John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

These are a few of my favorite things: Saturday afternoons with friends at the pool. Dinner with my family. Meaningful conversations with my boys. The worship songs we sing together at church. Thought provoking group Bible studies.

What do all these things have in common?  People.  My friends, family, and fellow believers. These are the people I love and surround myself with. Who do you surround yourself with?  Do they know your story? Your testimony? Do they know why you are so happy?  Do they understand your peace? Can they see your faith? Do not take for granted that they know.

The Bible says the kingdom of God is near. We do not know when Jesus will come again. If you love being with these people here on earth, you will want them with you in heaven. They cannot ride on your shirt tails to heaven. They must believe for themselves. They must leave behind their past and become a new person in Christ.

Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”  To be baptized is to drown your old life and to start living a new life in Christ.  But please understand that it is not God that is condemning you. You are condemning yourself if you do not believe. For in John 3:17 it says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

So, are you ready to leave your old ways behind? Are you ready to walk on the path that will lead you to eternal life? Do you want your family, friends and loved ones with you? I do. Do not wait any longer. Start the conversation. You do not need to convince them, that is the job of the Holy Spirit.  You simply need to lead them to the water.

Heavenly Father, please give me the courage to speak up and share my testimony to the people you have placed around me. Amen.