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There is more to life than eating, drinking, acquiring material items, and living for our selves. It's about the condition of our soul. For a short time, we are given a body and the gift of life here on Earth. This body will end some day but the soul will live on - either to eternal shame, or eternal joy. Those that are acceptable before the Lord are the ones that will live with eternal joy in the presence of God. The Bible shows us that we are made acceptable by receiving the gift of salvation, which is the blood and sacrifice of Christ Jesus for our sins. There is no material item that we can possess, no good work we can do, no religion that we can 'practice' that will grant us one second in Heaven once our life on Earth is finished. The only thing that really matters in our life is who we believe Jesus is; our faith AND our obedience to the will of the Father who sent him. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the light, no one comes to the Father, but by me". I am a Christian; a person who believes that Jesus is the Messiah and my Savior. I believe this not because it sounds good, or it was what I grew up with, but because God has graciously revealed this to me through His word. If you don't know who Jesus is, or don't know his purpose, I would suggest reading God's word. There you will find the true answers. Ask God to reveal his plan of salvation and give you understanding of His will and forgiveness. I would start with the four Gospels in the New Testament. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are four different authors giving a direct account of the life and events of Jesus' ministry. Each one emphasizes different aspects and together they paint a more complete picture. Another suggestion (although some will totally disagree with me) is to read a version that uses more contemporary English such as Standard Revised, New International, or the New King James. Bibles with cross-referencing and commentary will greatly help you. I do not have all the answers (no one does), but if I can help in any way, or you have a question, drop me a line and I will do what I can. I would like to share a statement that I heard in a worship service that I thought was very well written. It is printed in the front of small New Testaments handed out by the Gideons. (The same group that places bibles in hotel rooms). The bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, fill the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents. -
Read God's word and ask Him to reveal who Jesus is, His will, and your purpose in life. It's all that really matters.
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