IS GREAT TRIBULATION DIFFERENT THAN 7 YEAR TRIBULATION?

 END TIMES MYSTERY?

 KABOB LUNCH

Four pastors enjoy lunch eating kabobs at a Mediterranean restaurant to discuss different topics and share their points of view.

Pastor Dave asks, "There seems to be a lot of confusion and debate about the '7 year Tribulation' and the 'Great Tribulation'.  Are they different or are we talking about the same thing?"

Pastor Frank remarks, "Could the things written in Daniel and Revelation all ready have been fulfilled in 70 AD, by the destruction of Jerusalem?"

Pastor Dave reads, "Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy."  (Daniel 9:24 ASV - American Standard Bible)

Pastor Jun De talks,  "69 weeks in Daniel have been fulfilled, but God paused the 70th week to finish later."

Pastor Manuel adds, "OK, does everyone believe Daniel's 7 weeks refers to 7 years of Tribulation?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "But there is a distinction.  The 'Great Tribulation' refers to the last 3 1/2 years!  After the Antichrist is revealed defiling the third temple in Jerusalem, the God will pour out His wrath upon the Earth."

Pastor Manuel questions, "Pastor Jun De, can you explain, I'm confused."

Pastor Jun De explains, Jesus said, " For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be."  (Matthew 24:21 NKJV)  This happens after the antichrist is revealed in the abomination of desolation."  

Pastor Frank smiles, "Where are you getting that from?  Isn't 'GREAT' an adjective describing intensity?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

(Matthew 24:29-30  NKJV)  You see, 3 1/2 years after the antichrist was revealed, will be the second coming of Jesus Christ."

Pastor Manuel questions, "The last passage you read says 'Tribulation,' not 'Great Tribulation.'  What is the full context of Matthew 24?"

Pastor Dave says, "So when you see the abomination of desolation—spoken about by Daniel the prophet—standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. The one on the roof must not come down to take anything out of his house, and the one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.  (Matthew 24:15-21  NET - New English Translation)

Pastor Frank states, "Jesus warning the people living in Israel to flee to the mountains and wilderness, because there will be Great Tribulation to the people living in Israel?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."  (Daniel 12:1 KJV)

Pastor Dave remarks, "I believe the 7 year Tribulation involves a war against God's people, by the unholy trinity...Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet, trying to prevent the second coming of the Messiah."

Pastor Manuel speaks, "It's like the feud with Moses and Pharaoh.  Every time the Pharaoh did something bad, God poured out His wrath."

Pastor Jun De remarks, "Look at all the tribulation in the world today.  People are dying and being persecuted.  Look at all the suffering from earthquakes, famines and disasters.  Why does God allow these things to happen?"

Pastor Frank ask,  "Is God pouring out His tribulation and judgement on the righteous? 

Pastor Dave continues,  "The first harvest is the Barley grain, that doesn't need a threshing sled.  Barley can be seperated from its husk and stalk by hand using household tools.

I believe, righteous believers in Jesus Christ will be raptured and spared from going through the 7 year tribulation on Earth.  This is the first harvest."

Pastor Manuel reads, "But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him.  Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.  So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. (2 Peter 2:7-9  NLT ~ New Living Translation)

Pastor Dave continues, "The second harvest is hard Wheat grain that needs a threshing sledge to seperate the grain from the chaff through pressure and friction.  The latin name for this sledge is "Tribulum, where we get the word Tribulation."  

Pastor Manuel adds, "Like grains of wheat, 

people will have hard hearts.  Some will be broken down by the Tribulum, while others will blow away like the chaff."

Pastor Jun De remarks, "I still believe the Great Tribulation begins at the middle of the 7 years, after the antichrist is revealed by defiling the holy temple in Jerusalem."

Pastor Dave continues, "Christ's church will be in Heaven to witness the Lamb opening up the first seal, revealing the White Horseman."

