When I die...

In his article, "When I Die, Will I Go to Heaven?," Gary Petty confronts a question which has long haunted mankind. This article shows what the Bible says about this crucial subject and exposes the commonly held misconceptions surrounding the fate of the dead. As you read this article, vital truths will be revealed about the overall plan of God for the human race. For example Mr. Petty writes, "Now, let's look at what the apostle Paul writes to Christians in ancient Corinth in 1 Corinthians 15:22-23: 'For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.'"

Other scriptures show that Christ is the first of the "firstfruits" (Romans 8:29, James 1:18). The importance of what Paul taught concerning firstfruits is lost on most people because they do not observe the biblical Holy Days. Be sure to order your free copy of God's Holy Day Plan and learn what Paul meant when he said some would be included as the firstfruits of God at Christ's second coming.

Earth is full of His goodness Today's crime-ridden cities and our world of electronic gadgetry seem a far cry from the world Jerry Webb describes in his article; "The Earth Is Full of His Goodness." In this straight-from-the-shoulder article, Mr. Webb reminds us that God is as near as the next sunrise or sunset. Here is just an example of what you will find in Mr. Webb's article: "Shoulder-to-shoulder we kneel, humbled by what we see. As those many colors transform into bright blue sky, my son catches his breath and whispers, 'Only God could create something as beautiful and awesome as this.' I nod in agreement."

Stan Musial

It has often been said that sports create character. While there may be some truth to this statement, it is more accurate to say sports reveal the character of a person. John Ross Schroeder hammers this point home in his article, "The Story of Stan Musial."

Stan Musial is truly a man of character. The wonderful game of baseball did not produce his character, but served as a platform for him to demonstrate it. Asked about the importance of professional athletes setting the example for today's youth, Mr. Musial said, "Athletes and ballplayers have to be the role models, and these young fans look up to the athletes, not only in baseball, but football, golf... So I think their responsibility in that regard is not to be involved in drugs." I'm sure you will agree with me that Mr. Musial is the kind of person we want our children to emulate.

Arrogance

Robert Berendt, in his lighthearted approach to a very important subject, illustrates that arrogance in one species is not a fitting example for those called by God. Learn from the lowly house cat that arrogance, while appearing to work for our feline friends, is the antithesis of the Christian way of life. In his article, "Does Arrogance Really Work?," Mr. Berendt writes, "Our Redeemer, Lord and Savior walked in this world to set an example for everyone who would follow Him. His life was one of honor, nobility, dignity and courage. Jesus came to serve and not to be served."

God is preparing a people for Himself. Each issue of Virtual Christian Magazine is designed to help you in developing the very character of the Creator. It is our hope that you will enjoy reading this month's issue as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.