Good News!!!

God’s power and grace have no limits! Our ability to mess up our lives never places us beyond the reach of God. If we lived on the moon when we accepted Jesus, we would still be brought into the immediate presence of God. Neither the vilest of sins, nor the frequency with which we committed them, can stop God from forgiving us. Redemption is available to all who repent and accept Jesus.

The difference between the powers of God and those of Satan are tremendous. God’s power is limitless, and Satan’s is not. We can use the image of snakes to illustrate this fact. A snake’s striking range is limited to that of roughly half of its body length. Despite its best efforts, a snake’s striking range is limited by gravity; a force created and maintained by God. In the same way, Satan is limited (by the overwhelming power of God) in his ability to get at God’s children. If we remain faithful in our relationship with God, we will remain out of Satan’s reach. For all of his hissing and bluffing, Satan cannot harm us. If we walk that loud spiritual walk, he can’t get close enough to bite us.

The reality of entering a saving relationship with God is that the snake is already dead. The venom which he injected has been neutralized. As promised in Genesis 3:15, the serpent had his head stomped by the Seed of Eve (Jesus).

Through the most incredible set of events, God turned a seeming defeat, into his greatest triumph. He transformed a moment of weakness and disgrace, into the most glorious display of power and love ever shown. The sin of the world, from Eden to the present, had to be punished. There was nothing for sinful mankind to do, but helplessly await the judgement which it deserved. God, however; remained faithful to his promise to destroy the evil one. He gave us a glimpse of how His plan would work, in the Book of Numbers (21:4-9). When the children of Israel were bitten in the desert by venomous serpents (punishment for their rebellion against God) he showed them the way to be saved. God told Moses to raise up a brass serpent for the people to look upon. Anyone who believed and looked upon the serpent, was healed from the venomous bite. The instrument of their destruction (listening to Satan) was held up for them to see. The serpent, who brought rebellion against God and lead them into sin, was raised up for all to see. God showed Israel that Satan had brought them to the brink of destruction. Israel was confronted with a view from God’s perspective, as to how unfaithful they had been. Those who were sobered by this reality, were the ones who looked to God’s plan to save them. The stay of death in the desert was temporary.

Please do not confuse the imagery of what occurred in the desert. Satan was not lifted up for the salvation of man. In the desert, mankind was confronted with its sinfulness. Centuries later, Jesus would be lifted up on a cross, for our eternal salvation. The complete plan of salvation was on display that day. Mankind is warned of the punishment (death) which awaits the sinner. Knowing that we have unclean hands causes us to search for cleansing. Cleansing can only be found in Jesus, the one who was lifted up on a cross for our sins. Jesus, the one without sin, died for our sins, so that we could be cleansed. In God’s plan of salvation, the only one qualified to take our place and to pay our debt was His own Son. Mankind has reached a decisive crossroads, either a future without God (eternal separation), or the avenue of salvation and an eternal life with God. The decision which is made at the foot of the cross, will determine whether Satan’s venom will kill or be neutralized.

Similarly, as Israel received a reprieve from death (temporary), we also received a reprieve (permanent). In John 3:16, God teaches us that WHOEVER believes in Him (Jesus) shall not perish but have everlasting life! In other words, whoever looks upon the life and works of Jesus Christ, and believes that He was raised up on a cross to die for our sins . . . that person shall have everlasting life, with God the Father.

The cure in the desert seemed so simple. It allowed no works on the part of the sinners. The cure required faith and action. The cross, bearing Jesus outside Jerusalem, likewise allows no deeds though which salvation can be earned. We MUST look to Jesus as the cure for our sins. We must realize, that only God’s plan for salvation can save us from sin. The plan is so simple that most will miss it completely. We would rather seek self-help groups, therapy, stricter laws, support groups and other means of propping ourselves up.

Without Christ in our lives, we are like sailors caste adrift in the sea. As our struggle becomes more desperate, we struggle against each other. Like desperate sailors, we seek to climb atop one another with vain hopes of saving ourselves. The struggle is useless, we will all die, unless we reach out and grab the life ring (Jesus) that God has tossed us.

If you have accepted Christ into you life, but your relationship with God is not what it should be, there is also hope and joy for you. Like the prodigal son, your return is also possible, no matter how far down the road of sin you have traveled. 1 John 1:8 & 9, tells us that we can return to God and a right relationship with him if we confess our sins to him. All Christians commit sins at one time or another after they accept Jesus. Verse 10 of the same chapter makes this very clear. Denial of sin will not make it go away. Denial of a cobra bite will not make the wound heal itself. We must confess our sins. Confession is the only way that a healthy and growing relationship can exist between God and us.

Once we have confessed our sins to God, we receive power from the Holy Spirit, to deliver us from repeating those sins. Foolishly declaring, "that is just the way God made me", amounts to surrender to the enemy. Surrender to sin denies the power of God to transform one’s life. 1 Corinthians 10:13, teaches us that God will make a way for us to escape the deadly coils of sin, or that he will make a way to bear temptation without yielding to it.

How loving is God? We did the crime (sin) and are without excuse. We are guilty, far beyond a reasonable doubt, and await the death sentence. Right before we are judged however, God says that sentencing will not be carried out because his son (Jesus) has already been put to death for what we have done. The sentence is set aside forever, as the judge steps down from the bench; embraces us, and adopts us as his children. We, who brought about the necessity for His only Son’s death, are given a position of honor in God’s family. Words cannot adequately describe the turn of events which occurs in the life, death, and resurrection of a believer. The key ingredient to the whole situation is that we played no part in the reprieve. We were asked to do nothing except believe.

How can we as humans grasp what God is doing? We live in a world that demands justice for offenses committed against us. We expect criminals to be punished for their crimes and are outraged when one "beats the system." Our God is a Just God. Nobody beats the system or can get off on probation. No one can point to long lists of good works that should mitigate the sentence. Everyone who approaches the bench, is guilty as charged and will receive the death sentence. There will be no appeal to a higher court, because we are judged in the highest court. When the sentence is pronounced, it is final and irreversible. We are all guilty, however if we believe on Jesus GOD SAYS FORGIVEN!

 Sheep, Goats and Pigs - A Different Perspective

What is it about the lives of God’s people that makes them special in His eyes? To a non-Christian, the answer is superficially very simple; in reality, the difference is quite complex. Once a person becomes a Christian, they begin a relationship of trust and love with God. With the Holy Spirit inside of us, we are guided into a new way of living. The transformation is not always as apparent as going from axe murderer to Mother Teresa. There is, however; a significant change in the priorities and focus of our lives. We go from a self-serving lifestyle, to one which seeks to serve God and the people with which we interact.