Pastor Manuel says, "Imagine if all the good Christians suddenly were raptured, would this be a good time for the Antichrist to appear on the world scene?  Would there be any opposition for him to come to power?"

Pastor Frank adds, "When the Lamb opens the first seal, the Antichrist will be riding a white horse, wearing a victory crown, and carrying a bow."

Pastor Manuel states, "Some people believe he will make a peace covenant and allow the Jews to build their third temple on the temple mount."

Everyone is silent for one moment.

Pastor Manuel adds, "In heaven the Lamb opens one seal at a time.  White horseman is the Antichrist, Red horseman brings war,  Black horseman causes worldwide famine, Pale Green horseman brings pestillence.  After the six seals 1/4 of the world's population will be deceased."  

Pastor Dave adds, "Pastor Jun De, would you consider this part of the Tribulation?"

Pastor Jun De questions, "You don't get my point, what about the Great Tribulation after the first 3 1/2 years?"

Pastor Dave continues, I believe Daniel said there is one 7 year Tribulation, before the return of Jesus Christ.  It begins will God's righteous will be raptured.  God is omniscient and knows the future.  Only the Lamb of God is worthy to peel the Seals.

Pastor Manuel adds, "There will be wars, rumor of wars, nations fighting nations, famines and pestilence."  

Pastor Dave continues, "God is slow to anger. But he will pour our his wrath in the Trumpet and Bowl Judgments."

Pastor Manuel adds, "I don't know how anyone can split the 7 year Tribulation in two."

Pastor Jun De smiles, "I'm beginning to see the light.  I'm glad we can talk about these things."

Pastor Dave concludes, "On the Day of the Lord, Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives, to establish His kingdom on Earth.  Satan will be thrown into a pit and locked up for 1,000 years.  And we will be living in a world of peace!"

Pastor Manuel reads,  "Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth.  I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown."  (Revelation 3:10-11  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible)

CASE OF THE LOST PERSONS

  THREE DETECTIVES HOT TOPIC

GOBLIN VALLEY INVESTIGATION

On a hot summer afternoon, Jason with red hair, is with his girl friend Olivia, in a shaded pavilion overlooking Goblin Valley.  Jason says, "This is so amazing!"  Olivia adds, "It's like a valley of large mushrooms."  

Holly, Jason's sister blurts out, "Can we go down and see all the creatures below.  Please!"

Jason replies, "No, you have to wait here for mom and dad, or they'll worry.  

Holly replies, "Don't leave me here alone."

Olivia smiles, "It's too hot for you to wander in the desert.  Ask permission from your mom and dad to go hiking in the evening when it's cooler."

Jason adds, "Don't worry, we'll be back in one hour.  Just relax and wait here Holly."

Jason & Olivia starts hiking down the trail. They hear Jason's little sister cry out, "Hey, you forgot something? Where's your water!"

One hour later, the three detectives speak to Holly sitting in the shaded pavilion.  Jack says to Holly, "Welcome to Mars!"  

Gloria writes notes, "Are you here alone?"  

Valerie uses her cell phone to shoot video of the conversation, saying, "Honey, it's too hot for anyone to be out there, even in the shade it's 98 degrees.  Are you waiting for your parents?"

Holly has a worried face, saying, "My brother Jason and his girl friend Olivia are down there without any water.  They promised to be back in one hour and I've been waiting two hours.  Mom and dad went to town to pick up some food."

Jack states, "There's 9,915 acres in Goblin Valley."

Gloria adds, "Most likely they're somewhere among the goblins.  Let's grab some extra water and search for the lost persons."

The three detectives walk down the trail into the sandstone mushroom forest.  They see weird shapes walking around each large rock formation."

Gloria speaks, "This rock looks like a Turtle."

Valerie says, "I see a Monkey face rock.  Jack, how are we going to find them?"

Jack replies, "My plan is to circle around the Goblins.  I don't think anyone else is out here, baking in 105 degree afternoon sun."  

