Saved From Judgement?? by Shalene Kearney

I read my post to my husband yesterday, and afterward, a lively discussion on whether or not we are saved from Judgement ensued. I will not say which of us took which side, but I will say that we did not seem to be in agreement. So I have studied this subject in particular, so that I might keep you from having the same discussion. (Though it was lively, and it was loving, and it is always enjoyable to discuss scripture with my wonderful husband.)

Now on to the post: There are some that believe that because we have accepted Christ that we are now somehow saved from Judgement by God. This is not what the bible tells us. Let me say that again. This is not what the bible tells us.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? We must all appear before the judgement seat. This is the reason that a true believer must endeavor to do good, as much as his earthly body will allow. Our salvation is not dependent upon our works, but you better believe you will be judged by what you did or didn't do. Can you imagine the scene?

You're standing before God, and he's asking you about all that you didn't do. Can you think of anything that will justify it? And what about the things you did do? For the good, He may say "Good work my good and faithful servant" or He may say, "Why didn't you do it with a grateful heart, a servant's heart?" Though the thought of judgement is not something I look forward to, I know that my name is written in the Book of Life and that God is just and merciful. That is why He sent His Son for me, and for you. Because we cannot do it alone, and He must judge us all. Without the blood of Jesus Christ covering our sins, we would have no hope. So today I thank God that "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJV

I urge everyone of you, please, please do not just take my word for it, but dive into His Holy Word, and learn these truths for yourself as well. I am only a servant of the Lord. I can share these truths, but I cannot make you know them.

---Lord, today I pray again, that You are pleased with my words, and that I might reach someone that is in need of You. I thank you Lord for giving me these words and this knowledge to "put to paper." I ask that all who read these words will be moved to learn more and read Your Holy Word for themselves and that if answers are needed that they are able to find them. I thank you again for working through me Lord, and for growing my faith as well. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen

What Are We Saved From? by Shalene Kearney

Oh that's easy you say. "We're saved from eternal damnation." Yes, that's true, but we are also saved from Death. We that are true believers and Christ followers believe ourselves to be saved, not only from eternal damnation, but also from Death. I'm not talking a physical death. Though, if Christ should return today, those of us (true believers) alive today would certainly be spared a physical death. You see, Satan is not the opposite of God. Death is. That is why Jesus was required to conquer Death by His resurrection. This is illustrated in Revelation 1:17-18

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, "Fear not; I am the First and the Last. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death. (emphasis mine)

And then in Revelation 2:7 (NLT) we learn that

"Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God."

If Satan were God's opposite, he would have much more power than he does. (Not that he doesn't have more than he ought- but that's just my opinion.) Death is what Christ saved us from. Death being eternal separation from Him. Before Christ died for us, very few were given the annointing necessary to allow them to approach the throne of God in His Kingdom. I'll go into that in another post. (This is a subject that will require more than one, not just because of the depth, but because I must study.)

I feel compelled to share more with you, but I must admit that I do not yet know enough of the scriptures necessary to make my point. I will be studying, and praying and studying some more. I hope you will "stayed tuned" for the "next installment." Until then, I urge you, read Revelations for yourself. Did you know it is the only book of the bible that specifically states a blessing on the reader and those that share it's contents?? It may seem a little scary at first, or maybe a little too "sci-fi" with all the creatures described, but it's really an eye opening book of instruction and foretelling.

--Lord, I pray today that my words were wise enough in their brevity, and that I did not stray from Your Holy Word. I feel moved by the Spirit You placed within me, to share the Salvation You so freely gave, and what it means for all of us that accept it. Lord, I pray today that those that seek You, and the answers will do so with an open and willing heart, because Your Word says that those who seek shall find. I pray these things in Jesus Holy Name. Amen

The Good News by Shalene Kearney

I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 (NLT)

Now this will be a controversial post for some, but I press on nonetheless. Those of us that believe the Bible to be the only infallible Word of God, know which groups, that call themselves Christian, do this. I won't name them. That's not my place. However I will say this: Paul was preaching to the church in Galatia because they were beginning to preach that salvation through acceptance of Christ as savior, was not in itself enough. That doctrine and practices of the Jews must also be accomplished in order for salvation to occur. This is just not correct.


In fact, Paul goes on to say in Galations 1:8-10 (NLT) "Let God's curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News that the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant."

How is it then, that we can know whether or not what is being preached is truly the Good News that was given to us by Jesus? We must "test the spirits." We must read our bibles, study it, word by word, and line by line. Read other versions to be sure that what you're reading is consistent. Do whatever you must to know that you are not preaching a version of the Good News that is not true.

While reading the bible is not the only way to know that what you're preaching, or being preached, it is by far the best. Another way to know whether or not you are preaching the true Good News, is to ask yourself, is this "Good News" telling me that anything I can do will guarantee my salvation? If the answer is yes, then you are not speaking or hearing the true Good News.

Today, take the time to think about what it is you have learned from your bibles, and no other books or doctrine. Do you believe that your salvation is guaranteed solely because you have accepted Christ Jesus as your savior? If so, great! Hallelujah! If not, perhaps you should re-evaluate what it is that you think you can do to guarantee something that we all know not one of us can, or does, deserve. A gift is only a gift so long as nothing is required in return. Are you throwing Christ's "gift" back in his face?

--Lord, today I pray that my words may reach those that are hearing a "Good News" that is contrary to Yours, and that they might hear the truth in these words. I pray that they will seek out Your truth, and Your Good News. I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

The Infallible Word of God By Shalene Kearney

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Yesterday was a wonderful day! I ended my day in tears of happiness, because I had received so many compliments and words of encouragement regarding my self as a person and my writing. It was almost enough to make a person's head swell. "Almost" being the operative word. I have always loved to write, and have always thought it would be great to get my writing published somewhere. (I guess I've realized that dream, right here.) :) However, I must give credit where credit is due.

I am who I am, because of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. A few short years ago, this person you're getting to know, didn't exist. Oh, I was nice enough (most of the time) but I was not compassionate, and willing to share my shortcomings with everyone. And I certainly wouldn't have been quoting Scripture for you, and praising the Lord.

Not only am I who I am because of the Holy Spirit, but my writing is what it is because of the Holy Spirit moving in me as well. Each day, before I begin writing, I ask the Lord to move through me, to give me the words to "put to paper." Much the same way that I'm sure that the men who wrote the Scriptures that make up our Bible did. I am in no way comparing myself to these God fearing men, to whom I am in complete awe. But this is what happens when I write.

I am so thankful to the Lord that He allows me this outlet for sharing my faith and my life with all who read my words. I also give Him all praise and glory for every bit of it, because without Him, I would have nothing to write about.

---Lord, today I ask that in everything I do, whether it be writing, or just living out my day, that I give you all glory, and all praise, and all the credit, because that is where the glory, praise and credit is due. I am so humbled by Your choice in me; because really who am I, that you would work through me? In Your infinite wisdom, I know that You know Your reasons, and whatever they are, I thank you from the depths of my soul. I pray that those who read my words today, will be moved to thank you, for all the ways you move in their lives each day as well. I pray this in Jesus Holy Name.
Amen

Author's note: If you would like to read more about how I know the bible is the infallible Word of God, please visit this link. Reasons Skeptics Should Consider Christianity It's a very short article, that explains this much better than I could.