A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
reading from the playbook› John 3:16-18
It was a tragedy that rocked the motor racing community. On May 12, 2000, 19-year-old Adam Petty was killed during a practice run for a Grand National Race in New Hampshire. No one expects a 19-year-old to die. No 19- year-old wakes up in the morning thinking, “Today may be my last day on this earth.” Few adults do, for that matter.
But sooner or later, it happens to all of us. The Bible says we’re all “destined to die once and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Unless Jesus returns first, every one of us will one day die. None of us knows how and when our time will come. For most of us, it will be a complete surprise. And then we will face judgment. We will be called to account for our sins and failures. We will have to pay the penalty—unless we have put our faith in Christ.
Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for us. If we believe in Him and receive His forgiveness, our sins have already been paid for and we can face the judgment without fear. Jesus explained, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25).
As a young man, Adam Petty had put his faith in Christ and received God’s free gift of eternal life. And though he had no idea that May 12, 2000, would be his last day here, he was ready. Are you? —Christin Ditchfield
executing the game plan›
• If you haven’t already received Christ as your Savior, shouldn’t you do so today?
• Take time right now to invite Him into your life. Confess your sins, receive His forgiveness, and enjoy the eternal gift of life.
