How Do I know I am Going to Heaven when I Die?

How can you be sure you're going to heaven when you die. That's just one of the questions will be answering on today's addition of core Christianity welcomes the great to have you with us. This is the place where we answer your questions about the Christian life every day. I'm Bill Meyer along with Pastor Israel Sanchez and you can call us right now with your questions at 833 the core that's 1-833-843-2673 now during this coronavirus Christ is one of the things we are trying to do hard-core Christianity, you share some of the good news.

Things have been happening around the country that really we think will put a smile on your face. People who are making a difference. As you might expect. Elderly people are particularly anxious about coming down with the coronavirus and in Bend Oregon, a young woman stepped in to help an elderly couple that was in need. I wanted to share this with you, Rebecca, Mayra is a 25-year-old professional runner.

She was walking into a Safeway store after track practice when she heard a woman calling to her from a parked car so she went over and she found the woman and her husband both in their 80s and they asked her for help. They didn't have any family nearby. They were afraid about going into the store and possibly catching the virus and they been waiting in their car for 45 minutes for just the right person to ask. Well Rebecca was that person she about the items the couple needed to place the bags in their trunk gave them back their change, and I'm sure put a big smile on their face is not graded real well that is great yeah yeah just it makes me grateful for the body of Christ because we've been seeing a lot of these sort of acts of service within our church and and I know you know other churches as well, or are doing the same it. It's so important for us as Christians to really be sensitive to the needs of the people around us, especially your same bill. Those who are the most vulnerable. That's right will let's jump into our first question and this one comes from Justin who emailed us he says regarding the coronavirus one are some ways that your churches have used technology to encourage one another as local gatherings are shut down. I know about video meetings but are there any other creative ways that your flock is caring for one another using technology hey thanks for that question Justin Alameda's share some of the ways at least. Our church has been has been approaching this issue. We have been live streaming our service every Sunday on Facebook live and YouTube, and that the plus there is that we had a lot of people join us who don't always go to church on a Sunday evening. You know friends that we've made in the neighborhood right Pastor who are believers who who wouldn't call themselves Christians have been willing to watch the live stream which is been really really encouraging for me.

The whole thing is sort of reminded me of how God uses bad situations to keep advancing the gospel in the book of acts that the disciples were sort of hunkered down in Jerusalem and it wasn't until persecution came that they began to spread the gospel out throughout the rest of the world. And sometimes God uses circumstances like this to advance his word and I wonder if you know through live streaming preaching teaching on a Sunday morning. More people are during the war than it normally would. We have also been using zoom which you might be familiar with now before all of this started had no idea what zoom was, but we do a Wednesday night prayer meeting on zoom which is been a real blessing kind of an opportunity just for us to see each other's faces and to pray for each other and for the world in this very difficult time and I've been trying to send this as many email updates often times with video video updates to our congregation now. Not everyone opens those emails but just in whatever way we can we be honest you know there's no replacement for gathering together with the body of Christ. I miss that. I think all of us do an end should if you don't feel a sense of there's something missing right now as a Christian I think that there's about that might be an indication that there something wrong because I think you know we are united to the body of Christ, God's people, and we should long to be back in one another's presence that we can't do that right now so it has been need to use some of these different things. You know whether it's zoom or social media Facebook live YouTube to get the word out, but I'm praying I hope that your praying as well that very soon the Lord will open the doors for us to all be back together again.

Bill what you guys do your church. Many of the same things you're doing real effect on my small group met last night by zoom and we are all sitting around in our different living rooms and some of us with our dogs small group discussion and it was interesting though because when we will meet signed off after an hour with our small group.

We ended in prayer.

My wife said to me, that was kind of sad and she didn't mean it was sad and that you know she was glad that we got together with our small group but the fact that we weren't there in person. We we weren't able to embrace them just to have that the human touch that we normally have in our group. We always have a meal together before we meet and it was just a little more sterile as you were saying at it, we miss that that human connection that we would get more knitting personally so I like you I'm I'm waiting for that moment that we can start getting together again. One thing that and I'm sure you've addressed this in your own church. One thing I think every every Christian needs to bear in mind right now is that so many churches are struggling because people are not tithing in the way they normally would not part of. That's because many people have lost their jobs, but the other part of that is that were not passing an offering plate. Each week, so it's important for all of us to continue giving if we can at right now and am certainly tithing. Whether that's electronically whether rest of the mail because a lot of churches right now are you in a danger of failing. Bill, thanks for saying that you minister this episode specifically with the people of my church the United States because with technology. Another wasted to give online now for a lot of churches, but many churches try to figure these these kinds of things out. This is also a time where the church can come alongside of those who are in need to. You mentioned you know those who have lost their jobs and we were finding just the African elite.

