How Can We Know What is True About Jesus and What Isn't?

Q&A with Billy Graham

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: How can we know what is true about Jesus and what isn't? I've read several books that claim He was married and had children and things like that. Maybe the Bible doesn't tell the whole story. The writers of the Bible even might have made some things up.

A: Many years ago, I went through a period of serious doubt about the Bible, wondering if it was really true and whether or not it could be trusted. A friend had decided to reject the Bible as God's Word, which only added to my confusion.

But the more I studied the issue, the more convinced I became that the Bible could be trusted -- totally and completely. Although I didn't have all the answers, I realized that the historical and archaeological evidence all pointed to one clear conclusion: The Bible's record was accurate. I accepted by faith that the Bible could be trusted, and that it was God's Word -- and this decision has made all the difference in my life.

Let me ask you a question: Is it more logical to accept as true what some modern novelist has dreamed up -- or what an eyewitness to Jesus' life recorded? I think you know the answer. As one of Jesus' disciples wrote, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories ... but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). If you seriously want to find answers to your questions, your local Christian bookstore can help you.

The most important thing you can do, however, is to read the Bible for yourself with an open heart and mind. Through its pages you will discover the greatest truth we can ever know -- that God loves us, and through Christ we can know Him personally.

Why Did God Allow Jesus to Be Put to Death?

Why Did God Allow Jesus to Be Put to Death? By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services Q: Why did God allow Jesus to be put to death? Couldn't God have found another way to take away our sins and give us salvation? - P.F. A: Today, millions of Christians around the world will celebrate what we have come to call " Good Friday " - the day almost 2,000 years ago that the Roman authorities condemned Jesus Christ and then executed Him by nailing Him to a cross. Why do we call it " Good Friday "? We don't call it that because Jesus' death was a joyous occasion - for it wasn't. We call it " Good Friday " because on that day the greatest event in human history took place: Jesus Christ won our salvation by taking upon Himself the sins of the world. He was without sin - but on the cross He willingly took upon Himself your sins and my sins, and He endured the judgment and Hell that we deserve. We deserve to die for our sins - but He died in our place. You see, only one thing separates us from God - and that is our sin. We can't erase our own sins, nor can we do anything to make ourselves acceptable to God. If we are to be saved, God alone can do it - and He did, in Jesus Christ! The Bible says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). There was no other way for us to be saved, for only in Christ are God's justice and love fulfilled. Take time today to reflect on Jesus Christ and His death for you. Then by faith invite Him to come into your life. When He does, He'll forgive your sins and make you part of His family forever. Don't let another day go by without Christ.

What Did Jesus Say About Voting?

What Did Jesus Say About Voting? By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services Q: People keep urging me to vote but I think it's just a waste of time. I care what happens to our country and all that, but I don't think one vote makes any difference. And anyway, Jesus never said anything about voting, did He? -- S.F. A: Jesus didn't live in a democracy; the people of His day couldn't vote and they had no choice about who would rule them. Decades before Jesus' birth, the Romans had invaded that part of the world and they maintained their power by brute force. But Jesus did teach us to be good citizens, and to work for a better world. The people of His day couldn't do much to change their world, but He said they should do whatever they could -- and so should we. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's," Jesus told His listeners when they asked Him if they should pay their taxes (Mark 12:17). The Bible also tells us to pray for those who are involved in government, "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2). Let me ask you the same question I've asked others who say they aren't going to the polls because their vote won't matter: What would happen if everyone felt the way you do? You know the answer: In time, our democracy would come to an end. Don't take our freedoms for granted, and don't take our system of government lightly. Ask God to guide you as you vote -- and then make the effort to get to the polls during this election. And once the election is over, pray for those who have been elected, that they may seek God's will for our nation -- and do it.

How Do I Know That The Bible Isn't a Myth?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: My parents always told me when I was growing up not to believe everything I read, and I don't. So why should I believe what some preacher says, or even what the Bible says? Maybe it's all just a myth. -- P.F.

