Just the Essentials!

My dad had a rule for family trips in the car – “Just the
essentials!”  Trying to fit five people, their suitcases, and camping
gear in our old Hudson was a “squash and a squeeze.”

Someone asked Jesus if those saved will be only a few.  He said (Luke
13:22-30 ESV), "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I
tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”  The door to
heaven is narrow.  There is only one way to enter and that is by
faith.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one
comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)  Faith saves. 
Unbelief condemns. 

On Judgment Day, many will say that they knew about Jesus Christ and
therefore should enter into heaven, but He will say to them, “I do
not know where you come from.”

The problem with our journey in life is that we try to hold onto too
much junk – immorality, grudges, pride, addictions, greed, worry, and
love for the world and its ways.  We think we need those things, but
they separate us from Jesus Christ.  Just like a camel cannot enter a
narrow gate if it is packed with tons of luggage, so too a person
cannot enter heaven loaded with worldly baggage.

Unload!  Repent of your garbage.  Give it up to Jesus Christ who bore
all of your bad stuff on the cross.  Be freed!  Live in his love and
promise of eternal life.

Come on!  Jump in for the journey of a lifetime!  Just the
essentials!  Faith in Jesus Christ, Amen.

Pastor Raymond Van Buskirk, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Baytown, TX
www.rlcbaytown.org