That's A Cool Hat!

Wearing a hat such as this one tends to draw attention to one’s self. After all, that’s how we met, isn’t it? And yes, it is a pretty cool hat if I do say so myself … I designed it! And yes, I have been known to make them for others as well. My contact info is on the back if you want one. What’s a hat like this for anyway? I’m glad you asked. A hat is many things. It can shade you from the sun, keep rain off of your head, show your loyalty to a particular sports team, or advertise your company. Or, it can be like this one, and simply express your personality with a bit of whimsy. Personally, I like a bit of whimsy in my life. A hat like this tells the world, “This guy isn’t afraid to be different.” You passed dozens, perhaps hundreds of people today without giving them a second thought, but you chose me to speak with. Thank you for that! A hat can also be a message of faith, like the one I’m wearing in the picture on the front of this pamphlet. The hat has a few of the many different names of Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus and why should I care?The very first words of the Bible are, “In the beginning God.” This four-word phrase tells us two things. One, the world had a beginning. Two, God was there at the beginning. He created the world, the universe, and everything in it. After He created the world, he made a man and a woman and placed them in a garden. Very quickly, Adam—the first man—and his wife Eve—the first woman—rebelled against God. This act of rebellion brought sin into the world. All of their descendants, including you and I, have been born into sin. What is sin?Sin is simply doing what God says we shouldn’t do. I know what you’re thinking: “If God truly loves us, He’ll forgive us, won’t He?” Well, that’s where Jesus comes into the picture. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). About 2000 years ago, God sent His only son, Jesus, to be born as a flesh and blood human. He grew up like any other child and became a man. But there was a difference. Jesus lived his life without sin. Then He suffered a horrible death as a sacrifice for our sins. Why would Jesus do something like that? He did it because He loves us and wants us to be with Him when we die. The Bible tells us in Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This simply means that the price of sin is death. If you commit one sin in your entire life, you are guilty. The price of that one sin is death. But Jesus died in our place, allowing us to live forever. There are many religions in the world, certainly I can get to heaven from one of them, can’t I?“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). Yes, there are many religions in the world, but Jesus is the only way to get to heaven. Some of the other religions may sound appealing, and some may even sound similar to Christianity, but don’t be fooled. Jesus is the only way to have eternal life. Ok, how do I get in on this eternal life?In order to have eternal salvation, you must acknowledge you are a sinner, and simply ask God to forgive you of your sins and put your trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Close your eyes, bow your head and say something like this: “God, I know that I am a sinner and deserving of death. I know Jesus died on the cross for my sins and I thank you for that gift of sacrifice on my behalf. I ask for your forgiveness for my sins, and want to live for you. Lord Jesus, I ask that you come into my heart and save me from my sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” If you have put your trust in Jesus Christ to forgive your sins, congratulations, and welcome to the family of God! Get a copy of the Bible, or download a Bible app. As you read it, you will find that it speaks to you, giving you advice on how to live your life in a way that pleases God.