A: Have you ever actually read the Bible for yourself? I would encourage you to do this -- because if you do, it will convince you that the Bible isn't a myth.

Why do I say this? One reason is because it tells about real people -- people who actually lived, and who had the same experiences we have today. Although they lived thousands of years ago, we can understand their fears and hopes -- because we have them, too. These aren't stories someone made up (unlike many other ancient books); they have the ring of truth to them, because they deal with real people who faced real problems.

Another reason we can trust the Bible is because it was written by people who actually witnessed what happened, and wrote it down so future generations could know about those events. As one of its writers stated, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories ... but we were eyewitnesses" (2 Peter 1:16).

But the main reason I urge you to discover the Bible for yourself is because it points us to the most important event in human history: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that Jesus was more than just another religious teacher; He was God in human flesh. It tells us also that He came to make our forgiveness possible, and to bring us back to God. Don't be afraid to open your life to Him, for when you do "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Can God Help Me With My Depression?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services Q: My doctor says I need to get on some medicine for my depression but I'm afraid to do it. I have a friend who says I just need to pray and get close to God. How do I do that? I admit I need some kind of help. I don't understand what's been happening to me. A: Depression can be very crippling, and I commend you for facing up to it and seeking help. Unfortunately, some people who experience depression feel guilty or ashamed, and as a result they refuse to admit they need help. But they shouldn't feel this way; some of the Bible's greatest people (such as Job and Elijah) knew what it was to be depressed. In the midst of his suffering, Job cried out in despair, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). But in time Job realized that God still loved him, and when he turned to God he found new strength and comfort. And I pray this will be your experience as well. Perhaps you've never thought about God very much - but He made you, and He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son into the world to give His life for you and make you part of His family forever. If you have never done so, ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today - and He will. No matter what happens to us, we can have hope when we know Christ. At the same time, don't hesitate to seek medical help if you need it. Depression can be caused by many things, including chemical imbalances in our brains, and often the right medicine can correct these. God can use doctors and medicines to help us, and in fact they may be God's answer to our prayers.

How Can I Get My Friend to Turn His Life Over to Christ?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: A friend of mine just laughs when I tell him he needs to give his life to Christ or he won't go to heaven. He says he'll just take his chances, and in the meantime, he says he's going to have a lot more fun in life than I will. How can I answer him? -- M.R.

A: Your friend's real problem is that he wants to run his own life. He doesn't want anyone (including God) to interfere and tell him what to do; he wants to be free to behave any way he wants to.

But he knows that if he turns his life over to Christ, he can't live this way any longer. The reason is because when we give our lives to Christ, we must renounce our sin and begin to follow Him. God calls us not only to believe in Christ as our Savior but to yield ourselves to Him as the Lord and Master of our lives. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

What can you do? First, pray for your friend. Only God can open his heart and mind, and only God can show him the folly of his ways. Logic alone won't make him turn to Christ, because his real problem is his will. Pray that God will convict him of his sin and show him his need of Christ.

Then ask God to help you be a true friend to him, and to be a witness to Christ by the way you live. Right now, he's only concerned about the present and doesn't see any reason to change. But someday, he'll realize the emptiness of a life that is lived only for self. When that time comes, he'll be more open to the Gospel.

How Do I Make Things Right With The People I Hurt When I Was a Drug Addict?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: After I got into drugs, I can't believe how many people I hurt. Six months ago, I gave my life to Jesus and I'm a totally different person now, but how can I go back and make things right with them? Or should I even try? -- D.D.

A: Yes, you should try, and I encourage you to do whatever you can to undo the hurts you have caused. You cannot change the past -- but you also can't ignore it, nor will those you have hurt ignore it.

The Gospels record many instances of people whose lives were changed when they met Jesus -- but few were as dramatic as that of Zacchaeus. (You can read about him in Luke 19:1-10.) Zacchaeus was a tax collector for the Roman government -- and in those days tax collectors were hated because they were notorious for cheating people by keeping some of the taxes for themselves.

But when Zacchaeus committed his life to Jesus, his first reaction was to try to undo the hurts he had caused: "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount" (Luke 19:8). This should be your attitude also.

