After I got this post done, I realized this may be more like a part two to my James post the other day.... My mind and fingers get away from me sometimes... Anyway, enjoy and I hope what I say here helps you.
TimeHop has a really bad habit of bringing back thoughts and memories, sometimes to times you wish you didn't relive yet other times you are glad you can. Four years ago this week was my daughter's last major surgery. November 5th was the surgery. Let it Burn was stuck in my head for weeks before and after. It always brings me back to that surgery. Just like Ordinary World takes me to my son's chiari decompression. Or Hold Me Now does my miscarriage.... Can't tell RED is one of my favorite bands? (Besides, Mike is cute.)
I decided to listen to Let it Burn again the other night. Lyrics have a way of making impressions and different interpretations at different times.
The other night part of the lyrics really stuck out.
"I watch the city burn
These dreams like ashes float away
Your voice I never heard
Only silence"
And
"I watch the city burn
And
"I watch the city burn
These passions slowly smoldering
A lesson never learned
Only violence
Is your world just a broken promise
Is your love just a drop of rain
Will we all just burn our fire
Are you still there"
And finally this part:
"Will you wait until it all burns down
And finally this part:
"Will you wait until it all burns down
Will you hide until it all burns down
Will it hurt when it all burns down
Will you fight when it all burns down
Will you stand when it all burns down
Will you love when it all burns down
Will it end when it all burns down
Will you just let it all burn down"
I find it interesting how this song can be seen as humanity questioning the faithfulness of God or God questioning the faithfulness of humanity. In how Abraham was grieving yet warning about Sodom and Gomorrah and how it was destroyed. Can also be interpreted as a dialogue between God and humanity, with some of the questions asked by Him in response to the questions asked by Christians. I can also see a reference to Revelation. To me, this person is looking at how our world is falling apart, how there is so much pain and violence, how so many people hate God and His followers, and how His followers are so greatly persecuted. He wonders where Christ is, and why He hasn't done anything. He wants Him to return and fix this corrupted world. He asks the question asked in Revelation, how much longer? One last one could be a crisis of faith song. Like a believer or almost a believer crying out "Eli Eli lama sabachthani?" "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me!"So many dimensions here...
I have always seen it as God and us humans asking each other questions. Yet I can definitely see the other interpretations too. The other night I really started thinking about the other lyrical meanings and how it could apply to me.
All of those interpretations I shared I have seen yet what stuck out the most was these lyrics:
"I watch the city burn
These dreams like ashes float away
Your voice I never heard
Only silence"
Why? Why just those lyrics this time? Is God trying to tell me something?
First thing that comes to mind is that over the course of my life I have had many dreams burn down and get utterly destroyed, most of which I had no control over whatsoever. I never thought when I graduated high school, let alone college where I would be now. When I was a junior in high school, I wanted to be a band director. By the time my senior rolled around and knew that going to college for music was out, I figured maybe microbiology. That died a semester into college. Then I figured maybe I would go in to be a counselor for abused children, like play therapist. I started that and did get the two year degree in ECE, was going to go back for the bachelors in sociology or criminal justice and that didn't work out. Then I had kids..... The rest is history. lol
From the movie Avatar
Why? Why just those lyrics this time? Is God trying to tell me something?
I don't have regrets in any of that. Nope. Yet so many dreams and desires have vanished over the years.
The other thing is I look at the world around me, the rising tensions with Russia and now Iran threatening an invasion, the elections next week which either way is a disaster waiting to happen, terrorism threats right around elections now being warned about and overall just how cold the world is.... Are we as humanity now "every man for himself" and if we destroy ourselves then so be it?
How long will we stay silent and just let injustice keep going on? Violence only begets violence. Hate only begets hate. The only cure is love and compassion.