When we receive our salvation, God sees us differently. We have been cleansed from the filth of sin. We are able to come into a new relationship with Him, because we no longer strive to go in the opposite direction. This new relationship brings about a changed behavior in us. Our actions and reactions should differ from those of our former life. Our lives are changed because our priorities have changed. In our new life, God becomes the center, and we become one with Him. Through the Holy Spirit, we are adopted into God’s family, forever linked and desiring to do His will.

This section will parallel the behavior of sheep, goats and pigs, with the lives of Christians and non-Christians. From a general perspective, all animals (which includes humans) can be lumped into one group, with nothing to distinguish them one from another except their physical appearance. Debates rage about the comparative levels of intelligence for different types of animals; but in the end, most people tend to separate humans from animals. Some say the line between animals and humans is drawn by our ability to think and reason. Ultimately, all arguments on the matter are settled by God Himself. Humans, unlike animals, were created in God’s own image. Of all His creation here on Earth, none has a higher priority than mankind. How do we know this? The answer, of course, is found in John 3:16.

In this section, we will discuss clean and unclean animals, as God Himself places a line between various forms of life. We will use the lives of sheep, goats and pigs to illustrate lifestyles which either include or exclude God. I seek not to trivialize that relationship, but to merely shine another light on the subject.

Why does God in the Old Testament declare some animals to be clean and others unclean? The answer is never spelled out definitively. Scholars have debated the meaning of this separation for centuries. Each theory has its good points, but without a concrete definition from scripture, we are left to speculate. In researching this work, I asked many knowledgeable Christians for an explanation on how God makes this distinction. I received a wide variety of answers on the matter, but once again, found no definitive answer. One resource that provided some clarity on this topic, was The Bible Knowledge Commentary by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

Some would hold that clean/unclean are teaching symbols of good and evil. While it may not be the most complete interpretation, it is the one which best serves to illustrate the workings of this book. Some say that there is no real distinction between clean and unclean animals. They say that God has arbitrarily established these differences. The theory goes, that He uses these distinctions to set His people apart from the rest of the world. If God’s people are holy and separate from the rest of the world, then their lives should reflect that uniqueness, all the way down to the types of food that they eat or don’t eat. This train of thought would inversely conclude that people of the world will sample anything of their choosing, including sin. We who remain in a relationship with God, will respect His boundaries.

For the purposes of this book, sheep will represent those who are in a deep personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Goats will represent those who have a form of Godliness. Goats are people who are "basically good" but are not in a saving relationship with God. For all of their striving to "be good," their thoughts and actions are their own. They refuse to accept the will of God for their lives. When push comes to shove, they will do what they want, rather than follow Jesus’ examples. The pig group represents those whose thoughts and actions are far from the heart and mind of God.

Unlike sheep, goats and pigs; we are not born and then permanently cast into one of these classes of animals. We all have a natural tendency to think and act like goats and pigs. Despite his best efforts, a pig cannot transform himself into a sheep. With God however, all things are possible. When we surrender our lives to the will of God, something miraculous occurs. He changes us internally and old things are passed away; we become new creations in Christ. Our hearts and minds are transformed as we become a lamb in the flock of God. When this God performed operation takes place, it transforms our outward appearance. The operation so completely changes our lives, that it should be readily apparent to even casual observers. There is no one who is beyond this grace of God; no one who cannot receive this life changing operation. We cannot save ourselves any more than a goat can change itself. The transformation can only be accomplished by God.

Sheep

I stated earlier, that sheep are representations of God’s people. How important is the relationship between God and His people? The Bible uses the shepherd/sheep correlation, to illustrate the relationship we are supposed to have with Him. The number of references that the Bible gives to the subject, further illustrates how serious God is about the need for relationship. No other animal receives more attention in scripture than the sheep. In the fourth chapter of Genesis (vrs.2), we see that Abel was a keeper of sheep. Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God. If the creator of the universe takes time to mention sheep, it would behoove us to listen to what he has to say.

The one distinctive thread that is woven through the life of a sheep, is their dependance upon a relationship with the shepherd. Without a shepherd, the flock cannot survive. In the 60's, the younger generation tried to band together in large flocks, under a banner of peace and love. They started communes with an eye toward creating a utopia, devoid of the troubles that plagued their parents. The idea was noble in thought, but without the "Good Shepherd", these communities collapsed. Man learned (but didn’t remember) that he cannot simply separate himself from society, in order to free himself from the sins of the world. "Steady highs and free love", will not sustain a flock that wishes to survive in a very harsh and unforgiving world. A group of sheep cannot wander off to some distant hillside to graze and live forever, without fear of attack.

A good shepherd is aware of the number of sheep under his care. When one is missing, he is the first to know. The sheep under his care are a precious commodity. The value of the herd is decreased when one is separated. A shepherd will leave the flock under the care of the other shepherds, before he searches for the missing sheep. In a similar way God knows the number of sheep contained in his flock. When one of us departs the herd, He is the first to know. God knows the number of hairs on your head. How could He not know your condition when you stray away in sin? Being omnipresent, God can remain with the flock, while at the same time diligently search for the one that is lost.

Once a sheep realizes that it is lost, it will cry out for help, seeking a return to the flock. Sheep are not solitary animals, so when they are separated from the shepherd and the flock, they are panicked and miserable. In much the same way, we as members of one flock, should not be comfortable in our separation from God or our brothers and sisters. When we get separated, we are in danger of sin. If removed from the protection of God, we open ourselves up to attack from wolves (Satan).

Any group who wishes to build something that will stand the test of time, must yield to the Almighty One; who is timeless. God with his infinite wisdom, is the only one who can guide a flock safely from one generation to the next. Because of sin, humanity struggles to break free of God’s will. Those who "succeed" in their rebellion, will fall prey to ravenous wolves. Their fate, while not always evident in this life, is assured in the warnings of the Bible.

Why did (do) people keep sheep? Sheep are kept primarily for their wool as well as being a source of food. Just about every part of the sheep can be utilized by their handlers. After being hollowed out, the horns were used (in Old Testament times) for carrying oil and wine. Horns from sheep were also used as trumpets and in various religious rites. The hair of rams was woven to make the covering of the tabernacle.

More importantly, sheep were kept for sacrifice to God, as an atonement for the sins of the people of Israel. The ultimate/final sacrifice of course was offered by Jesus (The Lamb of God) on the cross. When Jesus’ life was given, there was no longer a need for the sacrifice of animals. Jesus paid the price for our sins, once and for all. The only thing that is required of us now, is for us to look upon God’s holy sacrifice and believe.

