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Somebody once told me a story about 3 people who die and they end up queuing up for an 'interview' in the afterlife.
The first one goes in and the interviewer asks what he knows about Jesus Christ and the man tells him about the birth in Bethlehem and Jesus' ministry and his death on Calvary. Then the second one goes in and he is asked the same question. His reply is that he knows Jesus atoned for his sins and that if he leads a good life he'll receive his reward in Heaven. The third man goes in and before the interviewer can say a word the man falls down at his feet in tears and says "My Lord, my Saviour."
I know it's only a story but that sort of explains to me the difference between knowing about and believing in the existence of Jesus, and the reality of a personal relationship with a loving Saviour.
This is all very interesting for several reasons....I grew up religious, but never could hear what my pastor was saying (hearing loss from birth)--so I often sat in church as a child just sitting there thinking about all kinds of things that went through my head and never about the message. However, I did believe in God and Jesus and that the Scripture was real. Yes, I questioned it at times, and still do, but the more I do, the more I believe. I never read the Bible until I was 25. But since then, I never really took the time to study the different denominations--I frankly just did not understand why we needed to be divided...aren't we all believing in the same God?
About half a year ago, I finally picked up the Bible and started reading the NT. This lead me to become what I am thinking is a Christian fundamentalist because of my belief that the NT is inspired by God and therefore the word must be true word for word. I was lead this way by a phone call I received out of the blue the day after I asked God to show me what church to attend. Since this day, I have been deep into Scripture. However, I kind of contradict myself in also thinking that every person can be different in terms of their beliefs as long as the core message is understood: Believe in Him, nothing more.
What does this have to do with the topic at hand? Well, I just think that even before I turned 25 and got deep into Scripture, I am pretty much still the same. It's just that at such a young age, I really didn't know much about Jesus, but I believed. I would think that young children do not know what being saved is all about, but chances are they believe in Jesus. At what point does Jesus say "okay, you're old enough to understand now...so lets start over and see what you know what being saved is all about" ?
This is all very interesting for several reasons....I grew up religious, but never could hear what my pastor was saying (hearing loss from birth)--so I often sat in church as a child just sitting there thinking about all kinds of things that went through my head and never about the message. However, I did believe in God and Jesus and that the Scripture was real. Yes, I questioned it at times, and still do, but the more I do, the more I believe. I never read the Bible until I was 25. But since then, I never really took the time to study the different denominations--I frankly just did not understand why we needed to be divided...aren't we all believing in the same God?
About half a year ago, I finally picked up the Bible and started reading the NT. This lead me to become what I am thinking is a Christian fundamentalist because of my belief that the NT is inspired by God and therefore the word must be true word for word. I was lead this way by a phone call I received out of the blue the day after I asked God to show me what church to attend. Since this day, I have been deep into Scripture. However, I kind of contradict myself in also thinking that every person can be different in terms of their beliefs as long as the core message is understood: Believe in Him, nothing more.
What does this have to do with the topic at hand? Well, I just think that even before I turned 25 and got deep into Scripture, I am pretty much still the same. It's just that at such a young age, I really didn't know much about Jesus, but I believed. I would think that young children do not know what being saved is all about, but chances are they believe in Jesus. At what point does Jesus say "okay, you're old enough to understand now...so lets start over and see what you know what being saved is all about" ?
I think I know what you are saying, Nick. I would just say to that I believe there is an age when we are held accountable for "choosing" Christ ... or not.
I was wondering....lots of my friends believe in Jesus, however, they do not go to church on Sundays, pray, etc. They just believe that Jesus was God and that's it. In the Bible, it says that all that believe in Him will be saved.
So, are these people saved? Just wondering
If anyone can provide definitive proof that they are saved,
If anyone can provide definitive proof that they are saved,
DRINKS ON ME! ..... IT'S PARTY TIME!... WOO WOO
well, my friend..I guess you are buying!! I followed the Bibles directions in the fact that I believe in Christ..John 3:16, I trust in Christ...I have a place in heaven...but just one thing...I dont drink anymore..so itll have to be Dr pepper
If anyone can provide definitive proof that they are saved,
DRINKS ON ME! ..... IT'S PARTY TIME!... WOO WOO
"He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life, These things have I written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know you have eternal life." I John 5:12,13. NASB (bolding mine)
Would this be definitive proof? If it is, make mine Diet Coke!
well, my friend..I guess you are buying!! I followed the Bibles directions in the fact that I believe in Christ..John 3:16, I trust in Christ...I have a place in heaven...but just one thing...I dont drink anymore..so itll have to be Dr pepper
"He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life, These things have I written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know you have eternal life." I John 5:12,13. NASB (bolding mine)
Would this be definitive proof? If it is, make mine Diet Coke!
Sorry guys, I just couldn't help myself.
Anyway, I was referring to folks who know Jesus Christ, in name only.
BTW; Who said alchoholic drinks? I haven't had one in over 16 years
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..... IT'S PARTY TIME!... WOO WOO