Four years ago, the reason this song was stuck in my head then was because I was questioning God in His plan. Why horrible headaches in my then 5 year old? Why was Kindergarten turning out to be a REALLY hard year for several reasons? (The school and staff were wonderful through all of that.) As rough as that time was, she has come a LONG way... Yet because she has done survived much that she has, it's amazing to see the bond that my daughter and her brother have. Usually. LOL
I keep looking at the world around me and ask God, "How much longer?" How much longer till His return? How much more patient will God be before we as humanity reap what we have sown?
"Will you wait until it all burns down
Will you hide until it all burns down
Will it hurt when it all burns down
Will you fight when it all burns down
Will you stand when it all burns down
Will you love when it all burns down
Will it end when it all burns down
Will you just let it all burn down"
Will we just sit back, and allow things to continue?
Call me nuts but I truly believe we are soon going to see some really huge change in our world. I'm not going to get all zealous on here or anything but I have done some studying on Bible Prophecy and Revelation.
I just pray that when all does start to fall, we all hold steadfast onto our faith......
Our faith is not about how we look, dress, money, etc. James, the half brother of Jesus spoke strongly of this. Our faith should be just only about where we are with God. Are we saved? Have we accepted salvation? If not, I challenge you to really think hard about that.
It's no walk in the park but the rewards are so great.... I talk about so much in here yet I know that no matter what, I will not lose my faith. I cannot.
"Sometimes we must have manure dumped on us before we will produce fruit" Steve Branham
I found that this morning and had to laugh. How often do we feel like life has crapped on us only to find out later that even though we were, there were blessings to come from it later? I know I have at least talked one out of suicide, I know I have encouraged others with my story, even though my first 8 years especially were awful.... I had good in those years but overall it was awful..... Yet that's just part of my testimony.
So now I come to this:
I asked on Facebook the other day: If you have left the church and or the faith in Christ, which and why?
The answer I got the most was: "hypocrisy, judgements, and blatant disregard for others than in organized religion."
Is that why you have not been comfortable or accepted or believed in Christ?
Legalism is a term used to describe a system of beliefs that must be adhered to in order to be a "good" Christian. What is of vital importance, however, is that these "legalisms" are NOT found in the Bible. Many legalists would go as far as to say that if a person does not adhere to their own beliefs of legalism then they are not Christians at all even if they have placed their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. They simply say that any action going against what they believe to be right or wrong is evidence that they are not believers at all. Legalism was one thing that Christ fought against. Think of the Pharisees, or the temple being used as a market. Christ always had harsh words for the behavior that went on with that. Legalism negates everything Christ came for. Legalism says that if we do this or that, then we can find salvation. Legalism is not defined by the existence of a rule or a principle to be followed; legalism is the evaluation of a person’s spirituality on the basis of their willingness to follow a rule or principle that is not found in Scripture. It can be thought of as a works-based religion. James Ch. 2 says that our faith will be seen in our works, and our works will show our faith. It's not about working your way to salvation, it's about accepting salvation and your life showing that through what you do. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Yet works without faith is dead. We are to love and follow and honor the Lord who bought us all day every day, not just one day, whether Saturday or Sunday. That is how we show that the truth of God is truly written on our hearts.
How Does Legalism Manifest Itself in modern day churches?
Today, despite Paul’s teaching, legalism manifests itself in churches all over the world. One reason there are so many different denominations is due to legalism. Some believe that breaking bread must be done every week at church. Some believe that since the Old Testament Sabbath day corresponds to modern-day Saturday then worship services must always be on Saturday as well. Speaking of the Sabbath, many feel that it is a day that must be honored in the same legalistic way it was in the Old Testament. Some do not allow dancing or drinking. Some do not allow musical instruments to be played in the church building. Some believe a person must be dunked under the water while others say that the sprinkling of water is sufficient. The list goes on and on, but it only takes one legalistic doctrine to make the whole church legalistic. The manifestations of this problem are numerous, but the solution is always the same: what does the Bible have to say about these problems, and what is it’s teaching? As already seen, Paul speaks to this issue, and he has some very strong words to say about it as he denounces it.
