There are only two eternal destinies—the blessed abode of the saved and the flaming abyss of the lost. The Bible speaks of paradise and of the pit of hell, of glorious light and of total darkness. On the Judgment Day, only two groups of people will step forth, “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29).

These and many other situations befall humans of every nationality and culture. Many people, young and old, face health issues that have no cure. Terminal illness claims the lives of many every year. The lack of food, water, clothing, and adequate housing are very real circumstances that trouble millions of people. Many people have rejected God to pursue earthly relationships and tangible goals. This leaves the body and soul restless and empty. Often people blame God for their troubles. Broken dreams, failed marriages, financial ruin, abuse, rejection, drugs, and alcohol contribute to the depression and suicide in the world today.

Santra was a young woman who had never heard of the wonderful plan of salvation. She married and it appeared as though life would continue for her even as it did for many village girls. As time went on, there was not always sufficient in the home to provide for their family. When her husband began to drink alcohol, life became harder. Santra’s children did not have enough to eat. This hurt her deeply! Being desperate, she started to practice prostitution to feed her children.

Honesty is the virtue of truthfulness in relating to all the issues of life. Honesty is really a heart matter. It is a fundamental part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. He regards truth as a most important principle because He is a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). He will surely bless the complete honesty of our heart. Some questions for your consideration: Do you tell the truth when you might be found out, but are less than honest when no one will know?

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Everyone wants to be free. The freedoms of speech, thought, religion, and press are basic to many societies in the world today. Society has found it necessary to restrict the freedom of lawbreakers, so as to allow others the enjoyment of their rightful freedom. That is why prisons exist. People who break the laws of the land may well find themselves in a literal prison.

The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, is a church among the various Mennonite denominations. We endeavor to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles in all matters of faith and practice. This faith has been embraced throughout history by true Christians, including the Waldenses, although often in obscurity and under persecution. We believe that the grace of God brings personal salvation through the new birth.

Is there a God? Is there a supreme being or ruler of the universe? How can I be certain? The answer to this question is of utmost importance because, if there is a God and I ignore Him, what will the consequences be? There are searching questions that demand an answer. Why am I here? From where did I come? What will happen after death? What is the purpose for my life? There must be a reason for my existence.

In the beginning God created the world and all that is in it. Since then He has always had His own special people, a people to whom He gives His blessings along with their responsibilities. His relationship with man has always included a covenant; not a covenant that is formed through diplomatic negotiations between God and man, but one in which the Supreme God defines the conditions. God is altogether dependable to keep His part of the covenant. When God’s promised blessings do not come to pass, it is man that has caused a breach of covenant.

Approximately 2,000 years after creation, God destroyed mankind with a great flood because they had become so wicked that the imaginations of their heart were evil continually (Genesis 6:5). Just as the people of Noah’s day were not expecting a flood to come, many people today are not expecting Jesus to come again. His return will be unexpected—as a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10). Why do we believe it will be soon? Look around you; what do you see?

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). There is something comforting about the realization that God brought each one of us into existence. God is the giver of life; not only to Adam (whom this scripture is referring to), but to every child born into this world. You are special because God created you!