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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Faith in Uncertain Times: Three Keys to Perseverance

January 9, 2012 — Roderick

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The classic hymn begins, “Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand.” It reveals that life comes with prospects of change which even seemingly sure things can be affected. In biblical language, the writer of Ecclesiastes writes, “…time and chance (unpredictable events) happeneth to all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Though Christ has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, Christians are not exempt from the unpredictable, unfavorable, and unfortunate occurrences of life. How are we then to maintain faith when uncertain times arise? Here are three keys (among others) to perseverance.

1. Draw close to Christ in prayer. Consistency in prayer will keep your relationship with Christ vibrate and lively in spite of negative conditions. It will provide a time of rest and refreshing as you all His presence to supply the needed grace and comfort for perseverance. Prayer will help you to avoid feelings of anger and bitterness with life and towards Christ.

2. Develop patience and hope through the scriptures. The scriptures are an excellent source of encouragement. When you read of how others who served Christ were allowed to suffer, it helps you not to feel as if you are being mistreated by the Savior. Through the scriptures, you can read of how He helped His followers and gave them strength to endure their difficulties. This can provide the necessary foundation for developing patience and hope which is a requirement to perseverance.

3. Share with others whom you trust. Some Christians experience faith “breakdowns” because they feel no one cares, no one understands what they are facing, and no one is there for them. Loneliness and isolation can solidify causing the strength to persevere to be absent. Some try to handle things on their own for various reasons; such as, personal ego, embarrassment, and past hurts. However, if one allows others in the community of faith to help bear their burdens of difficulties through prayer and godly counsel, it will be easier to endure uncertain times through the cumulative support of others.

Difficulties, hardships, sometimes unfair treatment, and uncertain times will come. However, the Christian will be able to come through with faith in tact as he maintains faith in Christ and draw strength and support from the community of faith.

Posted in Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living. Tags: , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »

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 »
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