Just as the many parts of the sheep are useful to the shepherd, so to are our members to God. Our lives contain the food of life for the rest of the world. The light of our Christian witness provides hope to the lost. We have so much to offer the world because of the One who sustains us. The mental image is that of a large flock of white sheep standing out against the surrounding greenery. We as God’s people, should also stand out in the world. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are as clothing and shelter to an impoverished world. Through the direction of the Holy Spirit, we have much more to offer the world. The talents, with which God blesses every believer, can impact the lives of people in every walk of life.

In the Old Testament, a time of sheep shearing was announced when the flock’s wool grew long. The sheering was marked by a festival, a time of great revelry and rejoicing. When a believer’s life has matured to a point to where it is producing wool (fruit) for God, I believe that the event is marked by a time of celebration in Heaven. Christians providing a witness for God . . . while serving as doctors, scientists, financial investors, inventors, and the like; will change the world in ways the secular world can only dream of.

Why did God choose sheep as a representation of his people? For at least part of the answer, we can look to the lives of sheep for parallels to that of Christian living. The first impression of sheep is that they are peaceful animals. Their easy-going nature makes them easy to control, even in the largest of flocks. Throughout their lives, sheep look to the shepherd to provide water and food. Sheep are very content animals. They live their lives to graze and are oblivious to worry. They live for the moment and don’t worry about where tomorrow’s meal will come from. The shepherd has lead the flock faithfully thus far, there is no reason to distrust him now or in the future.

On their own, sheep (even in large flocks) are defenseless. Christians are meant to be children of peace. Our easy-going lifestyle should be evident even in the largest of our gatherings. The reason for our peaceful nature, is the presence of God in our lives. Through the person of the Holy Spirit, He guides and comforts us just as the shepherd guides the sheep. Worry is not part of a sheep’s life; it should also not be present in a believer’s life. We are told by Jesus not to worry about tomorrow. Our lives should reflect the fact that God is in control. When we worry, we are actually saying that we don’t trust God to be in control of our lives. God knows that we need food and clothing. We must believe that our Shepherd will fulfill our essential needs. Sheep are ill equipped to strike out on their own, and we as Christians would be in the same shape if we tried to leave God’s flock. Both sheep and Christians, owe their existence to that of a Shepherd. Strength is not found in oneself, but rather in the one who watches over us and cares for us.

With sheep, there are no grand defense initiatives. They don’t set aside portions of their population to act as "muscle" for the herd. When attacked, sheep don’t stand and fight. They scatter and look to the shepherd for protection. If ever there were an animal so utterly helpless (on it’s own) in the world, it is the sheep. Does the shepherd look down on his flock for their weakness? Quite the opposite, a good shepherd is expected to lay down his life in defense of his flock. Sheep depend on the shepherd not only for their protection, but also for the continuous daily care that they require.

By today’s standards, defenselessness is probably the least attractive parallel we will draw between sheep and Christians. Today it is fashionable to draw upon one’s own strength, and to owe no allegiance to another party. The new millennium offers us film role models in the form of action heros. In this age, we find it more and more difficult to sing with conviction, "I am weak but he is strong!" We strive for people to see only our strengths, and are willing to work overtime to cover our weaknesses. The demons that we wrestle with on these issues, have already been defeated; and yet, we as believers sometimes insist upon wrestling with their corpses.

Sheep do not make war to defend their turf. We, as members of God’s flock, should be content in the knowledge that all we have, has been provided by God. If someone takes something from us, God will provide a substitute of equal or greater value. Allowing someone to spit on us, or to take from us, is far removed from human nature. That is precisely the point! Our human nature seeks to justify and defend itself. When a person comes to Christ, his nature is changed from human to Christlike. Jesus’ death is viewed by the world as a moment of tragedy and defeat. "We, whose eyes have been opened by God," see that the cross and empty tomb are Jesus’ greatest triumph and victory. Is God’s view of us diminished if we do not take up for ourselves? Would he stand over us like an abusive parent and encourage us to strike back at a bully?

The parallels of Christian living and sheep, include the passivity of Christ’s own life. The world frequently depicts Christians as being weak. By Jesus’ own example, we are shown that strength is not of us. Our strength and identity are found in God; through the person of the Holy Spirit. If we seek to justify ourselves in the ways of the world, then we are no different from the world. Jesus said that if salt loses it flavor, it is good for nothing and should be thrown out. We, as God’s children, are to stand out as lights in the world. Light does not stand out by conforming to the darkness around it!

Another unique quality of sheep is their attentiveness to the voice of the shepherd. Shepherds that I’ve met, tell me that this Biblical description is quite accurate. I once spoke with a man who helped raise about 70 sheep with his father. The son, who also drove interstate trucks, spent less time with the sheep than the father did. He said when he was around the farm, the sheep seemed to pay very little (if any) heed to anything he tried to do with them. When his father would appear, it seemed as if the whole herd was aware of his presence and actions. The herd seemed to recognize him as provider and protector. When they heard his voice, they would respond. Sheep seem to be natural followers of the one in which they place their trust. Unlike other domesticated animals, sheep are lead from place to place, not driven. Because of their unique relationship with the shepherd, they trust him to lead them.

In the middle east, shepherds will pack with their belongings a flute. The flute serves as an instrument which gives air to the inner being of the shepherd, and also acts to soothe and content the herd. As I stumbled upon this tidbit of information, I was struck by the imagery. As the shepherd and the flock stop for the night, the impending darkness falls upon the herd. Without a clear vision of what surrounds them, there is probably some apprehension in the hearts of the flock. They may no longer be able to see the shepherd, but they can hear his flute, and know for sure that he is present with them. As the shepherd pours out his spirit, the herd listens to the melody which reassures their safety.

In much the same way, God pours out his spirit to us today. While we cannot see his physical presence through the surrounding darkness, we are none the less assured through the Spirit, that he watches over us. Through prayer and study of scripture, we are reassured that he still cares for us, no matter how dark our surroundings.

The trust relationship between the sheep and the shepherd, is more practically understood when you look at the environment of the middle east. Pasture land in that area is not as you and I (in the United States) would imagine it to be. What looks like rocky barren soil, will in fact sustain a herd for short periods of time. The shepherd knows how long to keep a herd in a certain area. He also knows the location of the next good area of pasture. Water is a precious commodity in the middle east. Shepherds must constantly be aware of the herd’s condition and their ability to reach the next watering hole.

Sheep, being animals of limited thinking capacity, are not fully aware of their dependance upon the shepherd. They live by one principle "he (the shepherd) hasn’t failed me yet, why shouldn’t I continue to trust him?" In the same way, humans are not fully aware of how dependent they are upon God’s grace. Christians would do well to learn and believe the same principle that sustains the sheep. Since God has never failed us, why should we not continue to trust Him?

