The dictionary defines a placebo as "a substance containing no medication and given merely to humor or please the patient." Placebos have a legitimate purpose in today's medical world. They are used in clinical research to test the potential of real drugs to provide real cures for diseases. But what if you were seriously ill and your doctor prescribed you a placebo instead of the medicine that would cure you? What would you think of your doctor? Today, millions of people are prescribed a placebo and led to believe they are getting well, when in fact; they are terminally ill and drawing closer to death every minute. This placebo, however, is not prescribed by doctors. It is prescribed by some pastors and professing Christians. The placebo comes in the form of an easy-to-swallow message. There are many spiritual placebos being distributed these days. Here's an example: "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. He longs to have a relationship with you, just the way you are. You're a good person, but you have a God-shaped hole in your heart that only He can fill. Just pray a simple prayer and Jesus will come into your heart. Then, He will fix your relationships, heal your diseases, and get you out of debt." If you have heard a message like this, then you've been given a placebo—a message intended to please you, but will do nothing to heal your disease. The disease is called sin and, without a cure, it is fatal. Examine yourself and see if you have any of the symptoms. Have you ever lied, stolen, or used God's name in vain? Then by your own admission, you are a lying, thief, and a blasphemer. When you die from this disease (sin) and stand before God, He will find you guilty of sinning against Him and sentence you to eternity in hell. Although tragic, there's good news. Two thousand years ago, God the Father sent His Son Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, to this earth. He lived the perfect life that you could not live. He was nailed to a cross, shed His blood, and was crucified for sinners. Three days later, He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. As a result of Jesus Christ's perfect life and shed blood, you can have your sins forgiven and dwell with Him forever in heaven, but you must be "born again" (Jn. 3:3). Being born again is a supernatural work that only God can do when He transforms your heart and gives you new desires. Once you are born again, God will enable you to repent (turn from your sins) and place your faith in Jesus Christ. Receive Him as your Lord and Savior, right now. Stop taking the placebo. It cannot save you. Read Mark 8:34. www.EvangelismTeam.com