart once and for all right now? 
  
     Obey the commandments of Christ and give your heart to God. His yoke
is easy and His burden is light. He only asks these things:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
BELIEVES in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) for 
"without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Heb 11:6)

God commands all men everywhere to REPENT. (Acts 17:30)

For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth
CONFESSION is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10)

" There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely BAPTISM" (1 Peter 3:21)
"REPENT and let every one of you be BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ,
FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS" (Acts 2:38)

"Be sober, be viligant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a 
roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, STEADFAST IN THE FAITH"
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

  Simply stated this is God's plan for your salvation. If we can assist you
  in any way, please page us or leave a message.