Just exactly what is the gospel?

[OneAccord]

That's a really good one Zebulon. Words to live by. Spirit and Truth.

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Yod,

Of all people, Dad Ernie should know that I'm not against studying the scriptures. A desire for deeper understanding would prove that a new christian has believed (a word which means "strong trust") and is growing in the Lord.

It seems you have taken offense at what I said, but in matter of fact, I was only "buttressing" what you said:

ERNIE:

Now, I must first agree that BELIEF IN GOD and in His SON, is the very first step toward salvation:

As you correctly point out, the FIRST step is TO BELIEVE, for by that simple act, one will receive the Holy Spirit who will then begin doing HIS work so that we may mature and become fruitful in the Kingdom of God.

I do not remember Yod, are you OSAS? If so then that explains your offense at my comments.

I, peronsally, AM NOT OSAS. I believe these scriptures reveal some important truths when sharing the Word of God:

Matt 13:18-23 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Blessings, and sorry if you thought I was stepping on your toes,

Dad Ernie

[Ovedya]

The entire Gospel is encapsulated in the following song that our young people sing. It is based upon Luke 15, in which the salvation of the entire Triune God can be found in the parables. The gospel here is the Son seeking, the Spirit sweeping, and the Father waiting. Sorry if anyone is offended by the first stanza, but the truth of the gospel is much higher than what religion makes it out to be:

"There's a gospel of today which says, "Believe and you'll be saved,

And then you can go to heaven and see the pearly gates and walk the golden streets."

Words like these fail to treat all the vanity,

That is hidden in me.

But the Gospel is, to me, the Triune God within humanity,

As the Spirit reaching me. To be in me, the one reality.

Love untold, gospel thee never getting old.

Story told eternally.

(The Son)

Left the ninety-nine behind, You searched until the lost sheep you did find.

Laid me on your shoulders bare,

You bore me in your tender loving care.

Rejoicing. You found me, though a small lost sheep.

You gave all to come find me.

(The Spirit)

Sweeping in my deepest parts, You lit a lamp and searched inward heart.

Sanctifying deep within, You shined in me, exposing all my deepest sin.

Cleansing me. Now I know, Lord, You're sprinkling me.

With the blood you shed for me.

(The Father)

Eagerly awaiting me, that I the slightest turn to thee would make.

Though my life had been a wreck, you ran to me and fell upon my neck.

Kissing me. Affectionatly killed the calf for me.

"Let us eat and be merry."

[Ovedya]

Another short note: No one confuses and befuddles the gospel more than we do. The apostles simply preached Christ and Him crucified.

[Guest yod]

.

[Guest shadow2b]

I do not remember Yod, are you OSAS? If so then that explains your offense at my comments.

Dad Ernie,

I'm sorry if I gave that impression. I wasn't offended by your comments at all....I thought I was "buttressing" you!

OSAS? I haven't made up my mind on that. It's another one of those theological debates that I consider irrelevant because I'm going to keep pressing in;

......though if one could lose their salvation then I lost mine in 1995.

Do you think I can get it back?

......though if one could lose their salvation then I lost mine in 1995.

Do you think I can get it back?

WeLLLLLLLLL-------ONLY "IF" you come crawling on your knees & kiss my ring-----

{old jokes can at times be brought back up & used against you}------

-----new-cool-dude---{Gary}---