How important, is one believer’s life, in God’s building plans for the Church? God takes the lives of every believer and weaves them into a beautiful tapestry called the Church. Each life is precious and necessary toward the completion of that work. Rams were used in the construction of the covering for the tabernacle. The use of rams (a clean animal) in its construction was more than coincidental. Just as the tabernacle was made of sheep, the body of Christ is made up of believers.

Goats

In preparing for this chapter, I struggled with the imagery of sheep, goats, and pigs. I envisioned the sheep and pigs sections to be in much the same manner as they now read. It was the goat section that really troubled me. I originally saw goats as symbolizing people who were saved from sin since goats are included with the clean animals. I saw them as Christians who were missing the mark and not reaching their full potential in Christ. The Holy Spirit brought to mind a verse of Scripture that brought chaos to my little conception. In the Matthew 25:33, Jesus speaks of a separation of sheep and goats. The sheep will enter God’s kingdom, while the goats (vrs.41) will be sent away to the place prepared for the devil and his angels.

The imagery that I originally planned to use was incorrect and it troubled me. It is hard sometimes, to get beyond our preconceived ideas and go with the truth. After wrestling with the issue in my prayers for a few days, the Lord clearly answered me. I was no less troubled when I paused to think about the people in my life that the goats represented. This section deals with people who have not received forgiveness for their sins. No matter how hard they try to straddle the fence between righteousness and sin, they will one day be separated from God, if they do not repent and accept Jesus. Scripture is clear on the matter, you either accept Christ, or reject Him. No amount of good works can be substituted for this decision.

There are literally billions of people who need to be awakened from their slumber. If you are one who complains that God is not fair and that he is sending "innocent" people to Hell, then you need to examine your life, as well as the Bible. You need to take God seriously and accept Jesus into your life. Instead of making excuses or setting preconditions for God, you need to ask Him to open your eyes to the reality of life. Once you make that commitment, you will be able to see life as it really is . . . from God’s perspective. Only after you receive salvation, can the Holy Spirit direct you to go out and warn those "innocent" people around you.

If your neighbor’s house catches fire, will you watch it burn while they sleep? Would you stand by and complain, rather than take the actions necessary to awaken them? If you really love your neighbor, you would try to wake him/her up. Debate on whether God is fair or unfair, will not save a neighbor or loved one from judgment.

If you truly love someone, you will show them the love that God has for them. The love of God is meant to shine through your daily life. A God filled life of kindness and compassion (not your own talents and persuasive words) will lead people to Christ. Everyone will not be saved; but you can at least make a difference in your household, neighborhood, school or workplace. Spiritual warfare is like house to house fighting. People are won to Christ one block at a time. Many (most) will be lost for refusing to accept the safety that God offers. The challenge for you or me is not to sit back and complain, but rather to get out and fight for the ones around us.

In the Old Testament, goats were categorized as one of the clean animals. Despite this categorization, goats never attained the same level of importance as sheep. Clean meant that it was lawful to domesticate and come in contact with them. Goats were used as a source of food and clothing. There are similarities between sheep and goats; just as there are similarities between Christians and non-Christians. Despite these similarities, Christians and non-Christians will one day be separated. As difficult as it is to explain the separation, think how much more difficult it will be, for God to have to carry it out! The separation is avoidable for all of us. He has made a way through His Son Jesus Christ, to escape this separation.

One of the more obvious distinctions we can draw between animals and humans, is that animals are born as they are and cannot be changed. Jesus explained to Nicodemus, that it is possible for a man to be born again. The born again experience is not only possible, it is prerequisite for one to enter the kingdom of God. In order for one to come into a relationship with God, there must first be a willingness to change from our sinful ways. People live as pigs and goats, but God can transform them (through the water and the spirit) into sheep. The lyrics to "Amazing Grace" speak of the transformation that is possible when one enters into a relationship with God. Words like "that saved a wretch like me . . . was blind but now I see" speak eloquently of what God can accomplish.

There are at least 130 references to goats in the Bible. By virtue of the sheer number of references, we must seek (at least in part) to discover what God is trying to show us. Why are goats so important, as to draw the attention of the Creator?

First, we must discuss the similarities between sheep and goats. Both of them chew cud, have hairy coats, and hollow horns. For centuries, the entire bodies of both animals have been useful to mankind. Goats and sheep supply us with meat, as well as clothing. Goat skins were used to hold wine and water.

Just as there are obvious external and internal differences between sheep and goats, there are also differences between Christians and non-Christians. The shared qualities and uses of sheep and goats, do not make them the same animal. In many ways, the world tries to erase or blur these differences. Some people would argue that there are many philanthropic non-Christians in the world. Nonbelievers will tell you that you don’t have to be a Christian to love your spouse or children. Sceptics might rightly claim that many workers for peace and non violence did not share our Christian faith.

One does not have to be a Christian to do good toward his neighbor, to work to improve society or to seek peace in the world. Becoming a Christian does not make you a member of an exclusive Do-gooders Club. Being a Christian does transform one’s outlook and priorities in life. As a result of our relationship with God, we are empowered to do many works of kindness and love that we might otherwise choose not to do. It is not good deeds of kindness that carry us to Heaven. Good works are the outward manifestations of the presence of God in our lives. Our faith in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of our sins, is what makes us fit for eternity in Heaven. A Christian cannot point to his life of good deeds (after conversion) and say that he is more fit for Heaven than a person who does not know Christ. If our good deeds (works) could carry us up to Heaven, then Jesus’ death on the cross was meaningless.

The obvious distinction between Christian and non-Christian, is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives. Without that acceptance, our lives (no matter how philanthropic) are no different from those of non-Christians. It is the shed blood of Jesus Christ that keeps us from being eternally separated from God. It is the blood of Christ which can transform the vilest sinner, into a person who reflects the light, love and compassion of God. It is the blood of Christ which can change the very nature of a human being. It is the blood of Christ that leads a person to forsake his old ways for a new life, with new values and identity. It is the blood of Christ that empowers a believer to follow the will of God, even if it means losing his/her own life.

Having been born and raised in Pittsburgh, the illustrations which I am about to share were acquired after I moved to rural southern Ohio. I have observed with a child-like fascination, the lives of animals in zoos and at animal shows. My wife was raised around goats and other farm animals. I have borrowed from Kim’s observations, as well as those of others whom I’ve met over the years. Physical differences between sheep and goats are easily discernable. We will now examine some of the differences in the nature of these the two animals.