Legalism should never be viewed as harmless. Though it may appear this way in some instances, many heresies present themselves as harmless until they grow and become truly destructive. It’s like a "white lie" or a harmless piece of gossip -- it grows and grows until it eventually destroys. Guarding herself from becoming legalistic should be an item the church considers every day of her existence. Obviously, the best way to guard legalism is to preach against it and use all of the many examples of legalism that exist today to illustrate how prevalent it is. Going further, for those who persist in thwarting the pure gospel of Jesus Christ through legalistic teaching, the church should practice church discipline in this matter as outlined in Matthew 18.
Most legalists are simply ignorant to the pure gospel. As humans it can be very difficult to just accept God’s grace without feeling as if it must be worked for. Instead of seeing legalism as harmless the church should take measures to educate and model what true grace really is. This problem is old, and it is apparently going to plague the church forever. But this is no reason why good teaching and preaching cannot minimize the destructiveness of legalism.
You can't work your way in though, you have to have the faith to show for it. Now this isn't saying that the church, leaders are the cause of legalism in all cases here but I think when you get a group of people anywhere, cliques, "social status rules" and status quo all gets designed when in reality, it should not.
Now, I'll address one other thing here. I had something typed up but found this and it was so much better than what I had.
"Question #5:
I have noticed many of the people at my church treat other Christians poorly. I often wonder at what point do they think it is ok to attack a person's belief (misguided, false, whatever) when it doesn't line up with the Bible if the person is genuinely seeking knowledge? I've heard a descent amount of name calling and it disturbs me. (I'm not talking about someone coming on with perfect knowledge on a subject and stirring the pot for fun). But I believe that how people view is how some people will view all the people at the church.
I don't understand how does calling someone a "snot nosed uppity individual" set anyone straight doctrinally? This hurts me and I hear this a lot at churches. I try not to shoot them down if they are willing to discuss things without an argument. Otherwise it is almost as if we are saying, hey, if you're a Christian and know your stuff - your welcome here. If you don't - your not. And what if someone comes on who isn't saved, but wants to know about salvation and is really messed up in their thinking! I'm am not referring about those individuals who come on and know both sides of the issue well, have made their choice and just want to stir the pot and start a fight. But, I honestly can say, there are sooooo many churches out there (and pastors) propagating lies that we should expect that there will be people who are really confused (they may be saved - maybe not- and think they are) who need the help of those who have the answers solidly grounded in the Word of God. If we can't give them solid answers Biblically who will?
Sorry if I seem upset. Do you agree?
Response #5:
I think what you are implying here is exactly correct. Attacking other people is not Christian love, especially in cases where as you make clear it is not a question of some provocateur invading your church just to stir up trouble but rather of people asking questions. Ideally, a Bible teaching church will be offering up so much truth so often and in so many ways that 1) people who are genuinely interested in pursuing the truth will be fed and will learn to be patient, realizing early on that sooner or later most if not all of their questions will be answered while 2) people who are not really interested in pursuing the truth will soon leave since no one is rising to the bait when they try to pick a fight. To me, this is the area where "church discipline" is important, namely, providing a protected environment where both new and mature believers can grow together on the bread of the Word without being hindered or destroyed by other people who condemn them for their beliefs or private behavior. When this message, example, and source of truth from substantive Bible teaching is actually coming from the pulpit in a systematic way, the Spirit and the Word are more than capable of "straightening out" anyone and everyone who needs to be straightened out and who is willing to be responsive to the Lord. And it is very important from the standpoint of genuine spiritual growth for this sort of change to come from inside the person in response to Jesus and His truth rather than only superficially from the outside in response to human pressure. Such whitewashing is bound to be imperfect at best, and in many cases of legalism and faulty understanding of scripture it will be entirely and fundamentally wrong.