Make a list of those you've hurt, and then let them know you are sorry for how you treated them in the past. But let them know also that you have given your life to Christ, and you aren't the same person you once were. Not everyone may believe you or be willing to forgive you -- but don't let that hold you back. Christ has changed your life, and He will continue to change it as you yield yourself to Him every day. The Bible says, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Why Do My Colleagues Laugh When I Talk About Jesus?

Billy Graham

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services Q: I'm a firefighter and also a Christian. I know I'm in a dangerous profession and that every day might be my last, and that's one reason I gave my life to Christ several years ago. But most of my colleagues just laugh when I try to talk with them about Jesus and heaven. Why is this, do you suppose? -- L.K. A: Let me first of all commend you and your colleagues for your dedication. The same is true for all those who willingly put their lives on the line so we can live in safety and freedom. Our world is a better place because of you, and God has given you a very important responsibility. I don't know why your fellow firefighters aren't interested in God and refuse to give any thought to eternity; why don't you ask some of them? One answer may be that they have always prided themselves on being strong and self-reliant -- and they think it would be a sign of weakness to turn to God. But that isn't true; it takes courage to admit we need God in our lives. Another answer (at least for some of them) might be that they secretly hope God will reward them and let them into heaven because of all the good things they do for others. But this isn't what the Bible teaches, because only Christ can save us from our sins and give us the new life we need. The Bible says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Pray for those you work with -- and pray too that God will help you be a witness to Christ's love by the way you live. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Why Do People Believe Only Their Church Leads to the Path to Heaven?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services Q: I have a friend who's constantly trying to get me to go to his church, and he finally admitted to me that the reason is because he is convinced I won't go to heaven unless I belong to his church. Where does he get this? A: I don't doubt your friend's sincerity -- but the Bible doesn't teach that God's salvation is limited to only one particular church or denomination. In my travels, I've met committed believers from almost every conceivable church and denomination, and this has helped me appreciate the many channels God uses to get His work done. Our salvation depends on only one thing: our relationship to Jesus Christ. Many people think that their salvation depends on themselves and how good they are. They think that if they are only good enough, then God will let them into heaven. They know they aren't perfect -- but (they say) shouldn't God reward them with salvation if they just try hard enough? But this isn't what the Bible teaches. The Bible tells us that God is absolutely pure and holy -- and even one sin would be enough to banish us from His presence. The Bible says, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong" (Habakkuk 1:13). Can any of us claim to be sinless? Of course not. This is why we need Christ. He came from heaven for one reason: to save us from our sins. He was without sin, but on the cross all our sins were placed on Him, and He took upon Himself the death and Hell that we deserve. Now He offers us salvation as a free gift, if we'll only turn to Him in repentance and faith. Are you trusting Christ alone for your salvation?

Do You Believe in Death Bed Conversions?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: Do you believe in death bed conversions? My uncle never wanted anything to do with God, but literally the day before he died, a Christian friend visited him in the hospital and told us later that he had asked Christ to come into his life and save him. Was he faking it? -- W.J.

A: Only God knows his heart, of course, and whether or not he was sincere when he prayed to receive Christ. But I seriously doubt if he was "faking it" (to use your term); when someone realizes they are about to die, they have little reason to put on an act.

Do you remember the two criminals who were crucified at the same time as Jesus? They were guilty of great crimes, and they knew they were about to die for them. One of them sneered at Jesus and refused to have anything to do with Him -- but the other turned to Him in faith and asked for Jesus to remember him and save him. Jesus' reply could not have been any clearer: "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). He had only hours to live -- but Christ forgave Him when he turned to Him in faith.

Take comfort in your uncle's commitment to Christ, even if it was at the end of his life. Jesus' promise is for every person who puts their trust in Him: "He who believes in me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).

But don't draw the wrong conclusion from your uncle's example and decide that you can delay your decision for Christ until the last minute. We never know when our life will come to an end. The time to give your life to Christ is now.