One readily apparent trait that all goats possess, is that they are naughty animals. They seem to live for play and mischief. My wife related a childhood memory of a time when one of the family goats insisted upon standing on the hood of their new car. She took a towel and tried to shoo it away before it damaged paint. When Kim would swat at the goat, it would move to the other side of the car where she couldn’t reach it. Whenever she switched sides, so too, would the goat. In utter frustration, Kim stood and yelled at the goat as it tauntingly wagged its little tail at her. From the doorway of the house, my Mother-in-law watched in amusement, the innocent comedy being performed by her daughter and "that stupid goat."

A trip to the Columbus Zoo a few years ago revealed something else to me about the nature of goats. In the petting zoo, we watched as a group of about 8 to 10 goats did something I had never witnessed before. One of the goats jumped atop a nearby visitor’s bench and reared up on his hind legs. When his front hoofs came down upon the wooden bench, they would make a clattering noise. Like a magnet, the noise drew the attention of all the other goats in the enclosure. The goat on the bench taunted the others until they were all lined up at in a single file line at one end of the bench. The first goat in line would then jump up on the bench and face off against the instigator. The two would butt heads and shoulders in an attempt to shove one another off the bench. The loser would hang his head and return to the end of the line. The victor then turned to the others remaining in line, reared up on his hind legs and taunted the next challenger. The process was repeated over and over again until the biggest and strongest remained on the bench.

These two illustrations speak volumes to me about the nature of goats and what God has to teach us. The first thing we see, is that goats do whatever they want. Goats enjoy life on their terms, not someone else’s. Goats are very competitive by nature and seek to establish a certain status in life. I have noticed while feeding goats, that the bigger ones have no reservations whatsoever, about pushing the smaller ones aside to get more for themselves. They are selfish by nature and live their lives with a kind of "what’s in it for me attitude."

The fun loving nature of goats is what we find most attractive. They seem to really enjoy life on their terms. The parallels of this behavior are highly valued in the secular world around us. The roguish behavior of goats is celebrated in the sitcoms and movies which Hollywood produces. The package which we are shown is deceptively labeled. The carefree, partying bachelor is described as living life on his terms, not allowing life to be dictated to him. The strong willed, independent, free spirited woman who has it all in life, answers to no one but "her own inner being."

We see this goat like behavior acted out night after night. We begin to question why we can’t have all of this in our own lives. Why live like a boring old sheep, when there is so much fun to be had? The problem with this behavior is that it is all acted out in a writer’s fantasy world. The world is full of people in search of an illusive lifestyle that doesn’t exist.

I have seen first hand, the consequences of living a goat like existence. Lives that attempt to mimic sitcoms or movies, are in reality, much different from the models which they seek to copy. For all of their talented writers and special effects, Madison Avenue’s image of life is much different from reality. From my former perch on a bar stool I saw marriages destroyed, relationships ruined, and children damaged beyond belief. At work and in the home, the family unit crumbles, as couples struggle to achieve what is said to be the American dream. This generation has openly displayed a willingness to sacrifice its children for creature comforts and improved social status. There is a price tag for living a goat-like existence. Unfortunately; most people who pursue this lifestyle, will pay no attention to that tag, until it is check out time at the register.

When the facade of our culture is stripped away, we see that a goat like existence is really a selfish lifestyle, which seeks to please and feed itself. I am not advocating a return to some long forgotten time, when life was simpler as we stayed on the farm. I am, however; advocating a relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. Only though this relationship, will we attain the balance in our lives that is necessary for true happiness. This relationship will bring healing to the family, keep our kids off of drugs and out of the street. It will rekindle flames of passion for a spouse which were long ago thought to be dead.

When I became a Christian a few months after I got married, God used me as an instrument to lead my wife back to Him. As Christian parents, Kim and I were better equipped to raise our children. We shared the timeless wisdom of the Bible with our children to prepare them for their own lives.

Before I became a Christian, my life lacked continuity, confidence and conviction. My outlook on life swayed with the latest song, movie, or TV show. My ideals no longer belonged to me; but rather to artists, producers and directors. I believed in whatever was current at the time. The Timeless One (God), with whom we should seek a relationship, doesn’t change with the times. He remains constant, relevant and faithful as the world around us constantly (in vain) attempts to redefine itself. The secular values of today’s culture will be radically different 20 years from now. Outside of Messiah, things can never improve to the point where we reach some sort of harmonic convergence of peace and love. History reveals the folly of indifference toward God, yet we stubbornly refuse to learn from our sinful past.

The fact that goats have to be "driven" from place to place, reveals something about their nature. In ancient times, goats would be tethered together and driven from house to house, so they could be milked in the doorway of the customers. During the research of this book, I was cautioned about the rebellious nature of goats. A man once told me, "if you’re thinking about raising goats, you better have a fence that is at least 6 feet tall . . . if you don’t, I guarantee you one thing . . . when you come out in the morning, they’ll all be gone (escaped)."

The rebellious nature of a goat epitomizes the life of a person who has not accepted Christ. People who are offered, and yet reject the will of God for their lives, reveal their goat-like nature. Like the goat, they refuse to allow the changes which might cramp their style.

After laying out the personalities of sheep, goats and pigs for some teens in my Sunday school class, I asked them which type of animal they would rather be. They no doubt were suspicious of where I was headed with the discussion. Almost unanimously, they preferred the life of a goat, to that of a sheep. When asked why, they replied that "goats are more independent . . . they’re not wimpy like sheep." They perceived a goat’s life to be carefree and full of fun; while sheep were viewed as stuffy and lacking in personality.

Isn’t that the way adults make choices in their own lives? They view the Christian life as boring and predictable. They imagine people in stuffy suits, packed into churches, singing boring songs about the sweet by and by. Clinging mightily to their goat like independence, they can’t stomach the idea of giving up their "freedom." Their eyes however; are blinded by the images which Satan feeds them. With their eyes firmly shut, they cannot see what life is like in God’s flock. Their ears are filled with lies that seek to turn them from the shelter and safety of the fold. They are convinced that they can live life on the periphery of God’s flock. They may choose to "hang" near the shepherd to see if he is passing out anything good today. If the Shepherd doesn’t have what they want, they’ll go out and get it on their own.

By choosing to remain outside the flock, we reveal not only the level of our trust in the shepherd, but our feeling’s toward the flock as well. By wondering off from the protection of the shepherd, we expose ourselves to the attacks of wolves/wild dogs (Satan). The attack is not always violent; in fact, in many cases, it is deceptively slow and intoxicating. A goat on the edge of the flock might return to its owner for protection if he sensed danger. In most cases, however; he will choose to run (away from the owner) in his own direction. It is his independent nature which will seal his fate. If the goat can be lured away to where he can’t find his way back, he is ripe for attack.

