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If you are here looking
for answers, welcome. There
was a time in my life where I was separated from God. During this period in my
life I felt alone and tormented by things I could not understand. I suffered
through alcoholism, depression, and a general sense of being lost. I grew up as
a Catholic, even attended Catholic elementary school. I learned all the proper
things, attended church regularly and was even an altar boy. And the moment I
was old enough to make my own choices I ran from the church. Oh yes, I went to
the obligatory masses: Christmas and Easter services, and the occasional wedding
and funeral. But that was the extent of my relationship with God. Oh, and yes I
had a Bible laying around the house....... somewhere. Yet something amazing took place during this time in my
life. I questioned and sometimes chastised God for allowing the cruelties of
life to occur. I blamed him for every bad thing that happened, and loathed him
for being ambivalent to life’s miseries. This was the vengeful, wrathful,
impersonal God that I had conjured up in my Catholic youth. But what did I
actually know about God? You see, I was judging him without ever once learning
more about him. Growing up, the Bible was something that was “taught” to me,
and was not encouraged reading. So I learned through someone else’s
interpretation. I fell prey to the “living the good life”, “purgatory”
and “intercession of the Saints” mantra. Unfortunately, what I never learned
was what Jesus said "I
am the way and the truth and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Then one day I met my wife Nancy and over time she opened
my eyes to a God I had never seen before. A loving and caring God who wants only
for his children to enjoy an abundant and eternal life. I never understood this
before, because like most people I never stopped to pick up the bible and read
for myself God’s plan for us. OK, stop for a moment. Did I mention that I’m a retired
cop? A twenty year veteran of In the movie The Usual Suspects, Kevin Spacey
says,"The greatest lie the devil ever told was convincing the world he doesn't
exist." Interesting point. You see, since the fall of Adam &
Eve, WE have continually chosen to turn from God. Let’s
face it, it’s a lot easier to do it our way (with a little prodding from
Satan), then his. How many times have you heard or even said: It’s
my life and I’ll do whatever I want.” Yet when our life begins to
fall apart who do we blame? Satan? Nope…………. God! And what happens to us? We begin to think of ourselves as
unworthy. Surely God cannot want me in heaven. I give in to my sinful nature and
I blame him. Just as surely as Satan steers us into committing sin, he also
readily stands by and accuses us after the fact. “How can you ever hope to be worthy
of heaven and eternal life? You’re a common sinner!” But here’s the remarkable part. God Loves You
and has never turned away from you. "For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
(John3:16) God has issued the eternal “Get out of Hell Free”
Card……… and all you have to do is accept it.
Right now I am asking you the most important
question of your life. Your joy or your sorrow for all eternity depends
upon your answer. The question is: Are
you saved? It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are
a church member, but are you saved? Are you sure you will go to Heaven when
you die? God's simple plan of salvation is: You
are a sinner. Therefore, unless you believe in Jesus who died in your
place, you will spend eternity in Hell. If you believe in him as your
crucified, buried, and risen Savior, you receive forgiveness for all of
your sins and his gift of eternal salvation by faith. You say, "Surely, it cannot be that simple." Yes, that simple! It is scriptural. It is God's plan. Stand on God's promises. They never change. After you are saved, there are three things to practice daily for spiritual growth:
For those of you whom this letter reaches that have never
accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I ask that you do so now. I ask that you
say this prayer: What
to do next: If
you have accepted Christ into your heart as your savior, then I tell you to do
the following: 1)
Read the Bible daily. Begin with the New Testament book of John. 2)
Pray daily and Talk to God. He's always listening and he WILL hear you. 3)
Fellowship. Find other Christians and spend time with them. As Jesus has
said, "Where two or more of you are gathered
together in my name, I will be there also in the midst of you." 4)
Tell someone else. Take a stand for Jesus Christ. Tell others about your new
found faith. Someone has told you about the good news of Jesus Christ, so
spread the good news and tell others! |
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Send mail to huntzman@consolidated.net
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