This is this is the time for the church to step up, maybe people aren't able to give because you know that they were there in a real difficult situation will that's where we as the body of Christ come together and care for each other and so I'm I'm excited for how the Lord is working in this time. Despite the fact that it's difficult now. We purchased a couple of thousand dollars worth of a grocery gift cards which we are helping those in our congregation who are struggling right now were out of work and were basically saying hey if you need us just let us know so let's go to one of our callers. Caleb is on the line with the question for us.

Hi my name is Caleb Collins on go to school and became a city and a Christian for 10 years now and a buddy of mine, wrestling back and forth about which way he's leaning Gnostic senior questioning his face whatever but the same time. Had a couple Christian tattoos.

I guess it does greater the hot was touching one's bicep saw just wondering what the best way to go about talking to him because he knows what the Bible says, for the most part, but he grew up in a family where his parents taught him to quit." Science behind my life is so shy restless appreciation.

I guess give me thanks hey Caleb, you know, I'm encouraged by your question. Just because you care for your friend and you want to see this friend walk with the Lord and in your concerned about his spiritual life and so you know that that's incurred. I think that's how we should be. As Christians we want to care for each other and when one of us with somebody who was maybe brought up in the church is going by the wayside unit will want to come alongside of them just like you're trying to do right now couple of encouragements for you. One just pray for your friend start there because what we need is the Lord to open the heart and in the eyes spiritually were just were blind. We need the spirit of God to work in our lives. And so I would encourage you first and foremost, make sure that your praying for your friend and asking the Lord to work in his life. I think about the account of Lydia in the book of acts were told it is the word of God was preached.

The Lord opened her heart to receive the words that were being spoken in and that's what your friend needs. It sounds like their encouragement is the power is in the word of the apostle Paul said in Romans chapter 10 that faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of Christ. So resting in that knowing that it is not to be, you know your clever argument per se, although I think that it's okay to make arguments and to build the case and say here's why we believe the things that we believe oftentimes God uses that to convince someone but it really is the word transforming a person's heart and mind and so I would also encourage you if your friend is willing you're in a good church encourage them to join you to go to church to be under the preaching of the word, even if he's doubting even if he's not sure if he's willing to go.

You'd be surprised at the kind of effect that the word can have on someone who just bears sitting under the ministry of the word and I think this is a good reminder for all of us know when you're struggling with your faith, or when you fallen into some sin don't stop going to church.

You need the church.

The Hebrews chapter 3 were just talking about how sad it is right now they were not able to gather together you think about a text like Hebrews chapter 3, we were told we got encourage each other, day by day less were hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

We need that encouragement. We need to be under the word, and so pray for your friend share the word with him with confidence knowing that is the word of God that does the work that changes the heart, the mind and blessing iodide's distaste to be a couple of recommendations books that I think might be helpful if your friend is really trying to dig in and asked some difficult questions about why we believe the things that we believe there's a book by Greg Koegel called the story of reality. I found that book is really accessible and it is a great job of addressing some of these issues, we can put that that book in the show notes and also mere Christianity the classic, by CS Lewis. Just a wonderful book that I often share with people who have questions were skeptical. So as I approach it. I hope you continue to encourage your friend Caleb thanks for your question couple great recommendations on on books, a drill I had a chance to interview Greg Koegel a couple of years ago on that book when it first came out and Mama story of reality would be something for every Christian to have in the library when they're talking to somebody who's grappling with these issues agnostic, atheist, exactly, answers those questions in a very powerful way. So, great recommendation old Raquel Rodin actually see you posted on our Facebook page and she has this question. Do you believe that all Christians are filled with the spirit, or do we need to seek the filling of the spirit.

