I was reading a book about the current state of our world and a point was made that, “People don't know what it means to be a Christian.” It included a quote from a church member, “My minister said we don't have to get all hung up on that theology stuff. God is love and He's not going to destroy us because we can't help from doing wrong.”

I disagree with his analysis, based on the inspired, infallible Word of God. While it may be true that we shouldn't get “hung up” on theology, we do have a responsibility to understand how God's Word impacts our daily living. Through a consistent approach to studying God’s Word, both individually and with others, we grow in our faith and “improve our serve” (not in tennis, but in ministry!).

It is critical we understand that Jesus Christ is God Incarnate (as one child has put it, “God with skin on!”). He died a vicarious death on a Roman cross and rose again!!

By His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the only way of salvation so that we might stand before God, washed in His only Son's blood. He has also provided us the power to overcome sin through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit living within us. The Christian life is based solely on the finished work on the cross and our acceptance of that work. It is not based on our righteousness or anything that we can do (Ephesians 2:8-10). If anyone goes to hell it will be because of the choice they have made to reject Jesus' sacrifice and provision.

Are you currently making Bible study a daily and weekly priority? Make a decision to make 2002 the year you grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ by a regular commitment to Sunday morning Bible Study and Small Group participation. God is waiting on you!