This unfortunate parallel carries over into the human realm as well. Christians today are viewed as weak and wimpy; lacking in any kind fun. We have been described by some in the cultural elite as weak-minded individuals in search of a crutch.

Despite their independent nature and personality, goats are no better equipped to survive a predatory attack than sheep. When faced with danger, goats will turn and flee in much the same way that sheep do. A pack of wolves would have no problem overcoming a goat, once it has been separated from the group. Goats, because they are concerned with their own survival, will not come to the aid of one of their own.

When a flock of sheep is attacked, their cries for help fall upon the ears of the shepherd. A good shepherd will come to their aid and fight off any danger. When a goat comes under attack, he also cries out for help. His pleas for help and mercy fall upon the ground, because he has removed himself far from the protection of the shepherd. The goat’s search for independence and being self-reliant has brought about his demise.

The qualities that we have come to admire in goats, are the very same ones that can bring about their destruction. Qualities which seem to make them so adaptable, are in fact, liabilities. They work against them, because they diminish any reliance upon one who could save them in times of trouble.

The qualities that our world holds up for admiration will also lead to its destruction. We think we have no need of the Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ) because of our independent attitude and our desire to "do it our way." When we allow our lives to drift far from the protection that God offers, He no longer seems real or relevant. When the attacks of sin and death come, there will be no sympathetic ears for our cries of help to fall upon . . . it will truly be too late.

A mold has not been permanently cast for our lives. We are not born to hopelessly live a goat-like existence. Through a saving and life changing experience with Jesus Christ, we can be transformed into children of God (sheep in his flock). We receive the necessary strength to reject the qualities which the world holds in such high esteem. Our hearts and minds will be shaped by the Holy Spirit, as God radically changes our world. Our perceptions of life as a sheep in God’s flock will also change. Dependence upon God does not mean shame and wimpiness. Christ means life and protection, as well a connectedness to the One who truly cares for us. The blinders can only be removed, and our lot in life changed, if we accept Jesus as Lord (Master) of our lives.

 Pigs

Throughout my life, I have heard people talk about how smart pigs are. Some would go so far as to say that pigs are as smart as dogs or horses. Many of us have seen pigs complete amazing bits of acting in movies and television shows. In this section, we will build upon a pig’s supposed intelligence, to see how their lives compare with those of sheep and goats. Let us remove them from their usual habitation of the sty. We’ll first bathe and perfume the pig, so that we can fairly compare and contrast the other aspects of their lives.

No matter what external changes we bring into a pig’s life, he remains the same creature, with no hope of change. We can tie fancy ribbons around his neck, and teach him to do hundreds of tricks, in an attempt to elevate him to his fullest potential. In the end, however; he will still be a pig. No amount of training, bathing or clothing will transform him into something that he is not. If a pig is left to his own desires, he will return to his sty, remove his pretty ribbons, roll in mud and be content to eat slop. He may be friendly and loyal as a dog, but he none the less remains a pig.

The same observations can be made of humans. You can take a person and clean up their exterior. Many people dress in nice suits when they attend church. They can be given a position of honor in the church by becoming a deacon or elder. People can attend seminaries or become pastors of large churches. An educated person can become a respected business leader, politician, or someone who does charitable deeds for the community. If that person does not repent of his sins and accept Jesus, he will remain lost in sin and unacceptable (unclean) in the eyes of God.

By society’s standards, they may in fact be very nice people. They may take food from their own shelves and deliver them to a needy neighbor. They may be good fathers or mothers to their children. In the end, if their hearts have not been changed by God, they will be unprepared for the judgment that awaits them. Pretty ribbons and perfume do not change a pig into a sheep. Good deeds and acts of kindness, do not atone for the sins committed throughout a person’s lifetime.

There is no charge for the life changing operation which we must all receive. God has already paid for the operation; and the cost was the life of his son Jesus. If we refuse the spiritual changes of God, we will have no one to blame but ourselves when we face Him on Judgment Day.

In looking at a pig’s life, I must once again yield to the expertise of others whom I have met over the years. My personal experience with pigs is very limited, so I will have to rely on the observations of those who have raised them. My lack of first hand experience, however; has not hindered the insights that God has given me. After carefully listening to those who know them best, I will again try to draw parallels between sinful and righteous activity, to help you gain insights into their consequences.

In discussing the life of a pig, the most obvious quality in their lives, is the environment in which they choose to live. Much like the snakes which we discussed earlier in the book, we must get beyond our superficial, one-dimensional view of the animal. It would be easy to make statements like: pigs live in mud, they are dirty filthy animals with no redeeming qualities, if you are lost in sin you are a pig, clean your act up or you are going to Hell! What purpose would that serve? What can be gained by reducing a person’s life to that of a one-dimensional character, forever trapped in a lifestyle that cannot be changed? We must wholeheartedly reject the lie that says people cannot change. In the natural world goats and pigs cannot be changed into sheep. In the secular world the statement, "Once a pig, always a pig" holds true. God, however; can do the impossible, by changing an individual internally as well as externally. As was the case with goats, the life-giving blood of Jesus Christ can change a pig into a sheep.

Why do pigs roll in the mud? To an ignorant person raised in the suburbs (like me), it is assumed that pigs like to roll in the mud. We believe that they derive some sort of pleasure from living in filth, or at least that is what we have been told. The truth of the matter is, that pigs must roll in the mud in order to live more comfortably. A pig’s hide is sensitive to sunlight and parasites, so their mud bathing serves as a sun block as well as an insecticide.

A correlation can be drawn between sunlight (in a pig’s life) and the awareness of God to our own sinful nature. Is it more than just coincidence, that many places of sinful activity are dimly lit? No bar or nightclub would think of operating under a brilliant light. Part of the attraction is the darkness which veils the thoughts and actions of its patrons. Thieves do not act in broad daylight. They must wait for the cover of darkness to conceal their actions.

Pigs use what is available to protect themselves from the elements. They will cover themselves with the very substance (dust) from which man was created. People who shamelessly indulge in sinful activities, attempt to cover themselves with excuses of being human. Rather than bathing themselves in mud, they roll in the lusts of their flesh. The brilliant light of God is an irritant to flesh made sensitive to sin. Rather than seeking a permanent cure for their condition, they seek to temporarily soothe those feelings which are exposed. Pigs do not pass judgment on the condition of other pigs. They grunt at each other and move on. Unlike the children’s story "Babe", pigs do not usually choose to hang out with sheep. The open pasture is full of sunlight which is too harsh for a pig.

