Stranded in the jungles of South East Asia, 16 survivors face the challenge of a life-time...on a television "reality" show. Confronted with vast rainforests, massive waterfalls, ferocious crocodiles and, of course, each other—contestants and audience alike watch and wonder which one will survive?

   If you think about it, living in a hut and eating rats on a TV show is not reality—at least not compared to the very real challenges we face everyday. Challenges like drug abuse, peer pressure, unwanted pregnancies, poverty, and crime. Not to mention dangerous drivers on our highways, lethal chemicals in our environment, and intolerance and fear in our hearts.

   So how do we survive our own ordeals? Is there a way to live above them? And even more importantly, is there (a better) life after this one is complete? The Bible, God’s inspired book of wisdom and truth, is the true survival guide to life’s most critical challenges…such as:

HATE

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.   1 Peter 3:8

And this is his [God’s] command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.   1 John 3:23

CONFUSION

God is not a God of disorder but of peace.   1 Corinthians 14:33a

Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."   John 16:33

CRIME

Jesus said (of Christians), "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."   John 10:28

And, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."   Matthew 6:19-21

POVERTY

In Jesus’ words, "Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’...Your heavenly Father knows that you need [these things]. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."   Matthew 6:31-33

HUNGER

Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."   John 6:35

EXCLUSION

Jesus said, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away."   John 6:37

The Lord...is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.   2 Peter 3:9

DEATH

And Jesus’ most famous words, "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

   In real life, instead of just one person claiming the prize, everyone (who wants to) can win. But in this case the prize is much more valuable than mere survival. It is a victorious life here on earth and an eternal life in heaven with God.

   Winning this prize does not depend on your skills, possessions, popularity or what anyone else thinks of you. It depends on what you believe about Jesus Christ.

To be a True Survivor:

1. Realize that none of us will survive forever.
   
   Man is destined to die once, and after that to face [God’s] judgment....   Hebrews 9:27
   
   
2. Know that, because of our sin, we are all condemned to eternal death.
   
   All have turned away [from God]...All have sinned and...the wages of sin is death.   Romans 3:12, 23; 6:23
   
   
3. Understand that Jesus died in your place to take away God’s condemnation of your sin.
   
   While we were still sinners, Christ died for us...We have now been justified by his blood....   Romans 5:8, 9
   
   
4. Discover that the only way to truly SURVIVE is to believe Jesus died and rose again—and trust in Him alone to save you.
   
   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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already....   John 3:16, 18

   If you pray a prayer like this, Jesus will make you a Survivor. Forever!

"Dear Jesus, I know I’m not perfect and my sins keep me from You. I believe You are God’s Son and I need Your forgiveness today. I want to live in heaven with You for all eternity—-not in hell. Thank you for dying on the cross to forgive all my sins and for rising again to give me new life. Amen."