Why Should We Bother To Keep the Ten Commandants?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: I'm not trying to be difficult, but if Jesus paid the price for all our sins, then why should we bother to keep the Ten Commandments? After all, the Bible says we can't be saved by keeping God's laws, doesn't it? -- T.T.L.

A: You are right; the Bible does say that we can't be saved by being good or trying to keep God's laws -- and the reason is because God's standard is perfection, and none of us is perfect. Jesus said that even our inner thoughts will condemn us: "I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:22).

This is why we need Christ, for only He can take away our sins and make us pure in the eyes of God. He was without sin -- but He willingly allowed the stain of our sins to be transferred to Him, and He took the judgment we deserved. It's as if you were taken before a judge and pronounced guilty for something you had done -- and then the judge stepped down and paid your fine out of his own pocket. The difference is that Christ paid for our salvation with the cost of His blood.

We don't keep the Ten Commandments in order to be saved; we keep them because we want to please God and bring honor to Him by the way we live. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15). The Bible also says, "Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15).

Have you committed your life to Jesus Christ? If so, He now lives within you by His Holy Spirit, and His will is for you to turn your back on sin and -- with His help -- to live a life that honors God. Make this your goal -- beginning today.

Can I Pray For My Mortgage?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media
Services

Q: We're like a lot of people today, falling farther
and farther behind on our mortgage payments. We're going to lose our house if
something doesn't happen. Would it be wrong to pray about this, since it isn't
religious? -- Mrs. V.P.

A: My heart goes out to you and to all who are
facing this heart-wrenching problem -- and no, it isn't wrong to pray about it.
In fact, it would be wrong for you not to pray and seek God's wisdom! God is
concerned about everything that concerns us -- every worry, every care, every
heartache.

And this is why we can bring every detail of our lives to Him
in prayer -- whether they seem to be "religious" or not. The Bible says, "Do not
be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving , present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). The reason we
can pray with confidence is because God loves us, and He wants what is best for
us. He loves you so much that His Son was willing to give His life for you. Have
you invited Christ to come into your life?

Once you understand how much
God loves you, you will realize that He can be trusted to hear your prayers, and
to answer them in the way that is best for you. One way He answers is by giving
us wisdom to deal with our problems -- which may be the case with you, perhaps
by seeking advice from a trusted financial adviser.

Does this mean all
your problems will suddenly vanish? No, not necessarily. Sometimes we have to
pay the consequences for our own bad decisions; sometimes we don't know why God
allows some things to happen to us. But when we know Christ, we know we are
never alone, and we can trust Him even in the roughest times.

Does The Bible Have Advice on How to Be a Good Mother?

Does The Bible Have Advice on How to Be a Good Mother?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: We're expecting our first baby in a few months, and to be honest I'm scared to death about being a mother. My own mother wasn't a very good role model (drugs, running around, finally abandoning us), and I never learned how to be a good mother. Does the Bible say anything about this? -- Mrs. D.S.

A: Yes, the Bible has much to say about motherhood -- and the reason is because motherhood is one of God's greatest gifts to the human race. This is why the Bible says, "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).

Why did God give our mothers to us? Why is motherhood so important to God? One reason, of course, is because our mothers bring us into the world, and they take care of us when we're helpless and cannot take care of ourselves. This is a demanding responsibility (as you will discover!) -- but it also will bring you great joy. Learn all you can about taking care of your baby's physical needs; other mothers can help you with this.

But God also gave our mothers to us to comfort and teach us. Both parents have this responsibility -- but mothers especially are equipped by God for this task. Children need to learn right from wrong; they also need to learn to be less selfish. The Bible says, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching" (Proverbs 1:8).

Most of all, God wants to use you as a mother to point your children to Christ and His love -- both by your words and your example. On this Mother's Day , make sure Christ is first in your life. Then ask Him to help you be the mother He wants you to be.

Who or What is the Holy Spirit?

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Who or What is the Holy Spirit?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: Who or what is the Holy Spirit? I'm a new Christian, and I hope you won't think I'm stupid for asking this. There are a lot of things I don't understand, but I really do want to learn what the Bible says. -- Mrs. N.McF.