Gloria, looks at shaded areas where they might be taking a break & resting."

Valerie says, "Be quiet!  JASON, OLIVIA CAN YOU HEAR ME!"  

Waiting in silence, they hear no reply; only the sound of sand blowing in the wind.

Gloria adds, "It's so quiet here, I hear ringing in my ears, from noise inside my body."

Valerie states, "What if they went to the Goblin's Lair, or have returned to the pavilion.  There is no cell phone coverage here.  

Gloria adds, "It's so miserable, it feels like my hair dryer is blowing hot air constantly in my face."

The three detectives perched on a hill, scan

the valley for hikers, spotting nobody moving, then gaze at the covered pavilion in the distance."

Jack says, "Let's climb down here and search this area, before we head back."

Behind a rock formation, Olivia hears voices coming down a hill.  She says, "Jason, I'm feeling faint and have a severe headache.  Shhh!  I hear voices of angels coming for me."

Behold, Jack, Gloria, and Valerie appear from behind a rock surprising them!

Gloria speaks, "You must be Olivia and Jason."

Olivia replies, "Yes, how do you know our names?  What do you want with us?"

Jack looks at Jason's fair skin, smiling, "UV is 12 this afternoon. You can get a sunburn in 5 minutes.  Are you using sunscreen?"

Valerie talks, "Olivia, your slurring your speech.  Are you hydrated?  Did you drink any water before hiking?"

Jason answers, "Olivia guzzled down more than 1 liter of water before we started."

Jack states, "Olivia may have  hyponatremia from guzzling down water too fast.  This is an electrolyte imbalance where blood sodium levels are abnormally low."

Gloria adds, "Drinking too fast washes away the salts in your body."

Valerie adds, "You need to replentish your electrolytes and eat salty snacks when hiking in deserts."

Jack hands bottles of water to Jason and Olivia.  

Valerie gives some electrolyte gummies to Olivia and Jason to chew."

Jason smiles, "The three of you came all the way out here just to give us water?  Why?  Are you park rangers?   Who told you we were out here?"

Gloria reads, "Jesus said, " And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”  (Matthew 10:42 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Valerie adds, "We get a reward in heaven for giving water to the thirsty."

Both Jason and Olivia enjoy drinking cold water.  "Thanks!  I would still would like to know who sent you."

Jack speaks, "Jesus said to a Samaritan woman, 'Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”  (John 4:10 NLT - New Living Translation)

Olivia smiles, "What is living water?"

Jack continues, "Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”  (John 4:13-14  NLT)

Gloria says, "Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit."

(John 3:5  NIV - New International Version)

Olivia smiles, "How do I receive living water from God?"

Valerie states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16 NIV)

Jack continues, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."                (1 John 1:9 NIV)

Gloria adds, "You need to believe and trust in Jesus, making Him Lord of your life.  Would you like to receive some living water today?"

Valerie speaks, "Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  If you're willing to follow Him, he will give you His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you."

Jason grins, "Olivia, I am a terrible guide.  I'm willing to change my life and follow Jesus and receive His living water."

Olivia smiles, "Me too!  I'm real thirsty for living water."

Jack speaks to Jason and Olivia saying, "Would you like to pray with me?"

Afterwards, both Jason and Olivia were filled with God's spirit and were energized to hike back.

Olivia states, "I feel like a brand new woman!"

The three detectives guide the couple back walking toward the pavilion through the maze of the goblins.

Jason speaks, "You never told us how you knew our names, and why you were looking for us."

Gloria smiles, "Holly told us you were lost out here without water and we brought you God's living water too!"

CASE OF THE DOG RACE

THREE DETECTIVES SUMMER FUN

DOG PARK INVESTIGATION

On a Saturday morning the three detectives are on a Bark Adventure, investigating a doggy mystery.  Lead investigator Jack interviews, Gloria takes notes, while Valerie shoots a video to document the evidence.