If I speak in [a variety of] human and angelic languages but I do not have love, I have become [in my words as nothing more than unintelligible] sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And if I possess the gift of prophecy and know all the mysteries [of God] and all [His] knowledge, and if I possess a complete faith [sufficient] to move mountains but I do not have love, then I am nothing. And if I sell off everything I own and hand myself over into slavery so that I may boast [of my good works] but do not have love, then I profit nothing by it. Love exercises patience. Love does what is honorable. Love is not envious. It does not go about boasting vainly. It does not swell with pride. It does not behave in a shameful way. It does not seek after its own advantage. It is not easily provoked. It does not bear grudges. It does not rejoice over wickedness, but it rejoices together with the truth. It protects everything [which ought to be protected]. It believes everything [which ought to be believed]. It hopes everything [which ought to be hoped for]. It endures everything [which ought to be endured].
1st Corinthians 13:1-7
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
Romans 14:1 NIV"
There is a big difference between encouraging someone and judging them. For example, if I say to my friend, "hey, want to come to Bible class with me tomorrow? I'll take us." Delicately done that could be encouragement. However, if I say "Why weren't you in Bible class last night?!?!" That is not encouragement. That is judging someone else's application. There are all sorts of reasons why their application could be acceptable, not the least of which could theoretically be that the "Bible class" in question has gone down the wrong road or is not really teaching the Word substantively, and the person has been convicted by the Spirit to find something that does work instead.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Are we ready to change?
Salvation Begins With God:
Have you felt the "tug" of God on your heart? Becoming a Christian is one of the most important steps you will take in your life on earth. Continue reading to learn what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian and what it means to be a follower of Christ.
This call to salvation begins with God. He initiates it by drawing us to come to Him.
John 6:44
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him ..." (NIV)
Revelation 3:20
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in ..." (NIV)
Human Efforts are Futile:
God desires an intimate relationship with us, but we cannot obtain it through our own efforts.
Isaiah 64:6
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." (NIV)
Romans 3:10-12
"...There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." (NIV)
Separated by Sin:
We have a problem. Our sin separates us from God, leaving us spiritually empty.
Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (NIV)
It is impossible for us to find peace with God through our own efforts. Anything we try to do to obtain God's favor or gain salvation is worthless and futile.
A Gift from God:
Salvation then, is a gift from God. He offers the gift through Jesus, his Son. By laying down his life on the cross, Christ took our place and paid the ultimate price, the penalty for our sin -- death. Jesus is our only way to God.
John 14:6
"Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NIV)
Responding to God's Call:
The only thing we must do is respond to God's call.
But how? How do I become a Christian?
Receiving God's gift of salvation is not complicated. The response to God's call is explained in these simple steps found in God's Word:
1) Admit you are a sinner and turn away from your sin.
Acts 3:19 says: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (NIV)
Repent literally means "a change of mind that results in a change of action." To repent, then, means to admit you are a sinner. You change your mind to agree with God that you are a sinner. The resulting "change in action" is, of course, the turning away from sin.
2) Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from your sins and give you eternal life.
John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT)
Believing in Jesus is also a part of repenting. You change your mind from unbelief to belief, which results in a change of action.
3) Come to him by faith.
In John 14:6 Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)
Faith in Jesus Christ is a change of mind that results in a change of action—coming to him.
4) You may pray a simple prayer to God.
God knows your heart and what you wish for. He knows your hurts and pain. He knows what will become of you. He has a plan for everything that has happened to you. You may want to make your response to God a prayer. Prayer is simply communicating with God. Pray using your own words. There is no special formula. Just pray from your heart to God, and believe that he has saved you. Here is a prayer for you if you really want him into your life. Let this come from your heart and from your soul. If you feel lost and just don’t know what to pray, here’s a prayer of salvation you can pray.
5) Now, don’t doubt.
Salvation is by grace, through faith. There’s nothing you did, or ever can do, to deserve it. It’s a free gift from God. All you have to do is receive it!