After we become believers who great questioning of so yes and both strictly place is interesting is one of the things that we take for granted. You know that canned food used to be kind of a luxury item. I do some research a while back, and early on when canned food was first introduced was really something that only people of of means. If you were were wealthy could get your hands on canned food and then as the beat began to be more mass-produced.

It was democratized them and everybody could get their hands on it.

Now you know when we think about canned food.

It's like all the other seven might might cover the taking up space I give it away or whatnot, but initially it was something that me that was only for the wealthy will in the Old Testament the spirit of God was only for the wealthy. But those who are in a special position you think of the prophets you think of the priest you think of the kings that were anointed with the spirit of this prophecy in Joel chapter 2 it says one day God is gonna pour out his Spirit on all flesh in which the spirit of God is going to be democratized.

The young and the old, the rich and the poor man and what is not just to be the priest and the prophets that the special class if you will.

It's going to be the children and women, rich, poor, and so that's one of the things that the new covenant promises us is that everyone who is in the new covenant is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Raquel Paul says in first Corinthians chapter 12 verse three that no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

Just a few verses later, and in verse 13 he says that by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body is a everyone. If you're Christian you have the Holy Spirit in you. You're sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Paul says in the book of Ephesians were also called to be filled and then 10 verses later in chapter 12 verse 13 he says by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, and so this is really important for us to understand everyone who's a believer in Jesus Christ is filled with sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is one of the promises that the prophet Joel Fork foresaw in in Joel chapter 2 God pouring out his Spirit on all flesh, young, old, rich, poor man, woman, everyone in the body of Christ you have the spirit of God.

If you are in Christ. You're also called to be filled with the spirit.

That's why said in at the beginning.

The question is its are both right, but were called to be filled with the spirit.

Ephesians chapter 518 Paul says, don't get drunk with wine, but be filled with the spirit of God. It's an imperative. How do we do that we think of the parallel passage from Ephesians 518 one Colossians were pulses that were filled with the spirit as the word of Christ dwell in us richly that I think that this is a really really important point right at work were oral sealed with the Holy Spirit.

The spirit of God lives in us because were believers, but the way that were filled continually throughout the Christian life is by letting the word of Jesus Christ dwell in us richly somewhat encouragement for for you for all of us to be saturated in the word of God to open up the Scriptures to read them to go to church to listen good preaching. That's how were filled with the Holy Spirit. I found that there's so much confusion today about you how to wipe out I get filled with the Holy Spirit. Do I need to go up into the mountains and fast for three days until the spirit of God through falls on me. Do I have to do this that or the other know it's the word of Jesus Christ dwell in you richly, that's our filled with the spirit so that you for the question is both we have the spirit and were called to be filled with the spirit, more filled with the spirit to the word of Jesus. Well, thank you so much for your question Racquel. By the way, if you've a question for us. Here is the number to call. It's 1-833-843-2673.

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You can also spell it out. It's 833. The court also send us a question on our Facebook, Instagram or twitter accounts. We would love to hear your question. By the way, we've mentioned a couple times this week that our good friend Dr. Michael Horton is not joining us on a daily basis but will be dropping by every once in a while we actually have a special message for Michael to play for you today as we reflect on the difficulties families, churches, businesses, our nation and basically all people around the world right now are facing having a sure confidence in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and his resurrection on our behalf is absolutely critical.

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Thanks for your support. Thank you so much for your support. I do hope that you get your hands on that resource in the book of Romans is such a powerful book of the New Testament and it's a book that has changed so many people's lives one guy in particular who you may have heard of Protestant reformer named Martin Luther it was, as he was reading the book of Romans that his life was transformed. He says when he got to that statement that Paul quotes in Romans the just shall live by faith.

Listen to what Luther said.

He said when I discovered that I was born again of the Holy Ghost and the doors of paradise swung open and I walked through them. Talk about transformation you want to get your hands on this study on the book of Romans. It's yours for a donation of $20 or more and so head over to core Christianity.com/offers to get your copy of our new Bible study on Romans. Take advantage of that. Go back to the phones a drill we have Ron on the line with the question for us. We pray the Bible talks about being Christ father and father. Christ Jesus has come to me.