Jack asks Diego with the Black Lab first, saying, "Does your dog know any good tricks?"

Diego replies, "She's an escape artist finding a way to jump over any fence or digging under.  That's why we have to keep her on a chain."

Gloria adds, "What about training your dog?"

Diego states, "She's a stupid mutt!"

Valerie asks Ram, the owner of the Golden Retriever, saying, "Does your golden know any tricks?"  

Ram replies, "Sit, stay, rollover, fetch, and shake.  If I say 'Park,' she knows we are going to a park."

Jack asks Billy, holding the white Poodle, "Is your dog smart?" 

 

Billy replies, "Poodles are fast learners and exceptionally smart and ranked among the top 3 intelligent dogs."

Jack adds, "Do you believe in evolution?"

Nodding their heads 'YES,' all three dog owners non-verbally state their belief.

Jack speaks, "We're investigating the different dog races." 

 

Ram speaks, "My dog is not able to compete with Greyhounds."  

Diego adds, "My mutt is too stupid to run around an obstacle course."

Valerie says, "Would you believe a teacher that said, 'Dogs with black fur were evolved from Gorillas, Brown fur dogs were evolved from Orangutans, and White fur dogs were evolved from intelligent Chimpanzees?"

  

Diego replies, "That's sick!"

Jack speaks, "Did Bears evolve into Whales?"

Gloria says, "Are the Black fur, Brown fur and White fur dogs different races?"

Diego grins, "There are Black, Yellow and Chocolate Labs."

Rams speaks, "Golden Retrievers are one breed with cream, gold and red fur."

Billy smiles, "It's just genetics.  In the same litter I got my white Poodle, there were black ones too."

Gloria smiles, "If your white Poodle has one white parent and one black parent, is your dog considered white or black?" 

 

Billy replies, "Race is not determined by the color of a dog's fur.  All dogs are one race!"

Jack smiles, "You're right, there is only one race of dogs and about 360 breeds of dogs."

Gloria stares at the dog owners, "How many human races are there?  Do we determine race by skin, facial features or eye color?"

The three dog owners were puzzled and remained silent.

Valerie speaks, "God created Adam and Eve.  From their DNA, we get all the variety of human features."

Jack adds, "God only created one human race."

Gloria states, "From the original dogs that God created, we have 360 breeds today.  And from Adam and Eve and Noah's family with have over 17,000 people groups living on Earth."

Ram speaks,  "I think it's evil to think someone is better or worse because of their skin color.

That's were we get racism from."

Jack concludes, "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 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)  

Gloria adds, "It doesn't matter what color of fur you have, God loves you the same."

Valerie speaks, "Repent from your sins, trust in Jesus as your Lord, and receive His Holy Spirit, and you'll have everlasting life."

CASE OF THE NATURAL LAW OF GOD

 PARABLE OF CORONA ARCH

THREE DETECTIVES ON VACATION

The Three Detectives are doing undercover work in Moab, Utah.  Lead detective Jack holds a glass jar, Gloria takes down notes, and Valerie shoots videos of everything that is said.

Near the Arch, Jack comments, "Some people call Corona Arch the Little Rainbow Bridge."  

A young couple overhearing him meets the detectives.  

Tom says, "I have seen people climb on top of the arch and rappel down.  His wife, Robin adds, "I can't even watch that kind of stuff."

Jack speaks, "We're here investigating the Natural Law of God."

Robin replies, "My husband Tom has a masters in Physics, and know all about the laws of nature."

Tom adds, "First law is Inertia, second law is Force and Acceleration, and third law is Action-Reaction."

Gloria speaks, "What if I climbed up on top of the arch and did a handstand during a windy afternoon?"

Robin answers, "You might fall off!"

Tom adds, "If you fall from 105 feet at 56 mph, it would only take 3 seconds to reach the bottom.  Shall we talk about Newton's law of Gravity?"