Ephesians 2:8 says: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (NIV)
6) Tell someone about your decision.
Romans 10:9-10 says, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV)
If you would like to talk, leave me a comment and I will definitely get back in touch.
Blessings!
~Special Momma ~
Will we just sit back, and allow things to continue?
Call me nuts but I truly believe we are soon going to see some really huge change in our world. I'm not going to get all zealous on here or anything but I have done some studying on Bible Prophecy and Revelation.
I just pray that when all does start to fall, we all hold steadfast onto our faith......
Our faith is not about how we look, dress, money, etc. James, the half brother of Jesus spoke strongly of this. Our faith should be just only about where we are with God. Are we saved? Have we accepted salvation? If not, I challenge you to really think hard about that.
It's no walk in the park but the rewards are so great.... I talk about so much in here yet I know that no matter what, I will not lose my faith. I cannot.
"Sometimes we must have manure dumped on us before we will produce fruit" Steve Branham
I found that this morning and had to laugh. How often do we feel like life has crapped on us only to find out later that even though we were, there were blessings to come from it later? I know I have at least talked one out of suicide, I know I have encouraged others with my story, even though my first 8 years especially were awful.... I had good in those years but overall it was awful..... Yet that's just part of my testimony.
So now I come to this:
I asked on Facebook the other day: If you have left the church and or the faith in Christ, which and why?
The answer I got the most was: "hypocrisy, judgements, and blatant disregard for others than in organized religion."
Is that why you have not been comfortable or accepted or believed in Christ?
Legalism is a term used to describe a system of beliefs that must be adhered to in order to be a "good" Christian. What is of vital importance, however, is that these "legalisms" are NOT found in the Bible. Many legalists would go as far as to say that if a person does not adhere to their own beliefs of legalism then they are not Christians at all even if they have placed their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. They simply say that any action going against what they believe to be right or wrong is evidence that they are not believers at all. Legalism was one thing that Christ fought against. Think of the Pharisees, or the temple being used as a market. Christ always had harsh words for the behavior that went on with that. Legalism negates everything Christ came for. Legalism says that if we do this or that, then we can find salvation. Legalism is not defined by the existence of a rule or a principle to be followed; legalism is the evaluation of a person’s spirituality on the basis of their willingness to follow a rule or principle that is not found in Scripture. It can be thought of as a works-based religion. James Ch. 2 says that our faith will be seen in our works, and our works will show our faith. It's not about working your way to salvation, it's about accepting salvation and your life showing that through what you do. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Yet works without faith is dead. We are to love and follow and honor the Lord who bought us all day every day, not just one day, whether Saturday or Sunday. That is how we show that the truth of God is truly written on our hearts.
How Does Legalism Manifest Itself in modern day churches?
Today, despite Paul’s teaching, legalism manifests itself in churches all over the world. One reason there are so many different denominations is due to legalism. Some believe that breaking bread must be done every week at church. Some believe that since the Old Testament Sabbath day corresponds to modern-day Saturday then worship services must always be on Saturday as well. Speaking of the Sabbath, many feel that it is a day that must be honored in the same legalistic way it was in the Old Testament. Some do not allow dancing or drinking. Some do not allow musical instruments to be played in the church building. Some believe a person must be dunked under the water while others say that the sprinkling of water is sufficient. The list goes on and on, but it only takes one legalistic doctrine to make the whole church legalistic. The manifestations of this problem are numerous, but the solution is always the same: what does the Bible have to say about these problems, and what is it’s teaching? As already seen, Paul speaks to this issue, and he has some very strong words to say about it as he denounces it.
Legalism should never be viewed as harmless. Though it may appear this way in some instances, many heresies present themselves as harmless until they grow and become truly destructive. It’s like a "white lie" or a harmless piece of gossip -- it grows and grows until it eventually destroys. Guarding herself from becoming legalistic should be an item the church considers every day of her existence. Obviously, the best way to guard legalism is to preach against it and use all of the many examples of legalism that exist today to illustrate how prevalent it is. Going further, for those who persist in thwarting the pure gospel of Jesus Christ through legalistic teaching, the church should practice church discipline in this matter as outlined in Matthew 18.
