Volume 48   Number 1                                                                  September 2005

The other day I received a phone call from a woman who had some questions concerning the Bible. This lady, to whom I had previously given a Bible, informed me that she had joined a Bible study class. Needless to say I was elated!

One of her questions to me was, “Did God kill people?” “Many times”, was my answer. I listed several examples (Numbers 11:1; 11:31-34; 16:31-35). When people did not obey Him or heed his warning, the Righteous Judge exercised vengeance. (Genesis 7) Remember that He destroyed the whole world except Noah and his family.

She stated “I thought God was a loving God.” “He is”, I said, “He loves all of his creation and rewards all those who honor and obey Him.” Yes, he loves us so much that if we repent, He will forgive us and will be happy about it. Remember that God sent down His son to save the sinners and become the way back to the Father. His son set the example for man to follow and became the sacrifice for the sins of man.

Must we be baptized? The Bible says we do. Jesus was baptized and He is the example (Luke 3:21). If we are to be like Him, we must act as He did. By going through the act of being baptized, you are showing God that you are accepting Jesus as your Savior and are willing to obey His commandments. By turning over your life to God, you give God control. For doing this, God has promised a good life after death.

Someone commented on my style of writing that I wrote in a personal manner. I agreed with them because I am writing to the reader. I use the word YOU because I want to impress upon YOU that YOU will be the one standing before the judge answering for your deeds. YOU will be all alone to answer. The others will be busy answering for themselves.

The relationship between God and you will be determined by you. That is the reason I highly recommend that you read and study God’s word and not depend upon someone else to do it for you. You will not be judged upon what someone else told you, but how you follow the commandments. Remember ignorance of the law is no excuse, especially when you have volumes at your disposal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge any one. Go to the Bible and see if the statement or idea is in keeping with the scriptures.  

The Lord did not want the truth to be easily found. He wanted you to seek it. To put forth some effort. Something is only worth the price for it. If He wanted salvation easy, He could have printed a pamphlet. You only get from the Lord by “striving” (Luke 13:24). Beware of the wolves out there who want to devour your soul. You can spot them if you search the Scriptures with care.  

The grace and mercy that the Lord has shown me proves that He is willing and able to do the same for you. He doesn’t want to lose one soul. The shepherd searches diligently for that one lost sheep from the flock. He is overjoyed when he finds it. Please let Him know where you are and follow Him. MAY THE LOVE OF THE LORD FIND YOU!