Right Questions, Wrong Answers

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In her books about alleged past lives, actress Shirley MacLaine claims her beliefs “are all concerned with ancient questions. Why are we here? Where did we come from? Is there a God?” To her credit, MacLaine is asking the right questions. But what about her answers? Our eternal destiny hinges on the answers we give to these questions.

I disagree with MacLaines answer, that is, reincarnation is real. God has created heaven and hell, which are as real as New York City or Los Angeles. One day we all will end up in either one or the other. There are no second chances, no next time arounds. And having asked the right questions wont change anyones final destiny … unless it leads him to Jesus.

Perhaps you have friends or family members who are asking questions of their own. Thats great! But make sure you dont let them stop with questions. We must help them discover and embrace the right answer–Jesus Christ who is “the way and the truth and the life.” Any other answer leads straight to destruction.

Leaving a Legacy

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At age 25, Mark knew something was missing in his life. So he turned to rock music, alcohol, and relationships. Next, he took the intellectual route, then joined the police force looking for answers.

To Mark, religion seemed empty and irrelevant. But one night he heard an answer he had not yet considered–a relationship with Jesus Christ. That night, Mark trusted Jesus as his Savior. Within a few months, his decision had a domino effect as one by one many of his relatives also decided to follow Jesus.

The legacy Mark will leave to his family reminds me of the words of Patrick Henry, in his will: “I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is faith in Jesus Christ. If they had that and I had not given them one shilling, they would be rich; and if I had not given them that, and had given them all the world, they would be poor indeed.”

What about your own family and circle of friends? What will be your legacy to them?

No Need for God

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On the Internet is a site called God Within. On one of the pages, Chris Moran, an atheist, proclaims his belief in a greater power within himself. He says, “I propagate that power with every feat I accomplish that amazes me. I do it, not some deity or outer power.”

Morans statement reflects a common belief held today by the skeptics, the doubters, and the cynics who say: “We dont need
God. We can do it all on our own. We have the power to solve all
our problems ourselves.”

But God Himself addresses these people in Revelation 3:17: “You
say, `I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need athing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”

Its because so many today are spiritually poor, blind, and naked that I have devoted my life to evangelism. God is relevant for today. I urge you to do what you can to help your family and friends turn to the only One who can provide them with the spiritual riches, sight, and clothing they need.

Upon Your Counsel

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My good friend, and passionate evangelist, Vic Murphy, recently shared an inspiring email with me. The email was from a Rwandan that said, “Upon your counsel, Ive decided to go Gods way.”

Isnt that beautiful? God used someone in the salvation story of this new Rwandan brother in Christ. God is the one who does the saving. But this doesnt mean He doesnt use people in the process. For this man, someones message, testimony, and advice were the means that God used to bring him to an understanding of the Good News.

Look for opportunities in your world to evangelize. St. Peter writes in the New Testament, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God loves every single person, and wants them to come home. Home to His love. Home to His grace. Home to His forgiveness and eternal life.

You may be the change agent that God uses. He wants everyone to know Him. Are you open to being used by Him? Are you ready and willing? You may provide the counsel that encourages another to “go Gods way.” Step out in bold faith this week.

A Spiritual Wake-Up Call

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For months Alisons little girl had been asking her about heaven and God. Alison didnt know what to tell her. The burden of a failed business and caring for her young son with Downs syndrome and leukemia had Alison struggling for answers for her own life, let alone her childrens. So Alison bought my book God Is Relevant, and has since started writing via e-mail.

Alison admits she never would have thought much about God if all of this hadnt happened. I think the same is true for many individuals. Theyre quite content, as Alison puts it, to ignore God while life is trolling along pretty well–until theyre suddenly confronted with a tragedy. Then in an instant, they wake up spiritually. They start asking questions about life, death, the future–an occasion for us to tell them about Jesus.

So with “gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience,” provide the biblical answers that point the way to Jesus Christ.