Valeria smiles, "Were all the laws we observe in nature created by intelligent design, or random chance during billions of years?"

The couple is silent, contemplating an answer.

Gloria says,  "Is there an unseen spiritual world?  Could there be spiritual laws in the universe as important as the law of gravity?  Could there be an intelligent creator of the universe?"

Jack adds, "We are investigating the Natural Law of God.  Can you guess what it is?"

Robin replies, "Sorry, we're not religious."

Valerie reads, Jesus said, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."  

(Matthew 23:12  ESV - English Standard Version)

Jack comments, "This law is about Pride and Humility and  the consequences.  Tom, if you had to choose between modeling your life after Jesus or Lucifer, which one would you choose?"

Robin smirks, "Sometimes he's the devil."

Tom remarks, "Isn't there good and bad in everyone?"

Valerie reads, Lucifer, "Your pride and the music of your harps have been brought down to Sheol; Maggots are spread out as your bed beneath you and worms are your covering.’

How you have fallen from heaven,
You star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who defeated the nations!
But you said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’
Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.  (Isaiah 14:11-15  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Gloria adds, "Lucifer is the example of Pride, wanting to exalt himself as the most high.  God humbled him by throwing him the pit."

Valerie smiles, "Jesus is the example of Humility!"

Jack reads, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross."  (Philippians 2:5-8 NLT - New Living Translation) 

Robin says, "I never heard that before."

Jack says, "What happened when Jesus humbled himself?"

Valerie reads, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2:9-11  NIV - New International Version)

Tom speaks, "How does this apply to me and Robin?"

Valerie reads, "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,  and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:1-4  LSV - Legacy Standard Version)

Gloria adds, "If I was prideful, showing off on top of the arch, God might send a gust of wind and bring me down to earth."

Jack speaks, "If let loose of the jar, will the law of gravity be responsible for breaking it?

Robin speaks, "I think it's too hard to be humble all the time."

Jack smiles, "You're right, you can't be humble unless God helps you.  You have a choice to follow Jesus or Lucifer."

Tom speaks, "How do we follow Jesus?"

Jack speaks, "You need to turn away from your sins, have faith, trust in Jesus, and follow him."

Gloria adds, "You'll receive the Holy Spirit and become a new person in Christ."

Robin looks at Tom, "I don't want you to live like the devil anymore."

Jack concludes, "Would you like to pray and receive Jesus into your life?  Would you like to have everlasting life with Jesus?"

Robin and Tom reply, "Yes!"

ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR BUCKET LIST?

SLICK ROCK INVESTIGATION

THREE DETECTIVES ON VACATION

On a remote trail, Three Detectives wait by a popular overlook on a trail in Utah, shared with mountain bikers and hikers.  Heidi and Jim riding full suspension bikes stop to take a break to drink water.

Lead detective Jack smiles at the couple, as Gloria prepares to take notes, and Valerie pulls out her cell phone preparing to shoot video.

Heidi grins, "You are hard core hikers."  Jim adds, "Your the first ones we have seen up here on the trail today."

Detective Jack smiles, "That trail is narrow, with rocks, and exposure to steep cliffs.  I must admit, you must be good riders to stay on that trail."

Heidi adds, "If your eyes are off the trail, your bike may go off the trail.  Rule #1, keep your eyes on the trail ahead of you."

Gloria speaks, "Is it mandatory to stay on the narrow trail?"

Jim laughs, "Going off the trail three feet in either direction can mean certain death or severe injury.  Life flight can be expensive."

Valerie talks, "What do you do when you see a rock on the trail?"

Heidi explains, "If we can't navigate around, speed is our friend.  We pedal as fast as we can to ride over to rocks."

Detective Jack explains, "The reason we are hiking up here today is to ask adventurers a serious question.  Are you planning your bucket list?"