A: I'm thankful you have recently given your life to Jesus, and I'm thankful also for your desire to understand God's Word. Nothing is more important than your spiritual growth; the Bible says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

The Holy Spirit is God Himself (which is why we should never refer to Him as a thing or as "it"). When God works in the world, He does so by His Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit is God in action! In the very beginning, for example, the Bible says that "the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters" (Genesis 1:2). Then God spoke, and by the power of His Spirit the world came into being.

But the most important work of the Holy Spirit is in our lives. By His Spirit, God convicts us of our sins, and He draws us to Himself. By His Spirit, He also gives us new life. Jesus said, "No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). And by His Spirit, God comes to live within us and helps us when we open our hearts and lives to Christ.

Thank God that He doesn't live in some far-off part of the universe but is with us by His Holy Spirit. Ask God to control you and guide you by His Spirit every day, and draw you closer to Himself.

How Can I Learn to Be More Tolerant of People's Flaws?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: People say I'm a perfectionist, and I guess they're probably right. But I admit it gets me in trouble with people sometimes, because I'll see their flaws and try to correct them, and then they get upset with me. How can I learn to be more tolerant of people's flaws? -- Mrs. M.G.

A: Has it ever occurred to you that your perfectionism -- and especially your desire to correct the flaws in other people -- might itself be a flaw (or even a sin) that needs correcting?

I realize this might come as a shock to you; after all, you probably feel it's not wrong to want people to live a better life -- and you're right. But the problem is this: Behind your desire to correct other people's faults is a dangerous sense of pride and self-righteousness. In other words, you see yourself as better than they are, and you want them to become as good as you are. No wonder they get upset at you, for no one likes someone to look down on them -- which is what you're doing.

There is another side to this problem, however: While you are quick to see flaws in others, you fail to see your own. Jesus warned, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ... First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:3, 5).

We will never be perfect in this life -- and yet God accepts us just as we are when we come to Christ. Have you opened your heart to Him? Do so without delay -- and then ask God to help you to accept others just as He has accepted you.

Why Should I Read The Bible Every Day?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: My aunt (who's in her 90s) still reads her Bible every day, and has for many years. I've tried to follow her example, but to be honest, the next day I can't even remember what I read the day before. I just don't get anything out of it. Why should I keep reading? -- Mrs. T.McD.

A: Your aunt is apparently a remarkable woman, and I hope you will heed her example. Nothing can shape our lives in the right way more than the Bible, and nothing can make the Bible come alive to us more than reading it every day.

You're right about one thing, however: If we don't get anything out of it, then it is a useless habit. But it shouldn't be that way! God gave the Bible to us, and He wants us to understand it and apply it to our lives. He wants to teach us about Himself through its pages, and He also wants to use it to change our lives. The Bible says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

How can you make the Bible come alive? First, take it seriously. If an angel were to speak to you, wouldn't you listen very carefully? But God has already spoken to us in the Bible, and we should listen to it even more carefully. Before you open it, take a moment to ask God to help you understand it.

Then ask two questions as you read. First, what is happening in this passage? What is it all about? Second, what does this teach me about God, or Jesus, or how I ought to live? Keep a pen and paper handy, and write down your answers to these questions. Then ask God to help you make them a part of your life.

Have I Committed an Unforgivable Sin?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: Many years ago, I vowed to God that I'd do something which seemed important at the time, but I never did it because my circumstances changed and it wasn't possible. But I've been haunted all these years with the fear that I committed an unforgivable sin. Is this right? I hope not. -- Mrs. V.McC.

A: No doubt you were sincere when you made this promise to God -- but He knows if it wasn't possible for you to carry through on it, and He doesn't hold it against you.

Only one sin is unforgivable -- and that is the sin of turning our backs on God and refusing to heed His call to repent and believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. When we do this, we are calling God a liar, for we are refusing to believe the Holy Spirit's testimony that Jesus was the divine Son of God who died for our sins and rose again for our salvation. This is why the Bible says that "whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin" (Mark 3:29).

