The Road to Salvation: Back to Basics

January 16, 2012 — Roderick

Image by MSO Clipart

As Christians, we can get sidetracked from the core of our faith, focusing on the externals of religion and secondary doctrinal issues. Because of the internal conflicts and contentions in the Christian community, we may forget that our main objective is to present Christ to the world and not our varying Christian religious preferences or persuasions. We have to get back to the basic requirements (if you will) for salvation which was presented to the world by Christ and His disciples.

Now, I want to be clear: religion can be beneficial and has its proper place as long as it establishes the adherents to what Jesus taught. Religion can never be a substitute for relationship, but it should bring order and a sense of order and stability to a vibrant, living faith in Christ. With that being said, what basic truths should the Christian community promote to see others get on the road to salvation.

1. The Call to Christ – The world accuses Christians of arrogance and ignorance when we state that there is only ONE way to God, Jesus Christ. God provided one way so that there would be no confusion as to how to enter into salvation. Christ stated, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). We have to stand, unwavering without compromise, that the road to salvation begins and ends with Jesus Christ.

2. The Call to Repentance – Christ preached repentance. It is written, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17). We come to Him by faith through repentance of sins. Many say that they serve Christ, but have not confessed and repented of sins. Hence, they do not know Him. He came for sin to deliver men from sins. We partake of His work of salvation as we confess our need for Him and repent of sins. Repentance brings the individual to a place to live a Christ-like lifestyle as they serve Him.

3. The Call to Community – We know that division, racism, and sexism have been dark blemishes on the gatherings of the Christian community. However, we cannot believe that coming together as Christ followers is not necessary. Jesus did not teach this, nor did the apostles. The writer of Hebrews urged the Christians to not stop gathering together, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). Coming to Christ involves fellowship with others who are a part of His body.

Well, there you have it. These are foundational for all that will travel on the road to salvation.

 

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When Prayers Prevail: Three Proper Responses to Answered Prayers

January 2, 2012 — Roderick

Image by MSO Clipart

It’s interesting. I’ve noticed numerous blogs and posts across the internet giving defenses and explanations of how to handle the difficulties in the Christian life. Posts abound concerning why we suffer and how to maintain a proper view of God when we are disappointed, discouraged, and devastated through life’s events. However, I have found few posts extolling the virtues of God and how to maintain a proper view of God when He answers; that is, give us favorable responses to our prayers.

Those who have come into a relationship with God by Jesus Christ can testify that though difficulties and disappointments are many; there are as many (and certainly more I suppose) occasions when God answered on time and exactly as we requested of Him. We do have a human tendency to focus on times when God’s wisdom and purpose prevails over what we thought should happen or what we thought we needed at a certain time. So, the question remains, “What should be the proper response to answered prayer?”

1. Be Grateful – We should not think answered prayer comes because of our goodness or greatness. Our righteous acts do not add to God, nor do our wrong doings take away from His being (Job 35:7-8). In His goodness, He takes notice of us and answers us because of His loving kindness, faithfulness, and mercy.

2. Be Prayer – Though every favorable response in prayer may not have lasting, spiritual implications in our Christian walk, others do. When God grants doors of employment, financial gain, and ministry opportunities, usually there is responsibility attached to them. God blesses us to put us into a place where His will can be fulfilled and we can impact the lives of others.

3. Be Expressive – What I mean by “be expressive” is to tell others. When God does not give us what we ask for; we, at times, will talk about it, complain about it, and seek some sort of vindication of God. Hence, when we get what we ask for, we should have the same intensity in declaring His goodness, extolling His faithfulness, and admonishing others to trust Him.

As we continue to walk with Christ, trials and tests are certain; however, answered prayers and undeserved favor will also be prevalent. When prayer works, remember to give thanks and tell of His goodness.

Posted in Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity, Life Lessons. Tags: , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Overcoming Personal Tempations: 5 Things the Christian Must Know – REPOST

December 26, 2011 — Roderick

Photo by MSO Clip Art

Trials, Tests, and especially Temptations are key features of the Christian life and experience. Though some may not want to deal with it, temptations will come to every Christian. No one is exempt: priests, pastors, and parishioners will face things that will challenge their walks with Christ. We have to learn how to engage in spiritual warfare and fight to overcome personal temptations. From Jesus’ temptation or testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we learn valuable truths to overcoming temptation regardless of its source and content. So, we want to present 5 things that every Christian must KNOW in order to consistently overcome personal temptations.

Know Yourself –You need to be honest with “who” you are and “how” you are. More importantly, you need to know who you are in Christ. The tempter challenged Jesus’ identity to make Him act outside of God’s will when he said, “If thou be the Son…” When we know who we are, it will set boundaries on our activities and actions.

Know Your Weakness/Vulnerabilities – There is an old expression that states “to thine own self be true.” The psalmist said it better “thou desiredst truth in the inward parts.” You have to be brutally honest about what tempts you regardless of what it is. Everyone is not tempted by the same things, but you cannot be in denial or you will not overcome temptations when they are presented to you. Jesus never denied His hunger, but He stood on the word to govern His response to the adversary’s challenge.

Know Your Adversary – Paul stated that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. We know that every time someone yields to temptation, it is not always because it is presented by the adversary. People sometimes do what they do just because they want to. However, we must understand that there is an enemy of every Christian, who will use temptations and distractions to frustrate their growth and walk with Christ.

Know Your God – To overcome temptations, you must know God and His power. Jesus responded to the adversary by stating, “you shall not tempt God” and “you must worship God only.” He revealed the nature of God and what God expects. When you understand your God, that He is holy and that He is to worshipped in the beauty of holiness, it will strengthen your resolve not to yield to temptation.

Know Your Bible – Jesus responded to the temptation of the adversary by properly using the word of God. If we are to overcome, we must know what is written and how to effectively appropriate the scriptures when facing the trials, tests, and temptations of life.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. He will help you to overcome every trial and test to stand before Him in holiness and righteousness. If you would like other resources for your Christian life and experience, please visit me at Amazon or Kingdom Builders Publishing.

Posted in Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »
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