Today as I write this, I am sure that the preachers who put their writings about the scripture in the newspaper do not mean and do not try to mislead people about just what the Bible has to say about many things.

So, to clear up some of the confusion, here is what the Bible has to say about many issues.

First, the Bible doesn't tell us that we are all the children of God. All could be the children of God, but sad to say, not all are saved.

To be a child of God, you must be born again. John 3:3. In John 8:44, Jesus says to those around him, &#8220ye are of your father the devil…”

These are those who haven't been born again. David in Psalms 51:5 says, &#8220behold, I was shapen in inequity and in sin did my mother conceive me,” he recognized that because of the sin of Adam and Eve, sin fell upon all people born.

So all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, however, God doesn't hold children accountable for sin until they reach the age of accountability, which age varies from person to person.

Second, I fully believe in healing and it has happened to me, and can happen to anyone who God chooses to heal, but only according to his will.

Faith is very important, but ultimately, it is God's will who he will heal.

I know of no one who has more faith than the apostle Paul, and he says in 2 Corinthians 12:8, &#8220For the thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” Verse 9, and &#8220He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Therefore if you don't receive the healing you pray for, it may not be a lack of faith, but just the same as the apostle Paul.

Third, only those who have received Christ are saved, and the plan of salvation is really simple.

First, you must hear the word of God preached and it must convict you of your sinful life and you must ask to be saved, turn from your sins, receive Christ into your heart and confess that you are saved.

After this, you have become a child of God. In 1 John 3:2, &#8220Beloved now are we the sons of God…”

Finally, after salvation we will wait for the great calling away of all God's children. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 &#8220For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we, which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

There is nothing more comfortable than knowing you will be there.

Homer Campbell is pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur.