What Does it Take to get to Heaven?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16

You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. - Mark 13:13

Repentance – Baptism – Love – Growth – Worship = Expressions of Faith

Repentance – Baptism – Love – Growth – Worship = Expressions of Faith Holiness – Prayer – Perseverance – Fellowship = Faithfulness

Finish Faithfully = Crown of Life James 1:12

1. Persecution Obstacles 20 The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. - Matthew 13:20-21

Obstacles 2. Cares And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. - Matthew 13:22

3. Allure of wealth Obstacles And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. - Matthew 13:22

Obstacles Persecution Cares Allure of wealth Personal sins

Bad influence Obstacles Persecution Cares Allure of wealth Personal sins Bad influence

What does it take to remain faithful and go to heaven?

What it Takes: A firm decision

You can’t be faithful until the end if you are continually questioning or renegotiating your decision to follow Christ.

What it Takes: A firm decision A reality check

After you’ve decided to follow Christ: Your “old life” shows up

After you’ve decided to follow Christ: Your “old life” shows up Something (one) comes between you and the church

After you’ve decided to follow Christ: Your “old life” shows up Something (one) comes between you and the church Doubt because of personal failure

and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. - Matthew 10:36

What it Takes: A firm decision A reality check Trust in the Lord

…the author and perfecter of faith… - Hebrews 12:2b

He’s there at the beginning…

He’s there at the beginning… He’s there along the way…

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20 “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” - Hebrews 13:5

He’s there at the beginning… He’s there along the way… He’s there at the finish line!

…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13b-14

The journey is about trust.

“Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to to die.”

Everyone wants to go to heaven, but only a few: Decide once and for all time Are ready for opposition Totally trust Jesus

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. - Matthew 7:14

Who’s going to heaven today?