The appetite of a pig is another interesting topic. Pigs will eat just about anything that is put out for them. Domesticated pigs that have returned to the wild, become master foragers. They can live off the land as well as any animal on earth. When in search of food, they have a reputation for being quite destructive. Many gardens and state forests have been scarred by the destructive rummaging of hungry pigs.

In feeding their fleshly lusts, humans too, have wreaked havoc on the world around them. An alcoholic or drug addict has no hesitation in destroying family relationships, if they stand in the way of the substances they crave. Lusts of the flesh, such as immoral sexual relations, relegate people to an animalistic pig-like existence. Rather than heed His warnings, people will seek to fulfill (for a season) the lusts which drive their bodies. People who are driven by lust (power, drugs, money, sex) rather than a relationship with God, are in bondage to sin. They grasp for more, like a pig at the feeding trough.

Pigs are not the big eaters that we sometimes imagine them to be. They can be content to eat when the urge strikes them, rather than consume large amounts at one sitting. When a pig eats, it indulges whole heartily with its face buried in whatever it consumes. When a person indulges in sinful activity, no matter how carefully hidden, it is never out of the sight of God. The slop that runs down the neck of a pig as it feeds, repulses many. The feeding habits of humans, who allow themselves to be driven by their lusts, are no less repulsive in the eyes of God. It is the slop (sins), not the person, who displeases God.

We are not forced to live our lives in filth and to eat slop. The same power which raised Jesus from the dead, can transform an unclean pig into a member of God’s flock. A pig is content to remain a pig; it has no desire to change it’s life. Unlike pigs, we at times are confronted with our own sinfulness. We are much like the prodigal son; when for brief instances our blinders slip, and for an instant, we are able to see clearly. We see our lives for what they truly are and desire change. The prodigal son went back to his father seeking shelter from the ruin of his life. We can turn to our Heavenly Father, and ask for forgiveness and restoration from the choices that we have made in life. God patiently awaits our return. He doesn’t recite carefully prepared lectures as we repent of our foolishness. He waits with open and loving arms for the beloved child who has been away for far too long.

Why, in the midst of this discussion of pigs and their nasty habits, am I talking about the love of God? Jesus said, "those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick . . . For I did not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance." There are times in a person’s life when we are confronted with the condition of our lives. What we do after this confrontation will determine where we will spend eternity. If we grunt and return to the trough, we will die the death of a pig, covered with the filth that surrounds us. If we desire change and call out to God, we have a promise ". . . and he will deliver me from every evil work and he will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom." These are promises from the Unlimited and Almighty God who created the universe. Since lying is against God’s nature, we can count on him for our deliverance from the pig sty.

Parallels between the pigs living environment and eating habits are easy to draw. Culturally, it is easy to see the negativity associated with a pig’s existence. Now let us examine those qualities which our world holds up for approval, to see how they work against the good in our lives.

Of all the domesticated animals found in a rural setting, none can be more fierce than a pig. I have been told that no animal accounts for more injuries on a farm (horses, cows, etc.) than the pig. People whom I’ve interviewed, have said that there is no accurate way of predicting what a pig will do under any given circumstance. Mirroring the human population, pigs possess varying degrees of intelligence and temperament. Experienced farmers have been mauled by pigs, which up until the time of attack, had been indifferent to them. Nobody I’ve interviewed can tell me what triggers the attack. A simple slip in the mud or a turn of your back can trigger an incident. Make no mistake about it, a pig can give a very good account of himself in a fight. God did not equip them with razor sharp teeth so that they can passively nibble on fruits and berries.

If we can get beyond their repulsive exterior (our own prejudice) we will see reflections of the world around us. Since humans possess varying degrees of intelligence and temperament, our speech and our society are filled with words and deeds of violence. Sit near a group of young adults at a mall and listen to the words (and their literal meaning) as they flow from their lips. In your work place, take a seat in the corner and listen to the general flow of conversation. Age is not a barrier to the sinfulness of human thought. Most of the people you listen to will not act on the thoughts conveyed by their words. Their speech does however, reveal the intent of their heart. Evening scores or giving a good account of oneself, are qualities for which a pig (and Satan) would give hearty approval.

There are very few animals which can fiercely protect its young as well as a sow. Human nature might say this is one of the pig’s most admirable qualities. People are taught in almost every culture, that the lives of their young should be defended at all cost. Satan has no stronger weapon in his arsenal to use against us. The triggered response to an attack on our young is almost immediate, and all too frequently, misguided. Public reaction to "righteous retribution" is almost unanimously favorable. Courts may at times hand out punishments for this retribution, but public opinion is almost always supportive of an avenging parent.

The next few paragraphs will not be easy to write, nor will they be popular with their readers. It will most certainly earn criticism, as well as charges of weakness and timidity, from people with closed hearts and minds toward God.

When confronted with an evil attack on our children, we must ask the question which has become a cliche in our churches. What would Jesus Do? If the answer is violence or retribution, we had better reexamine the scriptures. If the answer is, I don’t care what Jesus would do; we had better reexamine our relationship with God. If the answer is prayer, then we better brace ourselves, because we will undergo one of Satan’s most brutal attack. Our reaction is determined by where our hearts are; in the flock of God or in a pig sty.

Pig like qualities are cleverly disguised or covered over by public opinions. Right and wrong are being redefined by Madison Avenue and Hollywood. Americans today enjoy lifestyles far beyond the dreams of past generations, and yet we drift further from the reality of God’s direction. Our schools have become killing fields and our prisons now house more than a million inmates.

Something is definitely wrong with the world we live in, and the reasons can be found in the environment in which we choose to live. Each year, children are sacrificed by the millions, to the gods of expedience. Life has no value, when it can be terminated without conscience in the earliest days of its existence. We live in a time when the world has lost its mind. The world ritually bathes in mud daily, and extolls the soothing affect it has on the senses. The world’s values, encourage and nurture the development of pig-like qualities. Those qualities are re-labeled as independence, pride in oneself, being a man, asserting yourself or getting your slice of the pie. From the time of our birth, we are encouraged to be aggressive and take up for ourselves. Parents take more pride in a child who can defend himself, than in the one who is taunted as a sissy. We strive to produce children who will become successful, not servants. Mother Teresa or Billy Graham are people whom we lavish praise upon, but they are not the role models that we would pick for our children. The world mourns when a brilliant mind announces that she would like to become an overseas missionary, rather than pursue a more lucrative profession.

