Can I Know If I'll Go to Heaven When I Die?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Apr 18, 2015
Q: Now that I'm older, I think about heaven all the time, but I'm afraid I won't go there when I die. I know I haven't been perfect, so maybe God won't let me in. How can I know? Or do I have to wait until I die? -- N.M.

A: Salvation isn't a game of chance; God doesn't want us to sit around constantly wondering if we're going to go to heaven when we die. Instead, He wants us to know -- really know -- that we will go to be with Him in heaven forever. And we can know, once we understand what God has already done to make our salvation possible.

You see, you and I have a problem that can be summed up in one word: sin. God is absolutely holy and perfect, and even one sin -- just one -- would be enough to keep us out of heaven. That's why we can never be saved by our own good works, no matter how hard we try. As the Bible says, "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10).

But God loves us in spite of our sin, and because He loves us has provided another way for us to be saved. That way is Jesus Christ. He was without sin (for He was God in human flesh), but on the cross, all our sins were placed on Him, and He died in our place. Now God offers us salvation as a free gift -- free, because Christ has already paid for it.

Accept that gift by turning to Jesus Christ and trusting Him alone for your salvation. When you do, He'll come to live within you, and someday He'll take you to heaven. God's promise is for you: "The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

How Do We Get Our New Neighbors to Our Church?

By Billy Graham

Apr 16, 2015
Q: A young couple just moved into an apartment near us. We invited them to our church, but they said they aren't interested in religion and prefer to keep their weekends free. How do you get through to people like this? -- Mrs. M.R.

A: I'm thankful you're concerned about this couple, and that you want to help them build their lives on a solid foundation of faith. Many young people today are just like they are -- morally and spiritually adrift, and yet not even aware of it. The Bible warns us against being "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4).

Although they've rebuffed your invitation to attend church, go out of your way to be friendly and interested in them (without appearing nosy or overbearing). Ask God to give you a genuine love for them, and to be the best friends you can possibly be. Do others see Christ in you -- in your love, your patience, your peace, your joy, your helpfulness? Our most effective witness often isn't what we say, but what we are and what we do. The Bible says, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders.... Let your conversation be always full of grace" (Colossians 4:5-6).

The most important thing you can do for this couple, however, is to pray for them. Only God can open their eyes to His truth, and only God can show them the emptiness of their lives and draw them to Christ. The Bible says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

The greatest gift we can ever offer someone is the same gift God has given us -- the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Ask God to make you a "gift-bearer" to those around you. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

Will More Prayer Solve My Wife's Depression?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Apr 15, 2015
Q: My wife seems to be getting more and more depressed. A friend of hers says she just needs to pray more and have more faith, but I'm not sure if that's right. Is depression just a spiritual problem, like her friend says? -- J.W.

A: Sometimes depression does result from spiritual problems, and if so, they need to be faced and confessed, and brought to God for forgiveness and healing. After King David committed the sin of adultery, he fell into a deep depression that affected him both mentally and physically -- until he repented. He later wrote, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away" (Psalm 32:3).

However, depression can have many other causes. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist, of course, but I know of cases that came about because of chemical or hormonal imbalances in the body, and were successfully treated when these imbalances were corrected. Other cases may develop due to worry or stress, or from emotional traumas that happened many years ago.

Whatever the cause of your wife's depression, I strongly urge you and your wife to seek professional help for her problem. Don't be ashamed or feel that you're somehow showing a lack of faith. If you had a broken bone you'd seek help -- and if you have a broken emotion you also should seek help. One place to begin would be with your family physician. If your wife needs counseling, your pastor may be able to direct you to someone who's both spiritually sensitive and professionally competent.

I know these are difficult days for you both, but do all you can to let your wife know you love her -- and so does God. The Bible says, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak" (Romans 15:1).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

Why Should I Bother With God?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Apr 10, 2015
Q: I don't really disbelieve in God, but I just don't think about God or religion or things like that. I have a very active and happy life, so why should I bother with God? -- N.P.

A: As I read your letter, I couldn't help but ask myself why you wrote it, if you're actually as happy and as indifferent toward God as you claim to be. Could it be that down inside you're beginning to doubt if you're as happy as you say you are?

