Something to Think About...

I first heard of Paul Washer, over on Sicarii's old blog (sorry no link, because that "old" site has been taken down), and recently have begun listening to his sermons with my husband. I highly recommend him, to anyone that is serious about their faith in the Lord, and especially for those that are not so serious about it. Here is a CliffNotes version of one of his most powerful sermons. If you'd like to hear "part two" of sermons by Paul Washer, check out my hubby's blog tomorrow (since I stole this video from him today.) Blessings to you...



There is no "MORE" to this post.

Sometimes...... by Shalene

I am an intelligent woman. Most people that know me would agree. But sometimes I can be a bit of a ditz, and sometimes, sometimes I do things that are just plain stupid. Things that any intelligent person wouldn't do. Some of you will recall that a few months ago, I asked for your prayers in order that I might quit smoking. You will also recall that I finally managed to be successful while I was pregnant. Now, I must confess that once the hopelessness of our situation came to light, I allowed myself to fall back into my old habit. I started again. Now, I ask you, how stupid was that??? Especially considering that we intend to try again for another baby in a couple months. Ok, I'm done beating myself up. I ask for your prayers again. And for your prayers over my husband. We are both going to do it this time, and likely it won't be especially pleasant in our house for a couple days. But then again, perhaps you can pray for that as well. That the Lord would have compassion on our efforts to glorify Him in every way.

The Lord knows that we are doing this in obedience to Him. But that doesn't mean that we might not still have to pay some consequences for our sin. You might be asking "How can you say that smoking is a sin? It's not mentioned anywhere in the bible as a sin." You would be correct in your assertion that smoking is not specifically addressed in the bible. As a sin, or otherwise. However keeping your body pure as a temple to the Lord is. Smoking certainly doesn't make for a pure temple.

Let me back up a minute. This morning, my husband sent me an email, which he has also posted on his blog. After he sent me the email, I began to wonder just what it was that made him believe that smoking was a sin. Aside from it being an addiction, which we know to be an idol, because we cannot serve two masters. He seemed to beating himself up, rather harshly over it. I'm not keen on anyone bashing my husband, not even himself. So, I really wanted to know, how is smoking a sin?

In my quest for answers, I came upon numerous forums and other things, that did NOT clear matters up at all. (Does opinion ever, really?) Finally, I found an interesting article that did clear the matter up significantly.

Rather than try to give you just the main outline, I am just going to include the entire thing (with permission of course.) Please click the Read More button to read this article. Blessings and peace be to you. And thank you in advance for your prayers.

Is Smoking a Sin?
-by Tony Warren

This question is one which is asked much more frequently in modern times since more Pastors are taking a hands off approach to Church correction. You are more likely to hear things like, 'it's a matter of Christian liberty, so use your individual conscience.' In light of this attitude, it is possible that many Christians who smoke may have not even considered this an issue, or not even realized that it could be sin. This is no doubt (in part) due to it not being something which is preached against by many Pastors today, and in some cases it is actually condoned.

While no one in our day who is in their right mind would ever say smoking is a good thing, incredibly many theologians have nevertheless taken the indefensible position that 'this' doesn't mean it's a bad thing either. They place smoking into some sort of cosmic 'grey area,' and categorize it as a matter of conscience. When one chooses to look at things more from a personal rights viewpoint rather than strictly the scriptures, it is easy to blur the line between good and bad. Humanly speaking, it's easier to label a theologian judgmental, than it is to examine the evidence against smoking and commend 'Biblical judgment.' Because when searching through scripture and considering all of the pertinent facts, I believe that the only 'honest' answer that we can come to regarding this question, is Yes. Smoking is a Sin. And it is a sin on multiple levels.



It is a Detriment to the Body
Considering the universal Medical opinion, I don't know anyone who could legitimately argue today that smoking is not injurious to one's health. The fact is, nine out of ten lung cancer victims are smokers. The scientific evidence is that smokers have a three to one chance of heart attack, over non-smokers. Even smoking in (so-called) moderation, on the average, will shorten one's life span by many years.