In a pig-like existence, status and material wealth are treasured far above a relationship with God. Most people (even some Christians) act like they believe that God’s only offer of hope, comes after death. A pig lives for today, and unfortunately so do we, when we exclude God from our lives. A relationship with God can be obscured by the sights, sounds and smells of the sty that we choose to confine ourselves to. Most pigs live in confined areas. They have no real freedom and are content to rely upon someone else to provide food and water. Which existence is really free; life in a pen defined by society or freedom to roam with the shepherd?

In the Old Testament, God declared pigs to be unclean animals, meaning it was unlawful for them to be kept or eaten. One clear lesson we learn from this separation, is that God did not want his people to consume (take into our bodies) that which he declared unclean. He did not say that pigs were ugly and should be avoided. Pigs can be washed before they are eaten so their living environment played no role in the ban. God was teaching a principle to Israel, to respect the boundaries which he had established. It is a lesson that we strive to unlearn today. When God establishes a ban on certain types of activity, we need to respect those boundaries. Tolerance and inclusiveness should not be part of our daily walk when it comes to sin. We are to love and respect the individual who is caught up in sin, but we should never condone and bless what God has clearly shown us to be wrong.

Pigs, like snakes, are not evil or dirty animals that need to be eradicated from the face of the earth. They have a purpose and a place in the balance of nature that God has established on Earth. People were not born for the purpose of living in sin. Sin is a daily choice in the direction that we choose to walk. We are in bondage to sin (without Christ) and cannot free ourselves. A pig can wear a coat made of wool, but it can never be declared a sheep. Humans can strive to be good without Christ, but they will never be declared good by a righteous God. It would take a supernatural act to change a pig into a sheep. It takes God to transform sinful man into something that is acceptable in His eyes.

Solomon (Prov. 11:12) said, that a beautiful woman without discretion, is like a gold ring through a swine’s snout. God shows us that the physical package which covers the inner spirit can be deceiving. When God looks upon a person, He is not concerned with outer beauty, but rather the heart which drives that person. The small token of physical beauty, does not cover (what is in God’s eyes) a pig like existence. When God looks upon an individual, he also sees the potential for good that the person possesses. Through the Holy Spirit, God calls out to every person, seeking reconciliation and a relationship. God will not force Himself upon an individual; the choice for eternal life is made by the individual. The choice is made by the acceptance of a free gift which was already bought and paid for.

God rebuked Israel through Isaiah (Isa. 65:2-4), for eating swine. Israel began to slip in their special relationship with God. They ignored his command to refrain from eating pork. Eating pork was not the sole transgression which Israel committed. The eating of this particular type of food was a barometer of Israel’s relationship toward God. They had forsaken their relationship and slipped further into sin. They were worshiping false gods and involving themselves in practices which were sinful in God’s eyes. The same holds true for us today, we are lost in sin because we violated a multitude of God’s laws, not just one. When we are not in a proper relationship with God, we will be in violation of all of his commandments.

Jesus warned us about casting pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6). If you throw a string of pearls into a pig sty, they will either be stomped into the mud, or ripped apart by one of the residents. Pigs will show no appreciation for anything of value which is placed in front of them. If you stand in the sty waiting for a pig to show some sign of appreciation for what you have done, you are in danger of being attacked. Pigs will not express gratitude, because they have no appreciation for things of real value. People whose lives are tangled by sin, will show no appreciation for the things on which God places value. When we indulge in sinful practices, we show no appreciation for our lives on which God places great value. Sexual sins defile our lives and open avenues for Aids, Herpes or Hepatitis. Jealousy, hatred, fighting, selfishness and other pig like qualities, work in direct opposition to what God would do in an individual’s life. A sow that has been washed, will return to mire from which it came (II Peter 2:22). People can temporarily try to clean up various aspects of their lives. Many times in my pre-Christian life, I focused on areas of my life which needed cleansing. In almost every instance, in a relatively short period of time I was covered by those same sins. It is not enough to make superficial changes in our lives, because it doesn’t change the nature of the beast. The nature of a pig is to live like a pig. Pigs do not desire anything beyond the company of other pigs, an adequate food supply, and some mud to soothe their skin. The nature of a sinner causes them to seek nothing more in life than the company of other sinners, and that which will enable them to live out their existence in relative comfort. Any thoughts they have toward a creator must fit the lifestyle which they choose to live. They attempt to create gods in their own image, so that their thoughts and actions can be justified, thus requiring no change.

Periods of reflection sometimes reveal the sinfulness of our lives, as well as the need for real change. This change is only possible though a relationship with Jesus Christ. Sober reflection reveals only the tip of an iceberg of sin. Even if self cleansing were possible, our pig like nature, would only lead us back to the sty.

If you truly seek real change in your life, it can be accomplished by a relationship with a very real savior. Because of years of ingrained habits, change is not always easy or immediate. God is the one who empowers a change of nature. Change requires a willingness to allow it to occur. One of the keys to change, is the revelation of just how far our sins have taken us from the loving embrace of the Father. Much like the prodigal son, we must realize how far we have traveled from home. The prodigal son was willing to eat slop which was intended for pigs. An unrepentant heart is willing to live life on a level far below that which God had intended for us.

If in your life, you once knew what it was like to have a relationship with God, a return to his grace and love is possible. Real peace and contentment can only be realized by a return to the Father, through Jesus Christ. Many people who have left the nurture of God, seeking their own existence, later blame God for the choices they have made. Honest reflection on one’s life will reveal the folly of living life on our terms. We can shift blame for the "breaks in our lives", or we can even deny the very existence of God. In the end however, God is still God, and there are consequences for the things which we have said and done. We will have to give an account of why we did not accept the gift which was offered for us. If our application for citizenship into Heaven is denied, it is not on the basis of God’s rejection of us, but rather our rejection of Him. As was the case with the prodigal son, a return to a saving relationship with God is possible because he is our loving and compassionate Father. We must return before forgiveness can be extended. If we delay our return, we risk losing everything. No one knows for certain how long they will live, nor the hour of Jesus’ return. Only when one of these two events occurs, will it be "too late" for an individual.

If you have never had a close, personal relationship with God, there is great news for you also. All around you are witnesses for Christ, who can testify to the goodness of a surrendered life to God. Becoming a Christian is the only case that I know where surrender leads to victory. Surrender during time of war means defeat. Soldiers who surrender must give up their weapons and yield to the mercy of their captors. Survival and the quality of life for each prisoner, can range from brutality and death, to regimented institutions of confinement. A person who surrenders his life to Christ is guaranteed a place in Heaven, and admission into the family of God. There is no greater recorded act of forgiveness as this. Unlike a wartime surrender, there is no preferential treatment for certain prisoners. Race, economic background or heroic service for the enemy, will not lessen or increase your position in God’s family. God is just and fair, he remains just as advertized . . . not a respecter of persons.