Those were very weary and heavy laden door, but knowing the Bible to pray. Jesus right in his name we have a relationship with Christ that work. Thanks a run great question and you know it reminds me of the question that the disciples asked when they were with Jesus. Luke 11 chapter 1 says now Jesus was praying in a certain place and when he finished one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.

It's as if you know the disciples over and over again.

They see Jesus going off to be with the father to pray. You know were told repeatedly throughout the gospel to get up early in the morning before the sun had risen her to go off you know up to a mountain to pray by himself. One of the things that we know about the life of Jesus is that he was committed to prayer and I think that's one of the reasons why the disciples are so curious you know we don't ever hear them say Lord, teach us how to do miracles or teach us how to raise the debtor teach us how to preach. As you preaching of Jesus your your sermons are so amazing, so compelling to draw the crowds, but they do say teach us how to pray and then he gives them the Lord's prayer our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. What is prayer.

I think that's a really important question to ask this as I think about your your question run. It's an offering up of our desires to God for things that are agreeable to his will, in the name of Jesus Christ, confession of our sins, got me that's a part of prayer and thankful acknowledgment of his mercy cement. So there.

There are different ways to pray. Sometimes we pray a prayer of confession. Sometimes we pray a prayer of Thanksgiving were pouring our hearts out to God in prayer and ordinarily, as you know in Scripture prayer is offered to the father through the mediation of the sign. In other words, were approaching God the father through what Jesus has done for us. That's why typically in the Bible, prayer is addressed to the father but prayers are offered to Jesus as well. In fact, in John chapter 14 verse 14 Jesus said to his disciples, if you ask me anything in my name I will do it and then and in acts chapter 7 verse 59 were told that Stephen as he was being stoned prayed Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. So if you're concerned Ron about praying to Jesus that I don't you have to be week.

We can pray to the father. We can pray to the sun. We can pray to the Holy Spirit. But understand this, the bold access we have to God in prayer comes to us because of what Jesus did.

So every time we approach God we approach the father through Jesus. The second person of the holy Trinity what he's done for us and and and so that's why we have a relationship and how we have a relationship with Jesus. What is done for us pray to him. We thank him we worship him. Thank you for your question. Great clarification for Ron there. Israel will Angel is on the line with another question for us and we alluded to this one at the top of the program.

Angel go ahead and how do we know we are going to have the guy how do I know when she died. Thank you, Angel. I'm well first I just want to say I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I know that had to be very difficult and that more than anything you know you want to be comforted with the knowledge that she's in the presence of the Lord. Right now directly to your question.

The other there are two verses that come to mind. How can we know that were going to heaven when we die. Will the first one is in first John chapter 5 verse 13. Listen to what John said there. He said I've written these things to you who believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. We know were going to heaven when we die because we believe in Jesus Christ. Now it's not the strength of our faith is not the fact you have a lot of faith and that's why you're saved is a reality is a lot of times we have a weak faith and yet even a weak faith saves Angel and here's why it lays hold of a strong Savior Jesus. That's what faith is like an empty hand receives Jesus's grace, his benefits for us were clinging to Jesus were holding onto him. Sometimes our faith is weak but Jesus is strong, so how can you know my question is do you believe in Jesus you think about your mom. You know the question that US or the other passage that I would bring into play here is first Thessalonians chapter 4 verse 13, Paul is encouraging the church there because they had relatives who had died and they were concerned. You know what, where they what's happening with them. Listen to what Paul said is that we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep right there.

He's referring to those who have died that you may not grieve as others who have no hope.

And he says in verse 14. Since since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Hope you have for your mom is when we believe we have eternal life. Why, because Jesus Christ is Lord he saves us, and he rose from the dead, we can encourage each other with those words that I want to encourage you with those words to Angel God bless you know a girl that is a question on so many people's minds, especially right now with the spirit of coronavirus if I was to die would I be going to heaven.

I mean there is that clear promise we don't have to fear. We know that we will be with them, you know, we look away from ourselves. The gospel is good news and I would encourage you for listening right now. Look to Jesus, thanks for listening to court Christianity to request your copy of today's special offer. Visit us at court, Christianity.com and click on offers in the menu bar or call us at 1-833-843-2673 that's a 33 core when you contact us.

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