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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Will everyone who asks be saved? | Joel 2:32 | DocTrinsograce | 182870 | ||
Dear Rusty, Our brother Hobbs answers well... I'd add that one might argue that the saved are the only ones who "seek the Lord with all their heart." Certainly we know that some appear to be saved, but their falling away indicates that they were not really saved. "And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away." (Mark 4:16-17 ESV) Note that Jesus goes on to say that the actual disciple is bears fruit (Mark 4:20). (Just a side note that in Bible times crop yields rarely exceeded ten fold. Therefore, the thirty, sixty, and hundred fold yields Christ speaks of were astonishing figures to His hearers.) We often assure people of their salvation when we should be pointing them to Scripture. As Paul advises all believers, "examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Praying a pre-written little prayer, walking the aisle, being baptized, joining a church, or even having sought the Lord for a season, do not a disciple make. "Easy believism" is, nevertheless, taught everywhere there are itching ears. You might want to read the a post I wrote a while back about the traits that characterize disciples (post #153858). In Him, Doc |
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2 | salved? | Joel 2:32 | strts5 | 182883 | ||
I have popped in and out periodically of this site. Hopefully this isn't to far off topic, not being a "study" question. I grew up in the church but have been a very consistent backslider my whole life. Season hot, season cold, etc... for my whole life and I'm just past the thirty mark and do not wish to continue. I have always been a believer without question, it's settled in my heart. I try to tell myself that God is faithful to finish the work He began, however sometimes use this as an excuse to continue in a sinful behavior. I have heard it all from pastors and other Christians, baptism in the Holy Spirit, pray more, read the bible more do this, do that. I'm tired of screwing up, but I'm so good at it. I am the life of the party! I really do want to serve God. I day dream about it. I even think I'm called to ministry (don't laugh). I have had several people tell me through out my life that I am called, some well known preachers and evangelists from different denominations. I have argued with God about this many times, He always wins! At the same time I have a fear that I will stand before God and say I did this or that and He will say I never knew you. Any thoughts... constructive only please. |
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3 | salved? | Joel 2:32 | TheCurtMan000 | 182886 | ||
It's amazing how identical our testimonies are. Like you I have, for a time, and because of my actions, second guessed my salvation. I leanded heavily on that verse that God started a good work in me and will see it through to completion. I also used it as an excuse to continue being the life of the party. But in my case, I became the life of the party just so I could crash that party later on. Someone once parralled Gal. 5:17 this way. There is a dog fight. You show up with two Pits. They square off one against another. Which one wins?? The one that you consistantly feeds. He's healthier; quicker; and faster. For me, the more that I follow the adversary ways, the better I became at it. Then one day I sat down and counted my blessings. I mean I REALLY counted my blessings. I saw God's blessings. He saved me from death, both physical and spiritual. I use to smoke weed, not any more. I got mixed up with alcohol, superseded that with crack cocain. All pasttense. The last time I was in court, they wanted to give me thirty-five yrs. One of the things that help straighten me out was the fact that I was going through God's patience like a child through ice-cream. I didn't want that. So I made up my mind to stop feeding the wrong dog. It wasn't easy at first, but the longer I did it, the easier it became. Pray more while God is still listening to your prayers; work on your relationship with him while you're still physically able, because there will come a time when it will be too late to do so. Heaven and Hell is an exsisting reality, Matt. 25:31-46 is a reality yet to exsist. Don't get caught up on the left hand side. It is the things that you have done that will put you in a better position to understand the person who comes behind you who second guess their salvation, who spent decades playing around with God. Be in a position to help that person by being an example in which they could follow. God wants to help you to achieve this goal, but there have to be an effort made on your part. | ||||||
4 | salved? | Joel 2:32 | strts5 | 182891 | ||
Thanks. I know I'm saved. I was always lucky enough to avoid the major court battles, however I did go from pot to speed. Five years off of drugs now. I had a church I really liked but work got in the way a lot. I would still try to fellowship but noticed peoples returned calls got fewer and fewer. I finally stopped going about six months ago after attending and being very involved for over three years. The people who want to go out and have a good time are always available. The path is narrow and uphill and there aren't a lot of people on it. I have played games with God, but He has faithfully pursued me. I used to read the bible and see judgment and condemnation (not negating it either), but now I see His grace and love toward me. He will never stop chasing me, so I might as well give up. I love spending time with Him. Anyways it's late and I feel like I'm starting to ramble, but if others would like to keep this going I think it would be great. (they overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony). I'm sure others have something they could share. I know it helps me to hear others stories. Mike |
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