1. My Faith: What good is it if I was to obtain all this world can give and miss going to heaven? Last year when we gave up what few toys we had to adopt Caleb and get custody of Corina, it was much easier than I thought. It is not that Carey and I don't want things, we do. It is that things are less and less important. I was going to use the word sacrifice, but that implies we gave up something - we didn't, we gained a Son and Daughter! We thought we were rescuing them, when in fact they rescued us!
I am the selfish one in the family. I graduated from the University of Self-Centeredness with honors no less. Most of you whom have taken the time to read this probably know how sinful I am (it is still my nature). I have blasphemed in both word and action The One True God whom I have claimed to serve, but when I called upon the name of Jesus, repented and put my trust in Him and Him alone, He saved me!
2. My Family's Faith: I told my oldest daughter Breana several years ago that Reading, Writing and Arithmetic were important, however the most important thing is that we "finish together". The only way to do that is that our entire family all goes to Heaven. God is not a grandfather, but a Father which means Breana cannot get to heaven on my faith but must have her own relationship with The Lord.
Carey and I are blessed. Breana, Joshua and Corina are all soundly saved. As for Caleb, he is only 22 months and is "safe". When the time comes Caleb will need to put his trust and faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We pray over him that he gets soundly saved at an early age. What faith is it that I have that I cannot share it with my children? Even worse, what father am I that because of my arrogance and pride reject Christ and just at the end I am able to receive Him as Savior but leave my family to perish a sinners death?
3. My Friends Faith: Some of my friends are saved and some are not and some I just don't know. It is truly my desire for all of you to have eternal life with Christ. If you are one that doesn't believe this then it is you I need to pray for the most. You are not saved because you go to church, know a church or built a church.
As Pastor Tom Peters from Trinity Church International once said: "It is not an affiliation or denomination that saves. As a matter of fact, you better get rid of those denominational tags, because they are going to fall off if you go up or burn off if you go down!?" It is a relationship with Jesus Christ, the only Son of God whom left heaven to be born of a virgin, was beaten and crucified and died for our past sins, present sins and future sins, raised to life on the third day and now sits at God's right hand to intercede on our behalf to those who have put their Faith in Him.
What you have done in the past is not nearly as important as what you will do with the present!
Love ernie
What must I do to be saved?
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous
ReplyDeleteYou must receive Him and believe/call upon His (Jesus) name.
John 1:12 NKJV But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
Romans 10:13 KJV For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Believing on His name means to trust in who and what He said He was and is, that is He is God come down from heaven, born of a Virgin, suffered and died for YOUR sins and rose again and is seated at The Fathers right hand interceding on your behalf.
Each of us must come to the point where we realize we have sinned against a Holy God and turn from that sin - not just feel sorry about it, Acts 26:20.
In your own words cry out to God, ask for forgiveness, confirm in your own words He is to be Lord and Master of your life and thank Him for what Christ has just done and will continue to do in your life!
Salvation is just the beginning, find a Bible believing church (not all are) and get Baptized - this is your public profession of faith, read your Bible daily - start in the book of John or Romans. If you truly are unable to afford a Bible, contact me and I will get you one.
Thank you. I will. But, how do I know what church?
ReplyDeleteIf you have internet access, you should be able to see a lot of church's statements of faith or "who we are". Here is my church's as a guide:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hgbcblairsville.org/who.php
Feel free to call me if necessary 706-835-7941
Receiving Jesus as Savior is the greatest thing that can happen to you!
Yes. I see the importance. I want to make the right decision. I am confused. I just read your church guide. It says you are a Baptist church. Why is it right? Other churches say they are right? Does it make a difference?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time to answer my questions.
First, your decision is the most important step. After that, in order to have any discernment you must start taking in God's word and pray. Your questions are great, however Acts 17:11 says it is your responsibility to check all I say or anyone else against what God's word says. Use gotquestions.org, iti is a great resource.
ReplyDeleteI am a christian, our family has been attending a baptist church for eight years and that is where God has planted us. There is a difference in church's, denominations and pastors - study and read God's word and let Him direct your steps...
Enjoy your journey ern
Thank you. Good direction.
ReplyDeleteI am "searching the Scriptures daily." I am reading my Bible. I am also reading "gotquestions.org. I am finding the answers through both.
I am reading these 2 articles.
1)"With all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct?"
2)"Why are there so many religions? Do all religions lead to God?"
I am ready to take the first step. I know how to find the right church.
I intend to enjoy this journey. Thank you for putting me on the path.
I was looking back at our conversation and was wondering how you were doing? I hope this gets to you. Be Blessed
Deleteernie