Frequently Asked Questions
Curiosity can be relentless at times! It's the God-given inquisitive side of each individual that longs for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. We'll do our best to answer your questions here, but if you don't see an answer you'd like or the answer to your question, feel free to shoot us an email on the Contact page above.
1.) How can I know that I will enter Heaven when I die?
Talk about an important question! In our opinion, it is the most important question a person can ever ask -that's why it is number one. Fortunately, the Bible (God's Holy Word) has the answer for us. Do yourself a favor and grab a Bible if you have one. We prefer the King James Version because it has stood the test of time, men have given their lives for its preservation, it was the Bible used during all the major American revivals, not to mention it is a literary classic! If you don't have one, your local Dollar Tree is bound to. Just be sure it's the King James Version and not the Rick James Version (that was a joke, by the way)! Anyway...
Jesus said that except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This is not talking about a physical birth, but a spiritual birth. The Bible teaches that we are spiritually reborn when we trust Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, as our Saviour (John 3:16-18).
Why do I need a Saviour, you ask? That's a good question! God's Word says that we are ALL sinners and have come short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). And it states that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a). So, from this verse we see that the consequence for our sin is death. Just as there are two births, we see from the book of Revelation chapters twenty and twenty-one that there are also two deaths - or a second death. This death is the lake of fire. So, what do you need to be saved from? An eternity in the lake of fire. The place where the unsaved will one day go. Sounds scary, huh?
Isn't that a little harsh, you ask? According to God, the answer is no. But why? Because God said that He is not willing that ANY should perish, but that all should come to repentence (2 Peter 3:9). John chapter three states that God loved the world (that includes you) so much that Jesus gave His life to ensure that we make it to Heaven. So, Jesus was brutally beaten and suffered an excruciating death on a cross so that you and I would be assured a place in Heaven. That's pretty heavy, huh?
You would think that since the way to Heaven has already been paved - Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me." - that everybody would be going there, right? Wrong! God leaves the decision in our hands. We must choose Him. His death proved that He has already chosen us. But as I've heard some say, God is a gentleman and He won't force His will on anyone.
So, ultimately, the choice is yours.
Heaven or Hell? Streets of gold or lake of fire? Everlasting life or eternal damnation?
For me, the answer was simple. But what about you? Are you willing to place your trust in Jesus Christ alone?
If the answer is yes, that is awesome! If it's no...well, I don't really know what to say about that.
Here are some verses to ponder:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
ANY Questions?
2.) When will your next book be released?
The answer to this question is constantly changing as we write, so please bear with us if this answer in not up to date.
We endeavor to release at least three to four titles a year, if the Lord wills. This year (2019) I plan to release the third, fourth, and fifth book in my continuing series, Amish romances inspired by stories of characters from the Bible. An Amish Betrayal is set to release on March 1. I also have a Christmas-themed title set to release in the fall!
Lord willing, all of our books will eventually be available in paperback, hardcover, audiobook, and eBook.
3.) Why did you choose to write about the Amish?
The Amish culture represents a time when life was much simpler. Their clothing is refreshingly modest. For the most part, they attempt to live off the land. They're not afraid of hard work, and are known for helping a neighbor in need, be it Englisch or Amish. The Amish people not only show their faith outwardly, but they live it day-in and day-out. They are not concerned with how they are viewed by others, instead they seek to please God in the best way they know possible.
4.) Are the Amish people saved?
This is a tough question and therefore holds no definite answer. Salvation is based on individual choice, not on what a particular group believes. Just as we can't say that all Protestants are saved, neither can we say that of the Amish. There is NO single earthly church that leads to Heaven. Only those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ.
The Old Order Amish, as a whole, believe in the teachings of the Bible (although they do not read the entire Bible) but also feel that one must keep the rules of the Ordnung. This teaching obviously adds works to salvation and therefore goes against the Biblical teaching of grace through faith in Christ alone.
Some New Order Amish do believe in salvation by grace through faith as outlined in the Bible.
If you'd like to peruse The Dordrecht Confession of Faith, the creed claimed by most Plain/Anabaptist sects, you can find it here.
As stated previously though, salvation is based on individual choice. Only God knows the hearts of men. Salvation, however, is a FREE gift and is available to all - Amish, Englisch, etc. (See question #1) Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.
5.) Do you have a favorite book? If so, what is it?
Yes. The Holy Bible, hands down! It's worth is unfathomable.
© 2012 by J.E.B. Spredemann