Not only is it harmful to the smoker, but the preponderance of evidence is that it is also harmful to others through what is called 'second-hand smoke.' A Christian who Knows that other people may be harmed by their smoking, and yet chooses to indulge in this act simply to pleasure himself, has spiritual issues beyond and above the issue of smoking.

James 4:17

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
It is clear that deliberately doing something which is injurious to others is sin. But one might ask, 'what if they smoke in total isolation from others, would that still be sin?' The answer I believe is yes, for smoking is a sin against the body which is the Lord's. Just as a Christian wouldn't knowingly harm others because he understands that it is a sin to do so, likewise, one can not knowingly harm himself, because that would be just as much a sin. It is the same as if you went about poisoning yourself. For we glorify God in our body, which belongs to the Lord. Therefore, to defile or poison that body, is a sin or transgression against God to whom it belongs.
1st Corinthians 6:19-20

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
We are to regard our Body as a holy vessel of the Lord, literally! For He has both bought us, and dwells within this vessel. Our body is not our own, and we should seek to live clean and Holy lives both in reverence to the Lord and as an example to others showing that we are different from the world. To smoke (which we know hurts this body which is the Lord's), is desecration of the Lord's Temple. The problem (as I see it) is not one of doing what we know is right, but one of selfishness, or of doing what we want. A problem of trading what is the prudent and righteous thing to do, for the physical and temporal pleasures of a few puffs of smoke. Many are simply unwilling to give that up, even for the cause of Christ. Yes, I know that this is a harsh way to put it, but I believe in many instances, this is an accurate assessment.
It is somewhat of a spiritual dichotomy, because most non-Christians won't even attempt to pretend that smoking is not harmful. But the Christian often will. They will often retort that, 'it's their body and they have Christian liberty to do with it what they want.' Contrasted with God's declaration that we are 'not' our own, but are bought with a price and belong to Him (1st Corinthians 6:19-20, 7:22-23). Unfortunately, the Christian who is supposed to be more honest than the world, seems to go to great lengths to justify himself in desperately attempting to ease his conscience and hold onto this vice. One of their favorite verses to hold up in support of their vice is Matthew chapter fifteen. This is used as an 'end-all' proof text for their liberty to smoke.

Matthew 15:10-11

"And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
They joy in pointing out that what Jesus was teaching is that what a man consumes does not defile him. Therefore, they reason that the consumption of cigarettes cannot defile a man. However, this is misapplication on three levels.
One, they are taking this out of context for their own selfish purposes. Jesus is not saying that you can put poisons into your body, because it doesn't defile you (which is the logical conclusion drawn from their use of this verse this way), but Jesus is saying that it is their doctrines which defile them, not neglecting to wash your hands before meals. In no way is Jesus putting forth a principle that people have liberty to take poisons into their body, nor is he proclaiming that doing so is not a sin. That is a ridiculous use of this passage, and what's more, most know it. They are simply looking to 'rationalize' away their actions.
Two, in fact the Scriptures do clearly warn about doing things to harm our body, and so this passage cannot possibly be contradicting other scriptures. For example scripture tells us that gluttony or over-eating is a transgression of God's law, and it just as clearly warns about over-drinking or drunkenness. And so we can not in any way remove guilt of sin by arrogantly declaring that we have 'Christian liberty' to put into our bodies anything that we want, when it harms us. The 'truth' is, we don't have Christian liberty to do so, we have Christian responsibility not to.

Three, if Christ was indeed saying this, it would negate the spiritual, about defiling ourselves by putting something into our mouths which will bring damnation to us (as in the communion).

