How To Examine A Religion that claims to be Christian by John Hutchinson “Read our Books” “You mustn’t think for yourself” “We must listen to Mr X” “This will happen” “It’s somewhere in the future” How To Examine a Religion that claims to be Christian Who would think that behind the friendly faces promises of a better world, guides to health or claims to know the future, could lurk the dangers of mind control, loss of individuality and family breakup. True Christianity liberates. It introduces us to the love of God, the person of Jesus — the experience of forgiveness and salvation in Him. It brings a deep sense of peace and a warm desire to serve God and our fellow human beings. It responds to our deepest need in the most fulfilling way. Unfortunately, there are religions that appear to be the real thing, that advertise and knock on doors with powerful persuasion. While claiming to teach from the Bible they will exploit your spiritual interest and seek to steal your freedom to think for yourself. Strict codes of conformity make it difficult to break free. Recovery from the fear and trauma of leaving exclusive religious groups is a long, lonely, hard road. You owe it to yourself, your family and friends, to check out any belief system that presents itself - For when things go wrong with religion others suffer as well. Families have been divided and relationships broken. Some groups insist on divorce when only one partner of a marriage joins. Those belonging to the group are forbidden to marry outside its membership. How then, can the ordinary person know? You can know. You can avoid the hazards by following the simple clues set out in this article. Read them carefully. They are valuable guides for your well being. Jesus, himself, warned of deceptive false prophets who look like sheep but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15. Exclusiveness ––– ‘We have the truth.’ Back off from those who claim to exclusively represent God. Some say their particular group is God’s visible organisation on earth and then categorize all others into one convenient conglomerate as ‘Babylon the Great.’ GOD DOES NOT HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE ORGANISATION! –– the word organization isn’t in the Bible. If only one group is right— then others who assert the same, have to be wrong. Despite that, each group will adamantly insist that they are the only true religion. The Bible excludes all exclusionists. The Bible says: ‘For God shows no partiality but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’ Acts 10:34. Read Revelation 19:1,7:9, John 3:16. Do these verses refer to an exclusive group? By no means. Ask the religious zealot if he or she believes that they have the only true religion. Make sure you get a truthful answer, as some are good at evasion and even lying. Those who claim to be ‘the only’ ones, have actually removed themselves from God. A single sign ––– Exclusive sects often appeal to a particular feature, which they say identifies them as the true religion. One group says, ‘but we are the ones who use the name ‘Jehovah’ as the name for God. Another says: ‘But we keep the seventh day.’ Whatever it is, don’t be conned by the single sign. Incidentally, the word ‘Jehovah’ is not the correct name for God and was only translated as such during the 16th century, by a Catholic monk. Furthermore, the tetragrammaton from which it is taken doesn’t once appear in the New Testament. New Testament translations in which the word ‘Jehovah’ appears are dishonest to the Greek text. Further to that, Jesus never addressed God the Father as ‘Jehovah’ or anything like it. He constantly used ‘Father’ and taught his disciples to address God as ‘Father.’ He said, ‘When you pray say, ‘Our Father, etc.’ God’s name is holy. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Holy is Thy name.’ It is disrespectful even to call our earthly parents by name. Disrespect for Government BEWARE of religion that disallows: * voting * recognition of the flag * singing the National Anthem, etc. True Christians respect government and its institutions. Jesus said, ‘Render to Caesar (Government) the things that are Caesar’s. Mark 12:17. ‘Therefore submit yourself to every ordinance of man for Lord’s sake, whether to king as supreme, or to governors.’ 1 Peter 2:13-14. ‘Honour the king’. 1 Peter 2:17. (Take time to read Romans 13:1-7) Failed predictions In 1968 Herbert W. Armstrong, and son, Garner Ted, sensationally headlined a booklet with these words: “Today, Chaos! Tomorrow, the World erupts into Peace! Today, the threat of human extinction! ‘Tomorrow, Utopia grips the Earth! ‘Where will you be, ten years from now? You can know what’s going to happen. In this booklet, you are going to take an astonished look into the world as it will be in just ten or fifteen short years. It’s going to sound INCREDIBLE to you - yet it is SURE! This advanced news of Tomorrow is accurate! It is as certain as the rising of tomorrow’s sun.’ (The Wonderful World Tomorrow p. 2-3). “Tomorrow’s sun” has long since set on this sensational prediction. MILLIONS WERE DECEIVED! Millions more were deceived by the Watchtower Society’s sensational announcements, especially relating to 1914, 1925 and 1975. For many years, Jehovah’s Witnesses taught that the ‘end’ would come within one generation of 1914. Here’s what they said: ‘But there are people still living who were alive in 1914 and saw what was happening then and who were old enough that they still remember those events. This generation is getting up in years now ––– yet Jesus very pointedly said: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” Some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. This means that only a short time is left before the end comes.’ (Written in 1968). ‘After drawing attention to the many things that have marked the period from 1914 onward, Jesus said: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things (including the end of this system) occur.” Which generation did Jesus mean? He meant the generation of people who were living in 1914. Those persons yet remaining of that generation are now very old. However, some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. So of this we can be certain: Shortly now there will be a sudden end to all wickedness and wicked people at Armageddon.’ (Written in 1982 — “You Can live Forever in Paradise on Earth”) ‘Counting from October 607 B.C., the “seven-times” of 2,500 years brings us down to early October 1914, when Jesus’ great prophecy on “the conclusion of the system of things” started to be fulfilled. Reliable information in God’s Word is the basis of this conclusion, which the Watchtower magazine has been championing for more than a 100 years.’ (Let your Kingdom Come. p.137) Unfortunately, time has shown that the Watchtower society actually championed error and deception. Their founder, Charles Taze Russell set down 1914 as the time of the end. When that failed other interpretations came out which said that Christ came invisibly and that ‘the end’ would occur within a generation of 1914. Christadelphians have perhaps notched up more failed predictions than others. Their founder, John Thomas, blundered badly. Most of his forecasts failed — and some before his own eyes. He didn’t live to see the result of his dogmatic forecast for 1905. His successor, Robert Roberts, predicted wildly and claimed that Christ would return by 1910 AD. Perhaps their most embarrassing failure came with world lecturer, C.P. Wauchope, whose forecasts were recorded in Hansard, Federal Parliament of Australia. (Copies are available on request) Wauchope predicted that ‘Armageddon’ would occur in the year 1934 and that Christ would return in the same year. He further predicted that there would be no war in the Pacific. In troubled times oppressive groups who claim special insight into Bible prophecy can easily exploit those who are anxious about the future. Remember that groups are quick to cover up on failed prediction. They sometimes re-interpret them, delete key sentences or reprint the books without the prediction as Armstrong did. The Bible requires 100% accuracy for predictions. See Deuteronomy 18:20-22. Just one false prophecy indicates false religion. Additional Books Religion has almost submerged us in books — some of which impose upon the Bible. I read a book once called ‘Key to the Understanding of the Scriptures.’ (H.P. Mansfield) It wasn’t a key — it was more like a bayonet in your back! — telling you how to interpret the Bible. Many claim to follow the Bible and sometimes feature the open Bible on the cover of their publications but what they actually follow is the dictates of other books that interpret the Bible to them. Consider these claims: `If such works as “Elpis Israel” and “Eureka” are neglected, an essential foundation for individual research and investigation is lacking.’ (Christadelphian Standards p. 104). ‘. . . not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if any lays the SCRIPTURE STUDIES (writings of Charles Taze Russell) aside and goes to the Bible alone, although he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness.’ (The Watch Tower, 15/9/1910, page 298). Another blasphemous statement comes from the ‘The Christadelphian Instructor.’ Referring to the books of its ‘Pioneers’, it states: ‘These are the books that should find first place in our bookcase. These books reveal to us, as no other writings in existence do, the way of salvation — they enlighten and create faith ––– unfold to us the wonderful depth and beauty of divine revelation ––– solve problems and thresh out difficulties which perplex and baffle the ordinary man — reach an altitude in understanding which none of us — can ever expect to reach. Emphatically we can say of the authors of these books, “These men are the servants of the most high God, who show us the way of salvation.” (The Christadelphian Instructor — Logos Publications p. 53). When they say, ‘But you need these books to understand the Bible.’ Put on your running shoes! The Bible says, ‘The entrance of your Word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.’ (Psalm 119:30). How then, can the Watchtower Society say that reading the Bible alone, will take you into darkness? Could it be that they know their own errors will be exposed? In the N.T. the apostle Peter exhorts us, ‘As new born babes desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.’ 1 Pet 2:2. Dairy farmers know how calves thrive on pure milk. Don’t feed your mind contamination – read the Bible for yourself. Avoid the ‘authoritative’, dogmatic literature that imposes itself upon the Bible. Let the Bible speak for itself! If you haven’t read the Bible, start with the four gospels and then other New Testament books. God wants us to read His Word. ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may by perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ 2 Timothy 3:16. Books to avoid Writings of Herbert W. Armstrong, –– The Book of Mormon, Elpis Israel and other writings of John Thomas and Robert Roberts; writings of Ellen G. White, Watchtower publications, Philadelphia Trumpet, Christian Science Monitor and writings of Mary Baker Eddy, etc. A classic example of extra-biblical authority is the statement in the Philadelphia Trumpet magazine of July 1994: ‘Go back and study Mr Armstrong’s booklets and books. They are an anchor to our spiritual lives. Mr Armstrong is our primary human connection to God in this end time.’ (Page 11). How blasphemous! THE BIBLE, ALONE is GOD’S authority. JESUS CHRIST IS OUR SPIRITUAL ANCHOR — NOT Herbert Armstrong or any other cultic figure! Consider this one from the Mormons: ‘Pray earnestly to know that the Book of Mormon is true.’ (Study Guide 1 p.6). The Bible exhorts us to ‘contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.’ Jude 3. You can and should read the Bible for yourself. A person who left an exclusive group shared recently how she and her husband decided to read the Bible for themselves. She couldn’t believe it was the same book, now that she could read it freely. There is not another testament of Jesus Christ! Revering men Many groups refer to a person who claimed to have rediscovered long lost truth or received a ‘special revelation.’ Consider the following from the Philadelphia Church of God: ‘We must listen to Mr. Armstrong’ — Mr. Armstrong is our vital link with God.’ (Philadelphia Trumpet). The veneration of Herbert W. Armstrong approximates that of the Pope who is told by the officiating cardinal at his coronation, ‘. . . and know that thou art the Father of Princes and Kings, Ruler of the World, the vicar of our Saviour Jesus Christ –––’ The New York Catechism says: ‘The Pope takes the place of Jesus Christ on earth –––He is the true vicar of Christ, the head of the entire church, the father and teacher of all Christians. He is the infallible ruler, the founder of dogmas, the author and judge of councils; the universal ruler of truth, the supreme judge of heaven and earth, the judge of all, being judged by no one, God himself on earth.’ Such statements are profane. Jesus Christ is ‘our vital link with God.’ The Bible says, ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.’ 1 Tim 2:3-6. Herbert W. Armstrong claimed that the Christian message was lost for nineteen centuries and recovered by him in 1934. The Mormons state that Joseph Smith re-instated the true church, the church of the Latter Day Saints. Robert Roberts wrote of John Thomas, founder of the Christadelphians, ‘But for John Thomas, those who now rejoice in the truth, would still have been sitting, like the rest of the world, in “darkness and the shadow of death.” Beware of any who claim to be the one who recovered long lost truth, or who avow to be the vital link between God and men along with any veneration of a human figurehead — be they TV-evangelists, founders of movements or heads of organisations. Remember: Jesus Christ is the head of the church — the one mediator between God and men. Hatred Religious hatred can exceed all hatred. Superficial love often conceals a deep loathing of others. This should never be. Jesus said, ‘By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ John 13:35. I remember a young couple who came to our church. The girl had been involved in the Herbert W. Armstrong cult. After a year she said, ‘This is astounding, I’ve been attending your fellowship all this time and haven’t once heard a criticism of other churches or groups.’ She went on to say that in Armstrongism she had been sickened by the hatred and scathing swipes at others. A cult tactic is to lump all other religions into a single bag and label it ‘Babylon the Great’ and deride it until their recruit develops hatred for everything spiritual apart from the brainwashing cult. Be alert for cynicism and criticism. Recently I read a publication of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, which instigated scathing hatred against churches. (From ‘Revelation — Its Grand Climax’). This book was for the established JW. Their publications for the unconverted conceal their loathing of Christians. Perhaps the vilest language came from John Thomas who founded the Christadelphians. So putrid were his denunciations that his disciple, Robert Roberts, wrote to him about it. Nevertheless, he too, succumbed to foul language. True Christians love one another. Jesus said: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’ John 13:35. The Bible says: ‘God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.’ It says further: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16. If we have experienced God’s love in Jesus then we will be loving people. The Bible says, ‘We love because He first loved us.’ Loving enemies Jesus said, ‘But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.’ It’s easy to love those who love us. The big test is how well do we love those who don’t like us. Deferred Salvation Have you ever seen greyhounds chasing the fake hare? Some religions are like that ––– keeping their followers in pursuit of a distant reward that they are never sure of getting. Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that after this life, one has to enter a 1,000 year judgment period and then after that, endure a holocaust to see if ‘Jehovah’ will accept them. John Thomas used an unscriptural term, ‘Probation,’ to describe his ideas of deferred reward. For him, belief and baptism was merely a starting point ––– a bit like a down payment on a car. If you defaulted at any point you could lose everything. Consider this statement from a Christadelphian publication: ‘ask anyone you know (among Christadelphians) — “Will you be in the kingdom of God?” Ask that question point blank, and require a point blank answer: Yes, or No — and you will not get it. There will be swithering, hesitation, an expression of pious hope maybe, or more likely of doubt with even a flavour of despair, but not from anyone, a straight “Yea, yea” or “Nay, nay.’(Reformation H. Whittaker P 132) The Bible teaches that ‘salvation’ is a free gift of God that cannot be earned. See Ephesians 2:8-9. It also says, ‘Behold, now is the day of salvation.’ 2 Corinthians 6:2. To the repented Zachaeus Jesus said, ‘This day is salvation come to his house.’ Luke 19:9 True Christianity is a ‘ now’ experience. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ enter an exciting relationship with God in their daily lives. Note these assurances from the Bible: ‘Beloved NOW are we the sons of God.’ 1 John 3:2 ‘Behold, NOW is the accepted time: behold, NOW is the day of salvation.’ 2 Corinthians 6:2 ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.’ Ephesians 1:3 ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ Ephesians 1:3,7. God wants us to be saved now. That’s why Jesus came — to suffer and die for us. Jesus died for our sins so that we can be accepted now. Jesus said: ‘I came that they might have life and have it in all its fullness.’ John 10:10. Some time ago a boat with three fishermen on board overturned in South Australia’s “Backstairs Passage”. Two were powerful swimmers and left the other screaming in the darkness. However, all three made it. While the two got to shore exhausted, bruised and grazed from waves tossing them against rocks the other was safe. Others had heard the screams and came to where he was and lifted him out of the water into a lifeboat. The critical question is:— are you in the lifeboat—or are you swimming? You cannot get to God by your own effort. But why swim when God’s lifeboat is there with Jesus — his hand extended to lift you into his eternal security? Jesus said, ‘The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’ Luke 19:10 Jesus put it ever so simply in the parable of the shepherd who lost a sheep from his flock. He left the remaining 99 to search for the missing one. Jesus said, ‘And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home he calls his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, which was lost.” See Luke 15:1-7 That is salvation. Jesus rescuing his lost sheep. In the moment that he finds it the sheep is secure. It is misleading to suggest that you have to prove yourself over a long period before God will accept you. God accepts us as we are and where we are. The thing that we need to understand is that Jesus died for our sins. What does that mean? It means that he accepted the responsibility of our failures and paid our debt in such a way that nothing is owing. When my daughter was caught for speeding, I paid the fine. Once I paid it, my daughter was free. The Bible says that ‘there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.’ Romans 8:1. Enslavement of people How many find themselves slavishly following the dictates of a religious group — knocking on doors for a given number of hours and selling magazines and training for several nights per week. It’s not until inside the group that we discover its demands. Some condemn individual thought and questioning of their religion. The Bible, however, tells us to ‘Prove all things.’ It also says, ‘Let God be true and every man a liar.’ Some groups subtly program the mind to exclude outside challenge. They tell their victims that the Devil will send opposition. When someone then questions the group’s teaching they think, ‘Wow! They said the Devil would try and divert me,’ and then fast-track into the cult. Its easy to join but hard to leave. Some insist on a spouse divorcing their partner if he or she refuses to join. The fear of what may happen if they leave keeps many in exclusive groups. In some cases to leave will mean being scorned, not only by former group members, but also by the immediate family if they too are cult members. This is contrary to what the Bible directs. Listen to these pertinent words: ‘. . . and all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation: To whit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses against them; and has committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation.’ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 To those who are fearful about exiting an exclusive group be aware that help is available. Financial Accountability Religion is big business these days and one needs to watch for exploitation. Too many religious leaders have basked in wealth and some exposed for fraud. Every member of religious societies should receive audited financial statements. See 1 Tim 6:3-11 You should have access to how much the group receives, how much it spends and where it is spent. How To Be a True Christian True Christianity is simple to understand and helps us to live in the most fulfilling way. It’s not religion at all. It’s knowing God as a friend. The reason for our being here is to know God personally. God made us with special faculties so that we can know him. Jesus said, ‘I have called you friends.’ John 15:15. When we become Christians God adopts us as His children. See Galatians 4:4-7, 1 John 3:2. Further to that, we experience a rebirth — an inward coming alive. See John 3:3-8 To become a Christian you need to repent of your sin and believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who loved you and died for your sins upon the cross and rose from the dead. Listen to the promises of the Bible: ‘That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved — for the same Lord is lord of all and richly blesses those who call on him, for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 It didn’t say, ‘You might have a chance,’ or, ‘You could be saved.’ It said, ‘You shall be saved.’ Believing in the heart is the thing. This is a deep and sincere belief. We may know very little about God or the Bible. This is not so much intellectual belief as humble acknowledgement of who Jesus is and what he’s done for us. Maybe that’s too simple for some. They think that you need to do more to earn salvation. There’s a stubborn part to our nature that says, ‘I’ll do it my way.’ Sorry, but it doesn’t work. Salvation is a free gift of God. (Romans 6:23) — given freely to those who are humble enough to admit that they are sinners and who believe that Jesus died for them and rose from the dead. That is why the Bible says: ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith ––– and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God ––– not by works, so that no one can boast.’ Ephesians 2: 8-9 What does God do when he saves you? a) He forgives all your sins. Every sin that haunts the conscience is forgiven. What a relief to know that we’re forgiven! Could anything be more liberating? God gives us a clean sheet ––– a new start. b) He makes us right. They call this justification. It simply means, ‘I’m in the clear –––I cannot be condemned.’ The Bible says, ‘Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Jesus Christ who died --- more than that, who was raised to life --- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.’ Rom 8:33-34 c) He gives us his Spirit. Something happens in us when we become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says, ‘Because you are sons, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son: and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.’ Galations 4:6-7 From this point on we call God ‘Father.’ Jesus told us to address God as ‘Father.’ ‘If any one belongs to Christ,’ says the Bible, ‘He is a new creation; old things pass away and all things become new.’ 2 Corinthians 5:17 New Things The Bible says, ‘We love because he first loved us.’ 1 John 4:19. Once we experience God’s love, we want to love everyone. Love is listed first in the fruits of the Spirit. See Galations 5:22-23 In Romans 5:5 we read that ‘the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us.’ Giving Jesus first place. ‘That in all things he might have the pre-eminence.’ Colossians 1:18 Does the religion tell about Jesus? — making Him central in everything. Does He have first place? Does it worship Him? Listen to these great words from Philippians 2:9-11 ‘Wherefore God has highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.’ The Bible says: ‘But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.’ 2 Peter 3:18 The apostle Paul said, ‘For me to live is Christ.’ Philippians 1:21. ‘The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’ Galations 2:20 ‘I count all things but loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him.’ Philippians 3:7-9 When he wrote to the Corinthians he said, ‘For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.’ 1 Cor 2:2 Why is Jesus so important? Because ‘— there is salvation in no other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’ Acts 4:12 Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.’ John 14:6 THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS ‘And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain and your faith is also vain. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God.’ 1Cor 15:14-15 True Christian faith is based on the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Jesus said that he would raise his body. See John 2:19-21. After his resurrection the astonished disciples thought that they had seen a spirit. Jesus said: “See my hands and my, feet, that I am he; handle me, and be convinced; For a Spirit has not flesh and bones as you perceive me to have. And having said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.’ Luke 24:37- The disciple Thomas, who met the risen Jesus, at a later point had said, ‘If I do not see in his hands the impression of the nails, and put my finger into the impression of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will by no means believe.’ ‘. . . Afterwards he says to Thomas, “Reach here thy finger, and behold my hands, and put it into my side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:25-28. Religion is often a hindrance to knowing God. What’s the difference? It is this: Religion focuses on what we do to be accepted by God whereas true Christianity pays attention to what God has done for us in giving his only Son to die for us and save us. Unfortunately, many get it wrong and think that they can only expect salvation after a lifetime of good works. They think that it depends on them. Listen to what the Bible teaches: ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.’ Ephesians 2:8-9 God saves for good works not by good works. How unsettling it would be wondering if we’ve done enough or are good enough. The good news is that Jesus has done all for us when he died and rose again. ‘To everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat.’ Isaiah 55:1 True Christianity is knowing the risen and living Jesus Christ and following Him. Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.’ John 10:14. In verses 27-28 he said, ‘My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me: and I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.’ Shepherds loved their sheep and cared for them deeply. God cares for you more than any other could. He wants to be part of your life and help you in all you do. If you would like to know more about the wonderful experience of knowing God or have any questions about what I have written, please feel free to contact me. John Hutchinson, PO Box, 1053, Victor Harbor,` South Australia 5211 Email: johnhutc@iinet.net.au. Web Site: www.trutheternal.org Books by the same author: “What they said Would Happen” An exposè on failed Christadelphian Predictions. “Who is Jesus Christ?” Jesus is not:— an Apparition, an Angel, a Created Being, an Exalted Man or a God manifestation. Jesus is LORD! About the author. John Hutchinson was born at Inman Valley in South Australia. In his youth he encountered the powerful influences of various religious sects. His research and understanding has helped some who have been hurt and others who have been confused by oppressive religion. John is a Baptist lay preacher and has a Diploma in Divinity (MCD). He lives with his wife Athalie, in the South Australian city of Victor Harbor.