The Truth About …
Does God really care about us?
We live in a world full of cruelty and injustice. Many religions teach that the sufferings we experience are God’s will. But God never causes what is wicked. “Far be it from the true God to act wickedly and the Almighty to act unjustly” says Job (34:10-12). God has a loving purpose for humans. That is why Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt 6:9-13). God cares so deeply about us that He has gone to great lengths to make the fulfilment of His purpose a certainty (John 3:16; Gen 1:26-28; James 11:13; 1 Peter 5:6-7).
Will war and suffering ever end?
War continues to claim untold numbers of human lives. All of us have been touched by human suffering. God foretells a time when He will establish world-wide. peace on earth. Under His kingdom, a heavenly government, people will not learn war any more. Instead, they will beat their swords into ploughshares (Isaiah 2:4). God will bring an end to all injustice and suffering. The Bible promises that God will wipe away every tear, and death will be no more. The former things including today’s injustices and suffering will have passed away (Rev 21:3-4; Psalm 37:10-11; 46:4; Micah 4:1-4).
What happens to us when we die
Most of the world’s religions teach that something inside a person continues living after death. Some hold that the dead can harm the living or that God punishes the wicked by condemning them to eternal torment in fiery hell.
At death, humans cease to exist. The dead are conscious of nothing (Ecc 9:5). Since the dead cannot know, feel or experience anything, they cannot harm or help the living (Psalm 146:3-4; Genesis 3:14; Ecc 9:6-10).
Is there any hope for the dead?
We want to live, and we want to enjoy life with those we love. It is only natural that we yearn to see our dead loved ones. Many people who have died will be resurrected. Jesus promised that “those in the memorial tombs will come out” (John 5:28-29). In harmony with God’s purpose, those resurrected who have served God and obeyed His commands in this life, will have the opportunity to live on a paradise on earth (Luke 23:43). This promised future includes perfect health and everlasting life for obedient believers. The Bible says “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside for ever upon it” (Psalm 37: 29; Job 14:14-15; Luke 7:11-17; Acts 24:15).
How can I pray and be heard by God
People in practically all religions pray, yet many feel that their prayers are not answered by God. Jesus taught us to avoid repeating set formulas in our prayers. When we pray, he said, “Do not say the same things over and over again” (Matt 6:7). If we want God to listen to our prayers, we must pray in the way of which He approves. To do that, we need to learn what God’s will is and then pray accordingly (1 John 5:14). No matter what it is that we ask, if we ask according to His will, God hears us (Psalm 65:2; John 14:6; 1 John 3:22).
How can I find happiness in life?
Many people believe that money, fame or beauty will make them happy. Hence they pursue such things only to find that happiness eludes them. Jesus identified the way to happiness when he said “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need” (Matt 5:3). True happiness can be found only if we take steps to fill our greatest need - our hunger for spiritual truth about God and His purpose for us. That truth is found in the Bible, knowing that truth can help us to discern what is really important. Allowing Bible truth to guide our decisions and actions leads us to a meaningful life (Luke 11:28; Proverbs 3:5-6; 13:18; 1 Timothy 6:9-10). I will just say that I wish you true happiness in your life.
Bro Mangeni Rogers (Busia, Uganda)