1st Corinthians 11:29

"For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."
How is this passage true if what goes in the body means nothing? The answer of course is, this is true, because that was never what Jesus meant when He spoke of what defiles a man. Eating unworthily 'is' a Sin, because sin begins in the mind. The sin is in the thought to commit the act itself, not in the substance that is eaten. Likewise, the sin is in the mind to commit the act of smoking, knowing what it does to the body, and to others. It is not in smoke. Smoke is no more sin than a communion wafer is sin, but it is the act of smoking itself, or of eating unworthily, which is sin. So this passage in no way absolves man from sin in his smoking.
The question is, does smoking harm the body, and is harming the body a sin? When we answer that question 'honestly' then, and only then, will we stop rationalizing away sin. For the health problems related to long term smoking are well documented.



It is Addictive
Some people claim that Smoking does not involve a fundamental moral issue, but they are wrong in that also. For at it's root is the sin of lust to bondage. To protect what has grown to be no less than 'sacred moments' of smoking pleasures, people will deny that smoking is harmful, or even addictive. The reason for these illogical declarations come from their inability to discern their addiction, nor to look at themselves honestly. In many instances they do not want to face the actual extent of their enslavement to tobacco and nicotine. And make no mistake, it is an enslavement, even though those addicted usually profess ability to stop smoking whenever they want. Because to confess that they cannot would be to admit enslavement, and thus to admit that it is a sin. Frequently they do not realize the extent of their bondage because they have never faced the real prospect of it's loss. But in looking at this honestly, we face the fact that we actually 'like these type sins,' which we subconsciously consider insignificant in the big scheme of things.

The very 'fact' that even attempting to quit smoking is a very hard thing to do is reason enough that it is a sin which all Christians should be against. But the pride in rationalization can be blinding. The truth is, quitting smoking is known to be one of the most difficult things in this world to do. Research has shown 'conclusively' that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet, even more addictive than heroin some say. Such information should make us all sit up, take notice, and wonder how anyone professing Christianity could 'biblically' justify or condone the use of this substance. Yet, many professed Christians routinely attempt to do it, and just as routinely become indignant that any Theologian would actually say it is wrong for them to indulge in this vice.

1st Corinthians 6:12

"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."
Anything which one cannot stop doing makes him a slave to it. For all intents and purposes it becomes his 'god' which he is dependent upon. i.e., in bondage he serves it, rather than our Lord. In a word, idolatry. Whether psychologically or physiologically addicted, it is idolatry. We cannot serve two masters, whether alcohol, smoking, or any other addictive substance, and to say it is not sin (considering the facts), is just plain sticking one's head in the 'proverbial' sand. Christians should treat the smoking addiction like any other sin. We confess it as sin (as opposed to claiming we have no sin), and we tackle it in the strength of Christ. We lay this burden down at the foot of the cross.
Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Even though it is difficult, and withdrawal may take time before one is no longer desiring the puffs from cigarettes, we as Christians are to look to God from whom comes our help. And anyone who says cigarettes are not addicting are kidding themselves. And if it 'is' addicting, then it is a sin, because it makes man a slave to this substance. And Blessed is the man who can face these truths honestly.


It is a bad Witness and a cause for the Brethren to Stumble
Even if a Christian were convinced that they could smoke without sinning (I cannot imagine how), knowing what they do about cigarettes, it's addictive properties, and the probability of a weaker brethren emulating and being brought into addictive bondage by smoking, it would still be a sin. Because the true Christian should for the sake of the weaker brethren, not smoke. And we won't, except our hearts be hardened, or we be so addicted that we must. Again, we are our brothers keeper, and we love the brethren as ourselves.

1st John 3:14

"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
If we love our brother, we desire the best for them as we do for ourselves. Most people who smoke wish that they would have never started smoking, and though they rationalize it and justify it, I'm sure that deep down they realize that it is a dirty, addictive habit. So why would a Christian want to continue to smoke, knowing that by their witness as a Christian, they are encouraging others to start? i.e., the weaker brother sees other Christians doing it, and feel justified in picking up the habit. That is not the witness that a true Christian wants to put forth. The principle applies:
Romans 14:15-16

"But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:"
We cannot destroy a weaker brethren even if we think we can be justified in doing it ourselves. If something were lawful, and yet causes our weaker brethren to fall, for his sake we cannot do it. And it is sin if we do. For we are living examples.
2nd Thessalonians 3:9

"Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us."
Christians are an example to the brethren and to the world, and that example in no way should include smoking cigarettes that a weaker brethren might stumble and fall. And if we take the attitude that it's not our fault and we don't really care if they do, then again, we have more spiritual issues than smoking to contend with.