I hope so, because the people in the most danger spiritually are the ones who don't think they need God. Like you, they may not disbelieve in God (although some do), but they just don't want anything to do with Him. Perhaps (again like you) they are happy and content, although others may be angry with God or determined to live a lifestyle they know He would make them change. Whatever their reason, however, they simply leave God out of their lives. The Bible calls them "foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear" (Jeremiah 5:21).

I pray you won't be deceived into thinking you don't need God, because you do. Where will you turn when life turns against you? To whom will you turn when illness strikes, or a relationship turns sour, or old age creeps up on you? Even in the decisions you face every day you need God's wisdom and strength to do what is right.

But even more crucial, some day you will die and face God, and then it will be too late. Don't let that happen to you, but turn to Christ and make Him the foundation of your life, beginning today. You'll never regret it.

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

How Will the World End?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Apr 9, 2015
Q: How will the world come to an end, according to the Bible? I worry about things like nuclear war, asteroids crashing into the earth, and things like that. Is this the way the world will end? -- Mrs. L.T.

A: The Bible doesn't say exactly how the world will come to an end, but it does stress that someday this will happen, and when it does, the destruction will be total and absolute. The Bible says, "That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat" (2 Peter 3:12).

But the Bible says two other things that are equally important. First, it tells us that this will happen only at God's command, and in God's time. Wars may rage; power-hungry despots may terrorize; accidents and natural disasters may destroy, but the future is in God's hands, and He alone will bring an end to the world.

Second, the Bible tells us that the end of the world -- will not be the end! God will create a new world, one that's perfect and free from sin, sickness, death and fear. "In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). All this is possible because of Christ's victory over death and hell.

Don't live in constant fear of the future. Instead, by faith put your life and your future into Christ's hands. He alone is our hope, and He alone is our security. The Bible says, "Neither the present nor the future... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

Will God Help Me Be Less Weak?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Apr 7, 2015
Q: I admit I often get in trouble because I let myself get talked into going along with the crowd, even when I know what they're doing is wrong. Why can't I ever say no? I wish I wasn't such a weak person. -- K.H.

A: As you've discovered, going along with the crowd is seldom wise and will easily lead you astray (even if the "crowd" is only one other person). This is why the Bible bluntly warns, "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers" (Proverbs 4:14).

Have you ever asked yourself why you give in so easily to the crowd's pressure? Only you can answer this, of course, but I suspect the main reason is because you don't want them to reject you or make fun of you. Instead, you want to be accepted and liked, and the best way to do this (you think) is to agree with them and go along with whatever they're doing. To put it another way, you yearn for their friendship. But what kind of "friends" are they if they constantly get you in trouble and don't care what happens to you?

Instead, I urge you to find a new friend -- and that friend is Jesus. He loves you, and (unlike your present "friends") He deeply cares what happens to you. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you, so you could be with Him in heaven forever. By a simple prayer of faith confess your sins to Him and ask Him to come into your life.

Then ask Him to help you find new friends -- those who love Christ and will help you grow in your faith. Above all, make it your goal to please Christ, and not the crowd.

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1--(877) 2--GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

What Difference Does Giving Your Life to God Make?

Apr 6, 2015

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Q: If someone gives their life to God, what difference is it supposed to make? My aunt claims she gave her life to Jesus recently, but I can't tell that she's changed any. She's just as hard to get along with as she ever was. -- J.S.W.

A: Only God knows if your aunt has truly turned her life over to Christ, but I sincerely hope she has, because over time He will help her become a better and more agreeable person. The Bible says, "For it is God who works in you... to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).

This may not happen overnight, but it will happen, because we're never the same once we give our lives to Christ. Why is this? One reason is because God Himself comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit. We may not even be aware of His presence, but He is still there, convicting us of our sins and helping us become more like Christ. The Bible says, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26).

Even when we come to Christ, our old sinful nature is still alive, trying to pull us away from Christ and to live only for ourselves. Old habits die hard, but when we know Christ, they will die! We'll begin to realize that Christ didn't die and rise again just to take us to heaven (although that is a tremendous truth). He also came to change our lives right now, and He will, as we turn to Him and seek His help.

Pray for your aunt, that she'll become the kind and loving person God wants her to be, with His help. But face too your own need for Christ's forgiveness and new life, and by faith turn your life over to Him.

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

What Would You Tell a Non-Christian About Easter?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Apr 2, 2015
Q: I'm a graduate student here in America, but I don't come from a Christian country. What is your holiday of Easter? Is it religious, or is it like a festival we have in my own country celebrating the arrival of spring? -- V.Z.S.

