Billy Graham – My Answer

(Timeless advice from God’s Word)

Question: 

Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t understand why the death of Jesus almost 2000 years ago makes any difference to me right now. I know you’ll probably say Jesus died for my sins, but to be honest I can’t buy that.

Answer:

If  Jesus’ death were simply a tragic event that ended the life of an ordinary man, then you would be right – it wouldn't make much difference to us today.

But what if Jesus was more than a mere man? What if He was actually who the Bible says He is the divine Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins? What if His death wasn’t simply a tragic accident but part of God’s eternal plan to make possible our salvation? I think you’d agree that that would make all the difference. 

And that is exactly what happened when Jesus died on the cross, yes, from a human point of view Jesus’ death was simply another tragedy – but from God’s point of view it accomplished far more than we could ever imagine. The Bible puts it this way: “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). In God’s plan, by His death on the cross Jesus became the full and final sacrifice for our sins.

Just as the men who signed our nation’s Declaration of Independence over 200 years ago accompanied something that is still with us, so – in a far greater way – what Jesus did on the cross 2,000 years ago is still with us. Why did He die? He died because God loves us and He wants us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Don’t turn away from Him, but by faith ask Christ to come into your life today – and He will.

Parenting:

Question: 

Why didn’t someone tell me how hard it is being a parent? We have three children, and it seems like all I do all day long is try to keep them from fighting. Will it ever get any better?

Answer: 

I’m sure almost every parent could echo your frustration, for it’s hard being a parent – very hard. It’s not just exhausting physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. In fact, parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world.

But it also can be one of the most satisfying, if we learn to look beyond the immediate problems and heartaches and begin to see it from God’s point of view. After all, God gave your children to you, and He did it because He knows they need the love and wisdom only you can give them. The Bible says, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3).

In other words, God has given you one of the greatest privileges imaginable: the privilege of helping shape the future of another human being. Someday your children will no longer live with you – but what will their memories be? Will they only be of bickering or conflict or will they also be of love and joy and happiness? Don’t let your frustrations or weariness crowd out your love.

Almost every parent goes through what you are experiencing, and you’re right: it isn’t easy. But pray for your children, and ask God to help you be the kind of parents they need at this stage of life. Most of all, point them to Jesus, and urge them to give their lives to Him. God not only wants us to help our children develop physically and emotionally, but spiritually as well.