Chained in this Life but Free in the Next?

I have a problem with the article “End Slavery Now” in the March 2007 issue. Freeing slaves is a great idea, but I’m afraid that Zach’s ministry is missing the salvation message. It's possible to be in chains in this life but be free in the next, and vice versa. Freedom in this life is a wonderful thing, but it doesn't do anything for you if you're going to hell when you die. Isn’t the next life much more important? Justice is also a wonderful thing, but if justice was served, we’d all be going to hell when we died. My overall point is that being free isn’t worth anything if after death they spend an eternity in hell.

—Lewis, Dayton, Ohio

“Loosening Chains”: An International Impact

I’m a missionary's son in Brazil. I really enjoyed the article about Zach Hunter and his campaign to end slavery (“End Slavery Now,” March 2007). I was really motivated to do something. Yesterday my teacher showed us an article by Chuck Colson about slave labor occurring in sugar fields here in Brazil. I was really convicted, and I want to do something. I want to help those who are less privileged and further Christ's Kingdom.

—Isaac, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Mission: MySpace

Great article about MySpace [May 2007]. I believe completely in everything you printed. I’m one of those guys who uses this site as a way to encourage and to help others. True, there are so many stumbling blocks on MySpace. But I’ve found that, in most cases, if you don’t go looking for negative stuff, you can stay out of trouble. I challenge every Breakaway guy who has a MySpace page to join me in using it as an outreach. If you arm yourself through prayer and the Word, anything is possible.

—Andrew, Owensboro, Ky.

Teenage Thoughts About Marriage

Everywhere I look, I see all sorts of marriages—broken ones, divorced ones, unhealthy ones and OK-ish ones. Very rarely do I see a couple that makes me think, Wow, that is a great marriage! They really love each other and put each other first. I want my marriage to be like that.

I’m only 16, and I’ve never had a girlfriend. I’ve never dated. I’m basically saving myself completely for marriage. I want a wonderful, perfect marriage. Yeah, yeah, I know. No marriage is flawless. There will always be something, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse. I want my marriage to be the absolute best it can possibly be. This obviously won’t come easily, but I’m still young, and I’m willing to work on it.

What can I start doing now so that my future marriage will truly reflect Christ’s relationship with the church?

—Luke, Quelimane, Mozambique

EDITOR’S NOTE: While marriage isn’t God’s will for every person, what can guys like Luke do now to prepare for the future? Send in your thoughts.

Hey, Relient K: Where’s the Witness?

I don't get why certain Christian bands look the way they do. I’m talking specifically about Relient K [April 2007]. Judging from the photos of these guys, they look as if a best friend just died! Yet in Psalm 68:3 we read, “But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” Considering what the Bible tells us, why do some Christian bands look so depressed? They know they are going to heaven, and they serve the most amazing God—the one and only God of the universe! So, what's up with the grumpiness?

—Jonathan, Huntsville, Ontario

EDITOR’S NOTE: We’ll take these observations to Relient K for some responses. But in the meantime, what are your thoughts, guys? Do you agree with Jonathan?