Most legalists are simply ignorant to the pure gospel. As humans it can be very difficult to just accept God’s grace without feeling as if it must be worked for. Instead of seeing legalism as harmless the church should take measures to educate and model what true grace really is. This problem is old, and it is apparently going to plague the church forever. But this is no reason why good teaching and preaching cannot minimize the destructiveness of legalism.
You can't work your way in though, you have to have the faith to show for it. Now this isn't saying that the church, leaders are the cause of legalism in all cases here but I think when you get a group of people anywhere, cliques, "social status rules" and status quo all gets designed when in reality, it should not.
Now, I'll address one other thing here. I had something typed up but found this and it was so much better than what I had.
"Question #5:
I have noticed many of the people at my church treat other Christians poorly. I often wonder at what point do they think it is ok to attack a person's belief (misguided, false, whatever) when it doesn't line up with the Bible if the person is genuinely seeking knowledge? I've heard a descent amount of name calling and it disturbs me. (I'm not talking about someone coming on with perfect knowledge on a subject and stirring the pot for fun). But I believe that how people view is how some people will view all the people at the church.
I don't understand how does calling someone a "snot nosed uppity individual" set anyone straight doctrinally? This hurts me and I hear this a lot at churches. I try not to shoot them down if they are willing to discuss things without an argument. Otherwise it is almost as if we are saying, hey, if you're a Christian and know your stuff - your welcome here. If you don't - your not. And what if someone comes on who isn't saved, but wants to know about salvation and is really messed up in their thinking! I'm am not referring about those individuals who come on and know both sides of the issue well, have made their choice and just want to stir the pot and start a fight. But, I honestly can say, there are sooooo many churches out there (and pastors) propagating lies that we should expect that there will be people who are really confused (they may be saved - maybe not- and think they are) who need the help of those who have the answers solidly grounded in the Word of God. If we can't give them solid answers Biblically who will?
Sorry if I seem upset. Do you agree?
Response #5:
I think what you are implying here is exactly correct. Attacking other people is not Christian love, especially in cases where as you make clear it is not a question of some provocateur invading your church just to stir up trouble but rather of people asking questions. Ideally, a Bible teaching church will be offering up so much truth so often and in so many ways that 1) people who are genuinely interested in pursuing the truth will be fed and will learn to be patient, realizing early on that sooner or later most if not all of their questions will be answered while 2) people who are not really interested in pursuing the truth will soon leave since no one is rising to the bait when they try to pick a fight. To me, this is the area where "church discipline" is important, namely, providing a protected environment where both new and mature believers can grow together on the bread of the Word without being hindered or destroyed by other people who condemn them for their beliefs or private behavior. When this message, example, and source of truth from substantive Bible teaching is actually coming from the pulpit in a systematic way, the Spirit and the Word are more than capable of "straightening out" anyone and everyone who needs to be straightened out and who is willing to be responsive to the Lord. And it is very important from the standpoint of genuine spiritual growth for this sort of change to come from inside the person in response to Jesus and His truth rather than only superficially from the outside in response to human pressure. Such whitewashing is bound to be imperfect at best, and in many cases of legalism and faulty understanding of scripture it will be entirely and fundamentally wrong.
If I speak in [a variety of] human and angelic languages but I do not have love, I have become [in my words as nothing more than unintelligible] sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And if I possess the gift of prophecy and know all the mysteries [of God] and all [His] knowledge, and if I possess a complete faith [sufficient] to move mountains but I do not have love, then I am nothing. And if I sell off everything I own and hand myself over into slavery so that I may boast [of my good works] but do not have love, then I profit nothing by it. Love exercises patience. Love does what is honorable. Love is not envious. It does not go about boasting vainly. It does not swell with pride. It does not behave in a shameful way. It does not seek after its own advantage. It is not easily provoked. It does not bear grudges. It does not rejoice over wickedness, but it rejoices together with the truth. It protects everything [which ought to be protected]. It believes everything [which ought to be believed]. It hopes everything [which ought to be hoped for]. It endures everything [which ought to be endured].
