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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Every New Year's Eve my friend tries to persuade me to go to Times Square to drink, party and watch the ball drop at midnight. I asked him why he does it. He said, "I suppose I am drowning my disappointments while hoping for something better." What can I do to sound the warning that life is more than an extended happy hour? -- N.B.

A: "Proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:19). This is the only hope for tomorrow. People always want to "turn a new page" when a calendar year advances. There is no better way to begin a new year than for a person to turn to Christ as Savior. The Bible says, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Jesus came as an infant King to bring new life -- to draw people to Himself. But many walked away from Him. Why? Because they could not fathom that the One who proclaimed Himself King must lay down His life to bring about His kingdom. They wanted victory on their terms -- not faith to believe that His way was the only way.

What constitutes "the only way?" Hearing and heeding the warning. Every true king has a herald. John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:2). Many responded to the message to prepare for Christ's coming.

On the eve of the year, ask others to look back long enough to ask, "Do I belong to Jesus?" "Have I lived in obedience to the Savior?" "Am I serving Him for the sake of His eternal kingdom to come?" Become a herald for the things of God and be faithful to Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.