It's About Time

Do you ever wish you had more time? We all have, I’m sure.

We’d like more hours in the day to accomplish tasks at work or home. Perhaps an extra day of vacation to pack in a little more fun. A few more years to make memories with an elderly loved one OR a young one before he leaves home for school or a career. The coach may want just one more second to have one more chance to win the game.

Ecclesiastes, the twenty-first book of the Bible, reveals that there is a time for everything. Right off the bat, Solomon the author starts with this pair: “a time to be born, and a time to die.” Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Death does not mark the end of our existence, but a change in location where we will be either rewarded or punished for what we did with the opportunities we had.

The book of James compares our lifespans to a vapor, a quick cloud of steam, a warm breath on a frigid day. Most people have no clue how few days they have left. Without knowing how many days remain, what can you best do with your TODAY? The Bible answers that also.

II Corinthians 6:2 says in part: “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.” While there’s still sand in the top of the hourglass, you need to seek God. What is salvation? What does it mean to be saved? And what am I being saved from? Just as sure as there is a heaven, there is also a hell, and God has given mankind the freedom to choose his destination. By default and by virtue of being sinners, we are on the road to hell. John 3:18 describes it as being condemned already. But we don’t have to end up there.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth, lived a perfect life, and died for the sins of all mankind on the cross nearly 2,000 years ago. You may be thinking, “that’s great that Christ died for me—now I don’t have to go to hell.” Understand that salvation is a gift, and a gift only benefits you if you receive it. To accept the gift, you have to accept Christ.

Romans 10:9 says “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.” The first part is to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord of all. The second part is to believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God and that He raised from the dead the third day. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Will you call on Him today in prayer, asking Him to save you? Are you ready to begin a new life, turning from your sin and self to serve and worship Jesus? If you have never done that, you can call on Him right now. You can pray something like this: “Dear God, I am a sinner and deserve hell, but I believe that your son Jesus died on the cross to pay for my sin and rose from the dead. God, please save me and come into my life. I want to turn from my sin and give my life to you. Amen.” 

If you’ve done that and meant it, then according to God’s Word, you are saved. But what are you doing with your life, with your time? Are you serving God? Do you worship Him regularly in a church?  If not, you know you should. You may be meaning to. Perhaps you plan on it when you have more time. I’ve learned that people always make time for what they find important. Make time for God. Make time for His house. Make plans to attend this Sunday. 

Maybe you’re in a church already. Does your church make an effort to reach the lost? Does it preach the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is the Bible taught and explained there verse by verse, or does your church feel more like entertainment?

Come see the difference at Calvary Baptist Church at 10230 Hull Street Road. The time? 10:30 a.m. We’ll save a seat for you!