TC

Several years ago, the country of Germany was divided into two countries. One country was called East Germany, the other was West Germany. The city of Berlin was located right on the border between the two countries. The city was actually two cities side by side: one called East Berlin and the other called West Berlin. A high, guarded wall ran between the two parts of the city. This made it impossible to pass from East Berlin into West Berlin.

The government in East Germany was Communist. This meant that the East German government controlled the lives of the East German people. They told them what to do and when to do it. It also meant they couldn't read the Bible. This resulted in many East German people living very poorly.

West Germany, however, was democratic like the United States and Canada. This meant the people could have their own business, work and make money, and read the Bible and attend Sunday School.

As a result, many East Germans wanted to escape to West Germany. The East German government had guards with guns make sure people didn't escape. It was nearly impossible to get out of East Germany.

Only a few fortunate people ever got out. One family used a hot air balloon to quietly float over the wall at night. Many other people died in their attempt to escape.

Finally, on November 9, 1996 the Communist government changed and the wall was opened. People jammed the gates of the city trying to get out. Slowly, much of the wall was removed. East German people could now come to West Germany. Freedom at last!

In the Old Testament, God gave everything to the Jewish people known as the children of Israel. He gave them the 10 Commandments, the tabernacle, prophets and preachers, and a land to live in. They have been God's special people. God has always loved everyone, but God only gave the Israelites these privileges.

In Acts 2, God began the "Day of Grace." During this time period, God has given the same privilege to everyone. We can preach the good news of salvation to everybody - not just Jews. Just like the day the wall in Berlin came down, the "wall" between Israel and the Jews was removed when the gospel was given to the whole world.

God wants you to hear how you need to be saved. God also wants you to know you can be saved through the Lord Jesus who died on the cross. "For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

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