Heidi blurts out, "You must be sent by God, it's exactly what I've been thinking about all day.  There are so many places in Utah I want to explore seeing arches, slot canyons, dinosaur bones, waterfalls, National Parks and Monuments, and Gobblin Valley!"

Valeria asks Jim, "What's on your bucket list?"

Jim take a deep breath, "Moutain biking Slick Rock in Moab, White Rim around the Island in the Sky, Rainbow Rim overlooking the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton parkway from Moose to Jenny Lake, and Hiawatha trail in Idaho."

Gloria asks Heidi, "What National Parks?"

Heidi replies,  "Zion, Bryce, Arches, Capitol Reef, Grand Canyon, and Canyonlands!"

Valerie adds, "My favorite park is Bryce Canyon, it is so beautiful what God has created.  It's a certified Dark Sky area where you will see the Milky Way."

Jack asks the couple, "You got a bucket list.  Are you making future plans so you can really go and explore these places?  Have you reserve campsites ahead of time before they are all booked?   Do you plan meals in advance or places to eat out?"

Gloria adds, "On my bucket list was a trip to the Holyland.  I saved money for 5 years, because this was a trip I wanted to go."

Valerie speaks, "Personally, I write down my top ten bucket list.  Then I spend hours investigating each possibility, things to do, places to stay, travel costs and time.  Every thing is preplanned."

Heidi talks to Jim, "We need to get serious and plan our lives!  Jim, we wouldn't be here if we didn't plan this vacation.  I got a bucket list of things I want to do before I die."

Gloria speaks, "We always pray for God's protection before we started hiking.  I don't think anyone knows the day you're going to die."

Valerie adds, "People die of heat exhaustion in the desert from lack of water and falling off cliffs, not staying on the narrow trail."

Jack explains, "When we see difficulty on the trail of our lives, we run to the rock...Jesus!"

Jim speaks, "Are you folks religious?"

Jack continues, "I believe in a relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Salvation comes from God, not religion."

Gloria reads, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NASB ~ New American Standard Bible)

Heidi adds, "I believe there are many pathways to heaven.  How do you know your way is the only true way?"

Valerie reads, "You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way.  But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it." (Matthew 7:13-14  ERV ~ Easy to Read Version)

Jack adds, "Only a few bikers can follow the narrow path, and live to see another day."

Jim replies, "There are other prophets who proclaim to be true.  How do I know which one is correct?"

Gloria reads, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

(Acts 4:12  NIV - New International Version)

Heidi remarks, "Aren't you narrow minded?"

Jack replies, "Absolutely yes!  I must remind you, you also are narrow minded staying on the trail."

Valerie speaks, "I hope you will have a wonderful time planning your bucket lists.  Do you have a bucket list of things to do after you die?"

Jim replies, "I'm too busy enjoying life now!"

Jack speaks, "If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?"

Heidi adds, "I never think about these things."

Gloria smiles, "On my bucket list, I'm going to heaven and enjoying everlasting life with Jesus.  I will have rewards in heaven and a wonderful life because I made my plans with God."

Valerie smiles, "Jesus made me a new person when I trusted in Him, repented from my sins, and received His Holy Spirit."

Jack continues, "...for He says, 'At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.'  Behold, now is 'The acceptable Time,' behold, now is 'The Day of Salvation."  (2 Corinthians 6:2 - NASB 95)

Gloria adds, "Would you like to plan your eternal bucket list right now?"

Valerie speaks, "Would you like to follow Jesus?"

Heidi looks at Jim in silence, non-verbally communicating to each other then speaking, "Yes, what do we need to do?"

Jack speaks, "Jesus told his disciples to repent and follow me.  His salvation is free gift and not something we have to work for."  

Gloria adds, "We ask for His Living Water on the trail of life, and we receive His Holy Spirit."

Jack speaks, "Let's pray and ask Jesus into your lives.  He will help you plan all of your future bucket lists forever!"