I started out in life so carefree and happy. I was like a little butterfly with beautiful wings and a world of flowers to see. Life seemed wonderful as I looked to the future. It didn’t take long and my views changed. I realized I had to perform to be accepted. Life seemed like a circus. There were hoops held out far into the future. If I jumped through the rings I received approval. If I didn’t—well—everybody else did.

Everyone should ask themselves the important question, “What must I do to be saved?” Many people believe they are saved, yet Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). To be saved, it is necessary to believe that Christ will forgive our sins. Then we must repent of them, live a holy life, and love one another. Because there are many teachings advanced by a multitude of religions, the question may well be asked, “What really is the truth?”

The journey of life has two roads and two destinations. The choice and decision of which road to take is yours.

Suffering is a part of our lives. Most people at one time or another experience physical illness. Hunger is frequently endured by a large percentage of the world’s population. Poverty is widespread. Still others suffer at the hands of people: in difficult marriages, with abusive parents, or with oppressive masters. As a result of greed and corruption, the political climate in some countries produces much bloodshed and war. Those with deep spiritual convictions have to suffer persecution because of their obedience to their beliefs. Millions of people around the world suffer daily. Why? What is the reason?

Jesus tells us that the gates of heaven are closed to us unless we are born again. Therefore, we ask: Friend, are you born again? Church member, are you born again? If not, then you are lost. For Jesus says, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

The Bible tells us that God knows everything, and that He is keeping a record of our lives. On the Judgment Day, we will be required to give an account of what He has recorded (Romans 14:11-12). “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12). When we stand before God in judgment, it will be too late to change our eternal destiny.