Those led by God are his children

To the Editor:

All of mankind since the fall of Adam have been born sinners and alienated from God (Ps. 58:3; Isa. 48:8). Because of this depraved state “there is no man just upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not” (eccl. 7:20). Paul declares in Romans chapter 3, “none righteous, none understand, none seek after God, none do good, not one” (Rom. 3:10-12) and “there is no fear of God before their eyes” Rom. 3:17). Because of the natural state of mankind all deserve condemnation and destruction.

But because of the love of God for His creation, He has chosen to show mercy to those He has chosen in Christ. Those known by Him (Gal. 4:9) He has drawn unto Himself (John 6:44) and has redeemed them by the work of the Holy Spirit by regenerating their hearts (John 3:5-8) making them willing to trust in Christ. Those being led by the Spirit have been adopted as children of God(Rom. 8:14-16). This adoption by the Spirit has made them sons and daughters of the Father (2 Cor. 6:18). Those adopted into the family of God have become joint heirs with Christ and have entered His kingdom (Col. 1:13).

So those of us who have been born of the Spirit and truly trust in Christ as LORD and Savior have been adopted as sons or daughters into the kingdom of God. To serve Him and praise Him as heirs with Christ in this world and in the world to come.

Jim Batt

Mexico, Pa.

Cherish natural and historic value of Mifflin County

To the Editor:

The landscape of Mifflin County is special, from its river valleys and rolling hills, to its verdant farmland and towns filled with architectural gems. These physical structures, which include homes, schools, churches, shops, factories and recreational spots, are places where memories are made.

People really do like old buildings — they like how they look and the history they represent. These familiar places root us.

Preserving the historic fabric of a city or town is important. The character of historic neighborhoods and commercial districts positively impacts local economies by enticing new residents, small businesses, and tourists. Historic areas also create a sense of place in the buildings where everyday life is played out. This is especially true in Mifflin County where familial reminiscences go back generations. People remember that their great-grandfather worked on the canal, dad and grandad worked at The Standard, granny rode the trolley as a young girl, a great uncle worked in the Naginey Quarry, and they themselves got their hunting license at the Old Courthouse and rode the bumper cars at Kish Park.

This is not to say that all old buildings should be preserved, and knowing what to save can be incredibly complicated and highly subjective. There are a number of examples where a building’s use or structural integrity cannot be reasonably maintained, but demolishing historic buildings should always be the last resort. This is true for civic structures as well as smaller residential and business sites.

The number of historic structures is finite, and when old buildings are gone, they are really gone. Whenever you hear someone talk about building reconstruction, chime in and tell them how much you appreciate the character and memories old buildings hold.

Becky Graninger

Lewistown