A: Easter does not mark the arrival of spring, nor is it simply meant to give us a break from work or school (although many see it this way). Instead, Easter celebrates what Christians believe is the most important event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

According to the Bible (which I hope you'll read for yourself), Jesus Christ was more than a great religious teacher or worker of miracles. The Bible says He was God in human flesh, who came into the world to make it possible for us to go to heaven when we die.

He did this by becoming the final and complete sacrifice for our sins. Jesus was without sin, but when He died, something happened that's almost beyond comprehension: all our sins were transferred to Him, and He took upon Himself the judgment we deserve. Because of Christ, we can be cleansed of our sins and given the gift of eternal life. How do we know this is true? We know it because Jesus came back to life by the power of God, and even now He sits at the right hand of God in heaven.

I hope you'll learn more about Jesus during your time here. But most of all, I pray you'll discover who He really is and how much He loves you, and then commit your life to Him. Jesus said, "This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

Why Did Everyone Turn Against Jesus So Quickly?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Apr 1, 2015

Q: Why was Jesus very popular one day, and just a few days later everyone turned against Him and demanded He be crucified? Why did they become so hostile? -- D.C.

A: One reason some people turned against Jesus is because He refused to become their king. In those days, the Jewish nation was under the brutal control of the Roman Empire, and some hoped Jesus would lead a revolt and take political control. But Jesus refused, because God had sent Him into the world to become a different kind of king -- one who would rule over our hearts and minds. As He told Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36).

But others turned against Jesus because they refused to believe He was who He claimed to be: the divine Savior, sent from heaven to save us from our sins. They knew that if He really was the Savior, then they'd have to repent and change their ways, and they didn't want to do this. Even in the last hours before His condemnation and death, the crowd demanded that a notorious murderer be freed, and that Jesus be put to death in his place (see Luke 23:18-25).

The real issue, however, is this: Why do people still turn against Jesus? By His resurrection (which we'll celebrate in only a few days) He proved beyond all doubt that He is the Savior, sent by God to make our forgiveness possible -- yet millions still ignore Him and reject Him every day.

Don't be one of them. Instead, realize what Jesus did for you through His death and resurrection, and by faith give your life to Him. Jesus' promise is true: "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

Should I Quit Bothering God?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Mar 26, 2015
Q: For years I've begged and begged God to do something for me, but He never has. Maybe He's just tired of having me pester Him. Should I just quit trying, or what? -- Mrs. Y.L.

A: Sometimes God calls us to continue praying for something almost indefinitely, and we need to be sensitive to that calling. From time to time, for example, I get letters from wives or husbands who've prayed for their spouse for many years, and eventually have seen them come to Christ.

But sometimes God answers our prayer with a definite "No," and when that's the case, we shouldn't keep begging Him or demanding He give us a "Yes." Remember: God loves us and knows far better than we do what's best for us. I can recall times in my own life when God said "No" to something I prayed for, and to be honest, I sometimes found this hard to accept. Later, though, I realized God's way was far better than mine, and I was thankful He had said "No."

How can you know if God has said "No" to your prayer? Begin by asking yourself why you've prayed this prayer. Are you honestly seeking God's will in this situation. or are you only concerned about yourself and what will please you? God hasn't promised to answer every prayer we make; He's only promised to answer those that are in line with His will. The Bible says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).

Prayer is one of our greatest privileges when we know Christ. Have you confessed your sins and given your life to Him? Put Christ first in your life, and then pray that His will may be done "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

What Can I Tell My Friend About God?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Mar 25, 2015

Q: I've tried to talk to a friend of mine about God and Jesus, but she's never shown any interest. I finally got up enough courage to ask her why, and she admitted it was because she doesn't want God to mess with her life. What can I say to her? -- Mrs. J.D.

A: The most important thing you can do is to talk first to God about your friend. Only the Holy Spirit can convict her of her sins, and only the Holy Spirit can convince her of the truth of the Gospel. Before we ever talk with a person about Christ, we should first talk with Christ about that person.

What can you say to her? First, I suggest you commend her for being honest about herself. Yes, she's on the wrong road in life, but at least she's finally honest enough to admit which road she's on. Then encourage her to have the same honesty about the life she's living, and the consequences she'll face if she continues with it. Right now, she wants to run her own life, but where will that lead her? The Bible warns, "The way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction" (Proverbs 13:15).