It Not to the Glory of God
If I may relate a story, there was a woman who had been smoking for a long while and when told it was not a good witness protested to her Pastor that she didn't think smoking was a sin. The Pastor asked her if smoking was something that she would be embarrassed about doing if the Lord returned today and met her face to face? She thought on that a while, and had to reluctantly admit that it would indeed be embarrassing. For up until that point, she had not realized that she was not addressing the issue 'honestly.' But when it came to Christ watching her puff on a cigarette face to face, she understood 'personally' the sin. We should all look at things that way, realizing that Christ 'is' watching us, and there should be no difference in what we are embarrassed about now, or when Christ returns. The old adage applies, 'When in doubt, leave it out!' Romans 14:23

"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
Another Christian admitted that smoking was a bad habit, a foolish habit, and even a habit which might be harmful, but still insisted that it is not a sin, and thus not really a big moral issue. No, they weren't Roman catholic, but their ideas about sin were just as illogical. Because when did a bad habit, a foolish habit, and a harmful habit, become not a sin? Such rationalizing leaves you wondering if you have missed something somewhere. Whatever is a 'bad' thing to do, is automatically antithetical to doing the Good thing, and is thus sin. Bad means that which is not good, or that which is in error or wrong to do.
Isaiah 65:2

"I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;"
The problem with man is that he walks after his own thoughts, doing what is right in his own eyes, and not 'bowing' or surrendering to authority of scripture. To do what is 'not good' rather than what is the good thing. But whatever is not good, is bad, and thus sin. Likewise, whatever is a foolish thing to do, is automatically the incorrect thing to do, and is also sin.
Proverbs 9:6

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding."
When we go in the way of understanding, we are not foolish, and consider all of God's Word on a matter. Anything we do which is harmful to ourselves or to others must be confessed sin. If we smoke, knowing it can harm others, it is as if we have set out poison for them. In the Biblical vernacular, as if we have set devices, nets or traps to hurt them.
Psalms 35:7

"For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul."
When we harm people without a reason, we are committing transgression (sin) against them. And so for all these reasons, to say that smoking is bad, is foolish, and is harmful to ourselves and others, and yet insist it is not sin is simply, biblically ridiculous. Would a true believer be able to smoke with a clear conscience knowing all we know about the harm that it does to both us, and those around us? I don't know. But I do know that he 'shouldn't' have a clear conscience doing it.
Hebrews 13:18

"Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly."
How could we smoke and have a clear conscience knowing that we are slowly poisoning our body, and harming others, and that it is an addicting substance? How could we have a clear conscience knowing that we are a witness to others that this is an appropriate way for a Christian to act? It's a good question.
1st Corinthians 10:31

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
This is a command of God, not a suggestion. Smoking is not to the Glory of the Lord, and is therefore, sin. A transgression of God's law that 'whatever we do, do all to the Glory of God.' So again, those choosing to rationalize away that smoking is sin, must be throwing God's word behind the back, or trampling it under foot. Because there is no way that smoking can be seen as to the Glory of God. Thus it is sin.


Smoking is Rooted in Paganism
The historical aspects of smoking is not germane to whether it is Biblically permissible, and thus to this article, but it is interesting that there is no record of any Christian ever smoking in scripture. It was probably unknown to believers in Biblical times. If it was, it would have been seen as the diverse rites and customs of the gentile or heathen nations.

Another interesting thing is that most false religions all over the world, from the very beginning, mimic the Christian religion, whether in their burnings that supposedly take prayers to their gods in the smoke, of building temples, or praying, or of human sacrifice to their god, it is a imitating the one true faith (and that is not by accident). It's not some cosmic coincidence, nor reason to doubt there is one God (as anthropologists insist), it is because Satan is the false or 'substitute' Christ. The antichrist who was/is/and will be the great deceiver of man through false or substitute religion. Scripture is replete with prophesy and evidence of this. Smoking in religious practices is just another of his devices to try and make a mockery out of the true Religion.

