Torch, Spring 1990

story is an effective means of teaching and adds variety. Acting out the story adds some fun and excitement, and simple review questions following the reading help keep our family members attentive. Our prayer time usually centers on at least three subjects. First, we thank God for the lesson we learned from His Word that day and ask Him to help us to obey it. Second, we think through our day's activities and commit our ways to the Lord. Third, we take two or three Christmas cards from a basket which contains all the cards we received that year. We pray for these families and any special needs we might know about them. Our evenings usually include AWANA memory verses and assignments and ~- · reading books with our ~t.~·~,~,:;.;[iz:~· children. .A:.?.''-:'.<~',,,, .. r. Every family must find a schedule acceptable to them, but the impor– tant thing is that every Christian family needs to be in the Bible together. If you have never had a regular quiet time with God, get started today. You can understand the Bible. True, some passages are difficult, but the Bible was written that we might know God person– ally. Remember, the focus is on Him . Christianity is a personal relationship with the living God--a relationship that is developed through reading the Bible (God communicating with us) and through prayer (our communicating with Him) . Remember the man in our church who had the large stack of Bibles of every size and color? There is a wonderful ending to his story. Over a year ago, through an all-church emphasis on Bible reading, he began reading daily in his newest Bible. His testimony is that he hasn ' t missed a day since he began, and his life has been radically changed. He has sensed God leading him into His service and is preparing to attend seminary soon. What was the key? It was the day he decided to begin reading his Bible regularly. Getting into your Bible will bring untold blessings. But be advised, it will change your life! William Bernhard, Jr. pastors Garfield Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a 1977 graduate of Cedarville College. Does it really matter what the Bible says? ~~~ Yes, it matte::-~~~ ·f~ct, ;1t..matters eternally for every person. Ultimately, one' s acceptance of the authority of the Bible as God 's Word determines his acceptance of Jesus Christ as God ' s Son. The nature of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ-accepting His death and resurrection as full payment for one' s sins and sole claim to one 's right standing before God- is based completely on what the Bible says. God has spoken, and the record of His revelation is the inerrant and authorita– tive Bible. What has God said about your eternity? " ...for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. " Romans 3:23 NIV " ...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Hebrews 9:27 NIV "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Hirn shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV " ...God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. " Romans 5:8 NIV "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10: 10 NlV How do you respond to these Scriptures you have just read? May God give you the grace to obey His Word and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. For more information, please contact: Rev. Harold Green Vice President for Christian Ministries P.O. Box 601 Cedarville, OH 45314 513-766-2211 ext. 202