Don't let the memory of this well-intentioned promise keep you from Christ. Satan would have you believe that God won't forgive you -- but the Bible says otherwise. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). By faith ask Christ to come into your life and cleanse you from sin, and commit your life without reserve to follow Him.

We may fail sometimes to keep our promises to God -- but He will never fail to keep His promises to us. He loves us, and when we commit our lives to Christ we know that "no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:29).

Aren't We All God's Children?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: Doesn't the Bible teach that God is the father of the whole human race? And if that's the case, doesn't that mean that everyone will go to heaven when they die, no matter who they are, since we are all God's children? -- W.R.

A: Yes, the Bible does say God is our Father -- and the reason is because He created us and gave us life. We aren't here by chance or by accident; we are here because God made us and put us here. The Bible says, "There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came" (1 Corinthians 8:6).

But the Bible also tells us that something very devastating has happened: We have rebelled against Him and renounced our relationship with Him. Just as a child can rebel against his parents -- turning against them and renouncing his place in the family -- so we have turned against God and renounced our place in His family. This is why we need to be reconciled with God, for if we aren't, we will remain separated from Him after death.

But how can we be reconciled with God? We have only one hope -- and that is if God provides the way. And that is what He did by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. The baby whose birth we celebrated only a short time ago grew up to become God's appointed means of salvation. The Bible says Christ "is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

Don't delay, but confess your sins to God and ask Christ to forgive and save you. The Bible says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Become God's child by giving your life to Him.

What Does It Take to Get Into Heaven?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: What does it take to get into heaven? I admit I've never thought about it very much, but recently I had a bad health scare and it really got me to thinking. -- J.R.R.

A: Has it occurred to you that God might have allowed this problem to happen, just so you'd finally begin to think about your need of Him? After all, if you hadn't had this scare, you might have gone through your whole life without ever thinking of the most important question any person can ever ask: Where will I spend eternity?

Only one thing will keep us out of heaven, and that is our sin. One reason is because sin is rebellion against God -- and there can be no room in heaven for a rebellious attitude. But the deeper reason is because God is absolutely pure and holy, and even one sin -- just one -- would be enough to banish us from His presence. The Bible says that in God's eyes, "whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" (James 2:10).

This is why we can never save ourselves by our own good works, because no matter how good we are, we will never be good enough to stand in God's presence. And this is why we need Christ, because He came into the world to pay the price for our sins. He was without sin, but on the cross all our sins were placed on Him, and He took the punishment we deserved.

Now God in His love offers us salvation as a free gift -- free, because Christ paid for it with His own blood. By a simple prayer of faith ask Christ to come into your life and save you -- and He will. Then become His follower from this day forward.

Do You Think the Internet is Evil?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: Do you think the Internet is evil? It seems like it has opened the door to so many bad things (like identity theft and pornography) that I'm beginning to wonder if we wouldn't be better off without it. -- Mrs. A.L.

A: The Internet is like almost every other invention or scientific advance -- it can be used for great good, but it also can be used for great evil. For example, a doctor may use the Internet to research a new cure that will save a patient's life -- but a criminal may use it to commit fraud.

In other words, in itself the Internet is morally neutral -- that is, it is neither good nor bad. When people use it for good purposes, then it becomes a useful tool that can make our lives better. (In recent years, we have seen many people commit their lives to Christ through our own Web site, billygraham.org.) But when people use the Internet for evil purposes, then it becomes a tool in their hands to make our lives worse.

The problem is not the Internet, but the hearts of those who want to use it for their own evil purposes. Almost every week, I get at least one letter from someone who has become addicted to pornography or gambling or some other evil through the Internet -- and this should be a warning to us, to be very careful how we (and also our children) make use of the Internet in our homes.

The Bible says, "Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). It also tells us to "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace" (2 Timothy 2:22). We are surrounded by all kinds of evil messages today, and that's why we need Christ in our hearts. Is your life committed to Him?