As far as anyone knows, smoking began as a religious rite of the Mayans. They were a people who used it in their worship of false gods, and who practiced human sacrifice. The American Indians, who many believe were their progeny, believed that the smoke carried the messages from whoever was smoking, to the spirit world. Much like the ceremonial burning of incense in Israel signified the prayers, or as in revelation of prayers being taken in the smoke before God. We see this same mimic of Christian belief that smoking carries the prayers to the spirits in the false religion of Buddhism. It is not insignificant that many of the pagan customs which have infiltrated the Churches, have their roots in the false religions of these cultures.




Conclusion
God has commanded us (not suggested to us), that we strive to live Holy lives. The fact is, even economically, cigarettes costs so much that it causes an unjustifiable financial impact for any Christian. i.e., is this the best way to use the mammon which God has put in our care? To quite literally burn it up in the fire? Obviously, it is not, and is both a waste time, and of our resources. Christians are the faithful stewards of what God has given them (Matthew 25:14-30), and our body, money, and time, are not our own, but the Lord's. This is what those who have their eyes so focused on themselves, refuse to understand about this issue.
That smoke defiles the body is readily seen. Looking at the lungs of a person who has smoked for any length of time, we see that they are 'black' with the collection of this smoke pollution. Can we honestly say this is God Glorifying? Not with a straight face! And the health care expenses after years of smoking increase exponentially. The Longer you smoke, the more health problems you will have, and it is all avoidable simply by 'denying ourselves,' for the Cause of Christ.

So, does smoking mean that a person is not a Christian? Certainly not. That is not the question here. The question we are addressing is, '..is smoking a sin?' And in that regard, there is one thing we can say with absolute certainty, and that is that smoking is not to the Glory of God in any way whatsoever. It is a detriment to the body, it is an extremely addictive substance which makes a slave out of those who use it, it is a bad witness for the cause of Christ, it may be harmful to others, and it is a cause for our weaker brethren to stumble. Therefore, it is without question, a sin. And anyone claiming that it is not, is 'lying' to themselves. God tells us that if we've broken just one single commandment, we stand guilty of the whole law of God. Which means there are no insignificant sins. If we know that it is sin, then we should pray that we would be delivered from it. There isn't one good thing about smoking. What that ultimately means to us depends upon if we would rather do the will of God, or our own will.

The Victory
We will never gain the victory over smoking so long as we keep telling ourselves that we have some 'God given right' to pollute our body with this substance. Victory over any sin starts with recognizing it for what it is, confessing it as sin, and repenting of it.

"How do we get the victory over it?" For starters, we must not coddle it, or make excuses for it, but confess that it is indeed sin. Confession, repentance, and our need for the strength of Christ in overcoming it, is paramount. We set our hearts on things above, and pray the Lord will, "forgive us sinners, and give us the strength to gain the victory in this trial." So many people leave the Lord out in their attempt to overcome evil, and that is a big mistake. Prayer is expressly 'for' these type situations, where we can take our problems directly to the throne of God and Him who can solve them.

If thy hand offend thee, cut if off. In other words, we break away from that which is an offense. We throw those cigarettes away, not leave them around the house as a temptation. We cut it off leaving no avenue for further tempting, and we lean upon the Lord for our strength.

2nd Corinthians 12:9

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
We don't need smoking, God's Grace is enough for us. Our weakness for cigarettes will be manifest as we grow realizing strength in the Lord. The power of God working within us to alleviate the pressure to smoke. All to His glory. The strength in humility, wherein we will no longer boast that, 'I like smoking, so no one is going to tell me what to do!' The strength wherein we put Christ first, and ourselves last. The strength wherein we love our neighbor as ourselves, and wherein our concern for them far outweighs our concern for our own pleasure. In this we will find that giving up smoking is not giving up liberty, nor is it some sort of prideful defeat. On the contrary, it is a realization of true Christian liberty, and bountiful spoil in true victory. If we Glory, let us glory in the Lord.
We pray that the Lord who is Gracious above all will give you the wisdom and understanding to discern the truth of His Holy Word for our lives

Amen!