Then ask God to help your friend see Christ in you. She may argue with your words, but she can't argue with your life, as you demonstrate Christ's patience and love and peace. Eventually she'll realize (if she's honest) that you have something she doesn't have -- and that "something" is Christ.

In addition, ask God to help you know when to speak with her about your faith in Christ. She needs to know that God loves her, and He wants what is best for her. Thank God for the opportunity He is giving you to share His love with her.

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

(c)2015 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Why Can't I Read the Bible?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency Mar 24, 2015

Q: I started reading the Bible a few weeks ago, but I got bogged down and finally put it aside. What was I doing wrong? Is the Bible just for a few special people who have spiritual insight? -- Mrs. K.W.  A: No, the Bible isn't just for a few special people but for everyone! God gave it to us, and He wants to speak to every one of us through its pages. This can happen if we approach it in the right way.  How can the Bible come alive for you? First, come to it with an open heart, asking God to remove any sins that would block its message, and help you to be open to what He wants to tell you. Every time you open the Bible, first ask God to help you understand what you'll be reading. Let Samuel's prayer become yours: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9).  Then come to the Bible with an open mind, asking God to help you understand what it says. Learn to ask questions as you read, such as: "What is happening in this passage? What does it tell me about God, or Jesus, or my spiritual needs? What does it say about how I should live, or what I should believe? What difference should this passage make in my life?" (Incidentally, I suggest you begin by reading one of the Gospels, such as John, instead of trying to start at the very beginning of the Bible.)  Finally, come to the Bible with an open will, asking God to help you apply its truth to your life. God wants to change us, and He'll use the Bible to do this. The Bible says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).  ========  (Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.) (c)2015 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Does God Like That I'm Successful?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency Mar 23, 2015

Q: Is it wrong to be successful and make lots of money and have nice things? My parents were always poor, and I don't want to be like that if I can help it. But maybe God doesn't want us to be successful. -- M.M. A: It's not necessarily wrong in God's eyes to be successful -- if we have the right motives. In fact, some of God's most dedicated servants in the Bible were men and women who were financially successful -- people like Abraham, Job and Lydia. Jesus' little band of disciples was supported financially by several people of wealth (see Luke 8:3). At the same time, the Bible repeatedly warns us against greed and covetousness, which are sins. When things become more important to us than God, we're in grave spiritual and moral danger. Instead of controlling our money and using it for good, our money begins to control us and causes great harm. Jesus warned, "No one can serve two masters.... You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). Greed not only hurts us, but it also makes us insensitive to the needs of others. Do you remember the story of King Ahab in the Old Testament? He already had all the wealth anyone could ever want, but he wanted more, and greedily coveted a vineyard belonging to a man named Naboth. Eventually he arranged for Naboth to be killed so he could get the vineyard. But Elijah condemned him: "You have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord" (1 Kings 21:20). Don't sell your soul to money or things. Instead, put your life and your abilities into Christ's hands, and ask Him to use you for His glory. The greatest wealth we can ever have is a heart filled with Christ. ======== ((Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.) (c)2015 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Why Should God Love Me?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency

Why Should God Love Me?

Feb 13, 2015 Q: I know you believe God loves us, but why should He? After all, the human race certainly isn't very lovable -- not if you read the headlines or look at the way most people live. If I were God, I think I'd just give up on us. -- J.V.

A: If God looked at us the same way we look at other people, then you'd be right: there's no logical reason why God should love us. Yes, some people are likeable, but others are very hard to like, and we certainly don't look on them as lovable.

But God isn't like we are! He sees all the sin and rebellion that go on in our lives, and yet He still loves us. That doesn't mean He isn't concerned about the sins we commit, because He is. But one reason He hates sin is because He knows the damage it causes in our lives -- and that grieves Him, because He loves us. Some of the most sobering words in all the Bible are these: "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

Think of it: if God didn't love us, He wouldn't want us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. But He does, and that's why He sent Jesus Christ into the world. By His death on the cross Christ became the final and complete sacrifice for our sins, and by His resurrection from the dead He opened heaven's door to all who come to Him in repentance and faith.

Don't go through life wondering if God loves you -- because He does. By faith, turn to Christ and welcome Him into your life today. The Bible's promise is for you: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

(c)2015 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.