1st Corinthians 13:1-7
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
Romans 14:1 NIV"
There is a big difference between encouraging someone and judging them. For example, if I say to my friend, "hey, want to come to Bible class with me tomorrow? I'll take us." Delicately done that could be encouragement. However, if I say "Why weren't you in Bible class last night?!?!" That is not encouragement. That is judging someone else's application. There are all sorts of reasons why their application could be acceptable, not the least of which could theoretically be that the "Bible class" in question has gone down the wrong road or is not really teaching the Word substantively, and the person has been convicted by the Spirit to find something that does work instead.
So now what?
Let's burn down these walls that keep us and others from reaching those that need love and mercy the most.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Are we ready to change?
Salvation Begins With God:
Have you felt the "tug" of God on your heart? Becoming a Christian is one of the most important steps you will take in your life on earth. Continue reading to learn what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian and what it means to be a follower of Christ.
This call to salvation begins with God. He initiates it by drawing us to come to Him.
John 6:44
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him ..." (NIV)
Revelation 3:20
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in ..." (NIV)
Human Efforts are Futile:
God desires an intimate relationship with us, but we cannot obtain it through our own efforts.
Isaiah 64:6
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." (NIV)
Romans 3:10-12
"...There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." (NIV)
Separated by Sin:
We have a problem. Our sin separates us from God, leaving us spiritually empty.
Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (NIV)
It is impossible for us to find peace with God through our own efforts. Anything we try to do to obtain God's favor or gain salvation is worthless and futile.
A Gift from God:
Salvation then, is a gift from God. He offers the gift through Jesus, his Son. By laying down his life on the cross, Christ took our place and paid the ultimate price, the penalty for our sin -- death. Jesus is our only way to God.
John 14:6
"Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NIV)
Responding to God's Call:
The only thing we must do is respond to God's call.
But how? How do I become a Christian?
Receiving God's gift of salvation is not complicated. The response to God's call is explained in these simple steps found in God's Word:
1) Admit you are a sinner and turn away from your sin.
Acts 3:19 says: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (NIV)
Repent literally means "a change of mind that results in a change of action." To repent, then, means to admit you are a sinner. You change your mind to agree with God that you are a sinner. The resulting "change in action" is, of course, the turning away from sin.
2) Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from your sins and give you eternal life.
John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT)
Believing in Jesus is also a part of repenting. You change your mind from unbelief to belief, which results in a change of action.
3) Come to him by faith.
In John 14:6 Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)
Faith in Jesus Christ is a change of mind that results in a change of action—coming to him.
4) You may pray a simple prayer to God.
God knows your heart and what you wish for. He knows your hurts and pain. He knows what will become of you. He has a plan for everything that has happened to you. You may want to make your response to God a prayer. Prayer is simply communicating with God. Pray using your own words. There is no special formula. Just pray from your heart to God, and believe that he has saved you. Here is a prayer for you if you really want him into your life. Let this come from your heart and from your soul. If you feel lost and just don’t know what to pray, here’s a prayer of salvation you can pray.
Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.
I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.
You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.
Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.
Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.
Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life. AMEN.
5) Now, don’t doubt.
Salvation is by grace, through faith. There’s nothing you did, or ever can do, to deserve it. It’s a free gift from God. All you have to do is receive it!
Ephesians 2:8 says: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (NIV)
6) Tell someone about your decision.
Romans 10:9-10 says, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV)
If you would like to talk, leave me a comment and I will definitely get back in touch.
Blessings!
~Special Momma ~
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