Peace,

Copyright ©2001 Tony Warren
For other studies free for the Receiving, Visit our web Site
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What If You're Wrong Part 2 by Shalene

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him" (Psalm 103:11).

I posted a video from YouTube yesterday, by one of my favorite artists, Nichole Nordeman. The video was for the song What If, and in the dedication on her CD jacket, she states the song is "for a friend who thinks this Jesus stuff is nuts". For all you friends, neighbors, loved ones and every one else, What if you're wrong? I have a relative by marriage that asked us this question before we were believers, and I never really thought about it. (Once again, I chose not to hear the Truth in her words.)

Do you think that the He's "just another nice guy", that He was a dreamer, that He was certainly a special person, but not the Son of God? Do you think the crown of thorns is "no more than folklore"? And what about the Bible, do you choose not to believe that it is the Word of God? What if you're wrong???

If you're right, then NOTHING. Nothing as in, this life means nothing, there is no point to any of it. Does that make you feel good? If you're right, then there is NOTHING to look forward to, and no one will know that all the believers out there, myself included, were just foolish to believe in Him. Because there is NOTHING after this life.

But what if you're wrong? What if there is "hope you've never dreamed of hoping for"? What if the moment you pass from this earth, you learn that you were wrong? You will spend eternity wishing you had listened and believed. Because at that moment, you will believe, but you won't be able to do ANYTHING about it. I urge you, read the book of John. It tells all about who Jesus was, and why He came. I don't want you to be wrong. Because what if you are???? What if He is love??????

Lord, today I pray for all the unbelievers that choose to remain thinking that belief in You is foolishness, I pray for their eternal souls. I pray that you give me the words to minister to these lost souls. I pray that they see the Love that You are. Lord I know that you are Truth and Light and Love like I could never imagine. It is beyond my comprehension and beyond any explanation. But Lord, I want to try. I pray that You help me to reach those that would be saved by Your message of salvation. I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.


What If by Nichole Nordeman

Changing the World by Shalene

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5 KJV

I've been reading a lot of Christian blogs and visiting a lot of Christian websites lately. In doing so, I've had a thought. That is: What would happen if we all had a purpose in our blogs and our sites? Could we change the world? The answer is a resounding YES! Everyone of us that is a Christ follower, can change our world by using our sites and blogs to glorify the Lord. Whether that be by teaching the Holy Word of God to others or by sharing our own faith in our daily lives.

I wonder, how many of you that have a blog or site really understand that you have a responsibility, given to you- by God- to minister to others with the gifts that God has given you? Do you even see it as a ministry? If you're teaching the Word of God, surely you do. If you are "just" sharing your life, you may not see it as such. Let me impress upon you, it is! Your life may touch someone in a way that makes them want what you have. And that is the Holy Spirit guiding your every day, and a love of God that surpasses all understanding. Do you see it people?

We as a society have gotten complacent about sharing our faith. We have become closet Christians. That is not what Jesus instructed us to do!

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15,16 NKJV

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV

These two scriptures are known as the Great Commission and it was Jesus' last instruction to us before He ascended into Heaven. This instruction does not change simply because we live in a time when sharing our faith is inconvenient or might be an embarassment. How sad that you could be embarassed by the One that loves you unconditionally and died for you??? Perhaps some of us have forgotten that it was certainly not easy or convenient for the first disciples to share their faith. They were beaten, imprisoned and killed for it, for goodness sake!

