What is the meaning of life?

[Keith]

Awhile back my heart was crying out for something more.

[Guest P Frank]

This message presents a very good description of how we should live our lives and even gives accurate interpretations of the Book of Revelation which most ministers don't even like to touch,but I failed to find an answer to the question that was asked in the message's title.

I think the best way to think about life is that it is a very lengthy,difficult and emotionally trying civil service exam to see if we will be able to obtain a position in God's kingdom.Another way to put it is that God wants to separate the wheat from the chaff by testing our loyalty to Him and our faith in Jesus which we show by following His teachings.This explanation is the only one I've found that explains why God allows us to suffer so much in this world.It's just a very tough test lasting,in God's mind,a very short amount of time when viewed from the perspective of eternity.

Of course this explanation can't be accepted by those who believe that by muttering a 25 word prayer they receive a guaranteed salvation that no amount of sin can take away because they won't understand why the testing in their life continues.Just one more unanswered question for that crowd. Some commit suicide to put a stop to the testing because they are certain of salvation even if they murder themselves ,which actually makes alot of sense within the context of their distorted and extremely dangerous belief.As the Bible states,those who prevail (remain faithful to God) until the end (of our life test) will be saved.

[Guest shiloh357]

I think the best way to think about life is that it is a very lengthy,difficult and emotionally trying civil service exam to see if we will be able to obtain a position in God's kingdom.

False. Our postition in the Kingdom of God is gift. It is the gift of salvation. The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 6:23)

We do pass a test to enter the Kingdom. We accept the free gift that God offers. Jesus has already payed the price and passed the test on our behalf. We are offered salvation full and free, and it is up to us to reach out and accept it.

Furthermore, your state implies that we cannot really know, until all is said and done, whether or not we "passed the exam."

That is also false. The Bible says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. "

(John 5:24)

And also,

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

(1 John 5:13)

These two verses tell me that I can know today that I have salvation. I am not waiting to see if I passed a test. Eternal life is mine right now. I have a know-so salvation.

Your analogy is unbiblical and provides no assurance.

[nebula]

This message presents a very good description of how we should live our lives and even gives accurate interpretations of the Book of Revelation which most ministers don't even like to touch,but I failed to find an answer to the question that was asked in the message's title.

He did answer the question:

Real meaning in life is not found merely in finding Jesus as Savior (as wonderful as that is). Rather, real meaning in life is found when one begins to follow Christ as His disciple, learning of Him, spending time with Him in His word, the Bible, communing with Him in prayer, and in walking with Him in obedience to His commands.

Of course this explanation can't be accepted by those who believe that by muttering a 25 word prayer they receive a guaranteed salvation that no amount of sin can take away because they won't understand why the testing in their life continues.

Hold on!

No one believes a parayer takes away sin.

Ephesians 1:7

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

1 John 1:7

but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hebrews 9:13, 14

For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 13:12

Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

Romans 7:24,25

24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?

25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Pastor Frank - what kind of Gospel are you preaching?

[nebula]

Keith -

Sorry about the thread hijack!

To get back on track - awesome point you make!

Matthew 25 is a warning to us who believe -

Do you have your lamp filled with oil?

Are you a faithful servant?

Are you a sheep - do we physically minister to one another?

[Keith]

Keith -

Sorry about the thread hijack!

To get back on track - awesome point you make!

Matthew 25 is a warning to us who believe -

Do you have your lamp filled with oil?

Are you a faithful servant?

Are you a sheep - do we physically minister to one another?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nebula, Thanks, but for the record, it doesn't bother me at all to have "my" thread hijacked. I enjoy seeing where conversations can go, as long as they are civil and productive.

I wish I could put into words what's happening inside me. I have such a fire in me to please God, to be in His presence, to worship Him, serve Him and glorify Him. The absolute joy of it all is that I can do all of that every day! During my alone times with Him, my time in the Word, time just sitting in His presence - being still, by thinking about/talking to Him as I go through my day, remembering Him as I come across others... the opportunities are endless!

I feel like Gideon at the Kerith River, being refreshed and having all of my needs being taken care of! This really prepares me for serving others. I am so much happier when I take my focus off of myself. To be honest, I get so tired of thinking about me. He's proven that He will take care of me and I'm finally going to rest in that and trust Him.

I am realistic enough to also realize that this time of heightened joy may not last very long. But I also know that that's not what's important. The things I'm learning and the things He's teaching me do last! I am determined to serve and worship Him regardless of my emotions and feelings because He is still God no matter how I feel!

[Keith]

This message presents a very good description of how we should live our lives and even gives accurate interpretations of the Book of Revelation which most ministers don't even like to touch,but I failed to find an answer to the question that was asked in the message's title.

He did answer the question:

Real meaning in life is not found merely in finding Jesus as Savior (as wonderful as that is). Rather, real meaning in life is found when one begins to follow Christ as His disciple, learning of Him, spending time with Him in His word, the Bible, communing with Him in prayer, and in walking with Him in obedience to His commands.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's right, Nebula. Real meaning in life is found only when we understand the work Jesus did on the cross and that all of God's wrath was poured out on Jesus instead of us! Accepting that priceless gift and living obediently to His commands. Making Him our priority, learning of Him, spending time with Him, sharing Him unashamedly with others, knowing His voice and attending to it. What an absolute privilege we've been given to have the opportunity to have this deep, intimate relationship with the Creator of absolutely everything!!!

[apothanein kerdos]

Awhile back my heart was crying out for something more. 

[Keith]

Someone has been reading Wittmer and Stott.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't know who these men/women are, but what they wrote would have come in handy during the time I was studying this. Currently I am reading "The Sacred Romance". Someone at church gave me a copy of it on Sunday. Has anyone read it? It's by Brent Curtis and Ron Eldredge.

[apothanein kerdos]

You REALLY need to read them. Especially Wittmer. I almost thought you had copied him because much of your material is almost word for word what he wrote in his book "Heaven is a place on earth". Stott is a little 'advanced' and kind of arrogant in his writing style, but he is British so maybe that explains it.