The following questions received regarding SALVATION and SUFFERING will be answered: Salvation: Is there anything in the bible that says saints should not listen, watch or engage in secular things? (i.e. movies, music, parties). I believe in Jesus and I give him praise, and I pray, and I read my word but I still live my life the way I want. Am I saved and going to heaven? I like wearing my hair and clothes in a way that expresses how different I am and I was told that I can't do that when I am saved? Why? Is it okay to still have bad language (i.e. cursing) while being saved? Can I live the way I want and get into heaven while believing in Jesus-who he is and that he died for me? If I am saved and I fall or stop praying as much or stop reading my word as much, am I still saved since I believe in Jesus? Can I really live my life like the model of Jesus- Is it possible? Suffering: Why does God allow innocent children to starve, suffer, or be abused? *************** Questions about innocent children suffering and about salvation. I. The answers to both these questions begin as we see the Big Picture Draw the Big Picture Here: II. To be saved is to be delivered from ¬sin and to be made right with God (righteousness). Romans 5:12-19; Colossians 1:13-14 1. Righteousness is first positional. We are declared and made righteous by God the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our savior and Lord. Romans 3:22-24; 4:5-8 2. Righteousness is then practical- lived out in every aspect of our everyday lives. Romans 6:13-18; 1 John 3:5-10; John 10:10   Connections Cover: The foundation of any building is more important than the decorations or furnishings inside. It is what the building stands on that determines whether it is worthy to be inhabited, a faulty foundation is a disaster waiting to happen. What we are covering today is foundational not only for our lives but for our culture that we are called to be light and salt in. Our culture struggles with believing in (much less loving or serving) a God that would allow the types of catastrophes and suffering that occur on a regular basis. If we can answer them biblically and truthfully it would go a long way in being able to win them for Jesus. In addition to that every saint that names Jesus as their Savior and Lord has a Biblical obligation and responsibility to 1) know with clarity for themselves what salvation is and 2) Be ready, willing and able to explain that to someone else (1 Peter 3:15). May the Holy Spirit give clarity, understanding and life as we release God’s Word into these two very important areas.