So I say this, take your love of God and turn it into PASSION! Love your God and show the world that you love Him. I will endeavor to do the same. I too fall into times when I'm not comfortable sharing my faith, though I thank the Lord it doesn't happen often. Perhaps my way is not your way of doing things. That's ok. Just do it in way you can, so long as it glorifies Him, and you will be obeying Him that commissioned you.

--Lord, today I pray that You continue to move in me, so that I obey Your holy instruction to make disciples of nations. I pray that you give me the wisdom in my methods and the discernment to know when. I pray that You allow me to move others so that they want what I have: the eternal salvation that You bought at so high a price, I cannot fathom, a Peace that surpasses all understanding, and a glorious love that none can replace. I pray that you move others to want these same things. I pray for all my brothers and sisters in Christ that you would move them to want to move mountains for you. I pray all these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

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

Is Salvation Forever?? by Shalene Kearney

Yesterday, I became excited about a thought that I had, and in so doing, took some scripture out of context to support my mindset. I did not do it purposefully, but as it turns out, my posting was not entirely correct. The part I was excited about was not correct, anyway. You see, my father is not a believer. He was as a child a "believer" inasmuch as he went to church and I assume, went through the motions. I was excited by the fact that we as true believers cannot have our salvation taken away from us. However, the operative words here are "true believers."

I initially interpreted this to mean that if my father was a sincere believer as a child, then his salvation was still his. Unfortunately, this cannot be the case. There is but one unpardonable sin. That is rejection of God. Not because He can't pardon it, but because those that reject Him, won't let Him, simply because of their rejection.

It just so happened that I got a devotional today that helped me to understand a bit better. (God is wondrous in His mysterious ways.) From In Touch Ministries, written by Dr. Charles Stanley, entitled The Assurance of Our Salvation based on scripture verse 1 John 5:10-13

"The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and the life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; He who does not have the Son does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life."

What does it all mean??

What it means is this. A true believer will not turn away from God. Because they truly believe and have faith in who He is and who His Son is. Which means that regardless of what my father did as a child, he was never a true believer. Therefore, He cannot claim salvation. However, those that may have turned away in the past, because they did not have true understanding, and therefore true faith; and then come back, so long as they now truly believe and have unwavering faith, can claim salvation. That would be me. (See comment to original post for clarification of this statement if necessary.)

Tara was right in that we cannot claim our salvation based on something we said years ago or in our childhood, as much as it saddens me to say so. It has to be a true commitment to Christ. That's not to say that a child can't make a true commitment to Christ. They can and often do. And they are saved, and can claim their salvation. It's only when they turn away, for a short time later in life, that their words as a child no longer have any value. Because they were just that- "words."

As far as Salvation being Forever? Well, I was correct in that a true believer's salvation cannot be taken away simply because they commit a sin. We all sin on a daily basis, sometimes more that once a day. However, because we repent of our sins, with a genuine and contrite heart, our salvation is still guaranteed. We have gone beyond the basic understanding of being a Christ follower.

For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:2

--Lord, today I pray that my words are clearer and true to Your Holy Word. I thank You for the opportunity to study Your Word more, so that I might have a better understanding, and can minister only the Truth to those that read my words. May the Holy Spirit continue to work in me, and may the readers of these words be blessed. I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

Grace by Suzanne Benner

"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" (Acts 15:11).

Grace. It is a radical claim, an implausible idea.Yet it is the central tenet of Christianity and the element that sets our faith apart from every other world religion."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
The Bible teaches that there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn God's approval. Because of His holiness, He requires perfection. Yet, "There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins" (Ecclesiastes 7:20). If we hope that when our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds it will satisfy God, we are mistaken because Isaiah says, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away" (Isaiah 64:6).

Our good deeds are worthless when compared to God's goodness. How then do we access grace - the undeserved favor of God?" That 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" (Romans 10:9). We are asked to believe. In some ways it seems harder than working diligently to change and be good, because it requires utter humility and reliance on God. Yet when we cry, "Save me God, for I cannot save myself," we join the ranks of thousands, who for generations have relied on God's grace alone.

~God, Your offer of grace is beyond comprehension. Help me to believe.