Are You Following Godly Examples?

May 2014 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Are You Following Godly Examples?

The only way a person can be a godly example is by being rooted in faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:6 NASB ). I am reminded of the woman who had a hemorrhage for 12 years (Mk. 5:25-34). Benefiting from those who have studied numbers in Scripture we see that one interpretation of 12, which equals two multiplied by six, tells us there was adequate testimony (two) that she was imperfect (six) – a description of every person without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).

This woman struggled for years to be saved from her affliction. How many of us have done the same thing about sin? We have made every effort possible in our own strength and with the help of all the resources on this earth to be healed from our sin so that we would be able to go to heaven rather than hell. After getting worse and worse this woman finally quit seeking help from the doctors and, having heard about Jesus, decided to seek Him. Have you heard about Jesus? He is the perfect Son of God who died on the cross in your place of punishment and rose from the dead on the third day, showing that your sins can be forgiven and you can have new life in Him. The woman in Mark came to Jesus believing that He could heal her – and He did! "He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.'" Have you sought out His healing for yourself? Is He your Savior? If not, don't wait any longer – trust in Him today!

It does not matter whether you are a man or woman, boy or girl – the only way to go heaven is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me" (Jn. 14:6). So too, it is only through the Holy Spirit who lives in believers that one can please God and do good things from the heart (Gal. 5:22-23). Only these persons can be godly examples! The three women studied in this edition, by their example, not only influenced those around them, but the fruit of their faith affected nations. May we follow in their faith.

By Paul Alberts