The How & Why of What We Do

Bringing hope and good news to anyone who seeks to know more about God

GospelWord is a Christian faith-based website. The Internet domain name "GospelWord.org" was secured by L.L. Hamilton, Jr in May, 1997, for use as his Internet home of Encouraging Words Ministries. The name "Encouraging Words Ministries" had been registered by him in 1994 with the County Clerk in the community of Gloucester Courthouse, Gloucester, VA 23061. The original and continuing purpose of EWM is to bring "Encouragement from the Word of God" to anyone who seeks to know more about God and His guidance for each of us.

The Holy Bible provides the basis for all Scripture found here. We most commonly use the King James Authorised Version of 1611. Others may be used for better clarity. We try to avoid the use of "church talk" wherever possible. Unless specfically noted otherwise, information found on this website was written by its author, L.L. Hamilton, Jr.

While views expressed here are commonly held among mainstream Christian Protestant churches, there may be areas of the Christian experience to which we hold differing opinions. A special section on this topic is being prepared and has not yet been posted online. It will be made available when ready, or you can email us for more information.

But perhaps you think there is no God; why would you think that?

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What is a Christian?

Following and believing in Jesus Christ

For many years, the term "Christian" has been used to describe someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior for the forgiveness of their sins against God, and who now follows Him as Lord and Master.

Today, "Christian" is often used by persons who do not know Jesus as Savior or do not recognize His Lordship over their life. Thus, we now feel the term "follower of Jesus" may more aptly apply to His true followers and believers. Of course, distinctions and subsequent choices are for every individual to make, but rest assured that God knows what is truly in every heart.

Whatever term someone might want to use, all sincere believers in Jesus are called to living a life pleasing to God. Beyond that, there is virtually no difference between those believers (also referred to as "born again" persons) and non-believers. However, only those believers are assured by God of a place in heaven for eternity.

Are Christians "perfect?" No. Can they sin? Yes. Will they be judged by God for their subsequent sin? One must look at repentence as well as salvation to understand and answer that question.

What is Christian life like?

We are in this world, but...

Pretty much like it is for everyone else, except that Christians are prepared for things that happen every day in ways that non-Christians can never be - and though there's a lot to their explanations, learning the truth is easy.

Ever since Adam and Eve fell from grace in the garden of Eden, both good times and bad have come to virtually every person who has ever lived, or ever will. But good times and bad are about to be split apart eternally.

You really need to know why and how while there is time.

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What is Christian fellowship?

A family in Christ Jesus

An amazingly rewarding yet challenging open community of believers in Christ. Believers share experiences, share their hopes for others to be saved, and they join together in the praise of God and all His glory.

Throughout all time, people have relied upon God and His goodness for their daily living, protection and guidance. The Bible encourages them to stand together, and to look to the needs of others ahead of their own needs.

Christians thank and praise God Almighty for the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus, and for their salvation through Him. True Christians are people who live for Jesus and who care for others more than themselves, humbling themselves in all things through our Savior, Jesus. He set our standard; we live to carry on His work in whatever our occupation or circumstance, in all that we do in this world.

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To help with understanding

We offer these additional GospelWord resources to assist you

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Special Notes

Unless otherwise noted, this website and contents copyright L. L. Hamilton, Jr. and created for GospelWord.org & Encouraging Words Ministries. Permission to use any portion hereby freely granted: please reference this domain URL and author's name wherever any content is used. Original CSS design by Free CSS Templates adapted by L. L. Hamilton, Jr. / NewSites for GospelWord.org and their related ministries.


You contact us anytime by email at "family@gospelword.org" or find us on Facebook at "fb.com/thegospelword" and please allow us up to 24 hours to respond. Thank you!