The cross is the great divide of all humanity. The two criminals on the cross clearly outline the only two options for eternity. The clear message is Choose Paradise! You have to choose. You get to decide. Are you ready? It is important that you make the right decision at the right time.

This same great decision divide is evident in the teaching of Jesus in Luke 16 - the parable of two men who die. The parable tells us at the end, that there are those who will not believe, even if someone rises from the dead. In other words, the Rich Man and His Five Brothers are sorely unprepared for the choice that awaits them. Now is the time of preparation. Even Jesus taught us that his work in the paradise of His Father's House - is to prepare for us. Jesus prepared. Are you prepared? All through the Bible God urges us to choose life. Have you made your choice? The day is coming when Jesus himself will come to get us, are you ready? Choose Paradise. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is the only way to the Father. Are you ready? Choose Paradise.

Preach Jesus: His Final Words From the Cross

Choose Paradise

Luke 23:32-43 (Luke 16:19-31)

"Father, forgive them..."

"I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

How do you Journey to Paradise?

1. It begins in pain

     v40-41, "Don't you fear God?...We deserve to die..."

     Romans 3:23, "For everyone has sinned: we all fall short of God's glorious standard."

     John 3:16, "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."

     Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."

     Romans 5:8, "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

2. It makes a turn

     v42, "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.'"

     Matthew 4:17, "From then on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.'"

     See Luke 16:27-31

3. Today, step into grace

     v43, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

     Romans 10:9-10, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."