Today's view of Salvation... too easy?

[Catsmeow]

Sorry Wayne, I think I just repeated what you said previously ...only said a little different. We're on the same page though, bruh.

[WayneB]

Sorry Wayne, I think I just repeated what you said previously ...only said a little different. We're on the same page though, bruh.

Yup...same page and same BOOK. Love ya' Cats! Wayne

[jesusson]

I agree with CaliGuy4Christ. Now days they got to much easy believeism going on. We all need to preach the truth and never compromise the saving message. Do you guys know that I know a pastor that he never talks about Sin from his pulpit. I have talked to him many times and he tells me that he doesn

[Catsmeow]

I know my last post was rather long but I sure hope somebody reads it...there's a lot put into it.

[Catsmeow]

There are only a handful of folks that go beyond the doors of the church and herald the Good News.

Brother Wayne,

You know I love your posts and hear you ..but you know something I've learned? The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing.

People within the church don't see what each of us do in private.

People here don't know how much we pray, intercede, give to the needy, sacrifice for others, share the gospel with neighbors, etc.

Why? Well, because Jesus teaches us not to boast of what we do but that our Father in heaven sees what is done in private and rewards us openly.

I believe there's a lot more going on in the Church than people know because "boasting" of our "good deeds" is not supported by scripture.

There's a lot of people on this board alone that have been a lifeline to me in times of need..people I didn't even know cared.

When I was suffering my worst, people who barely knew me came out of the woodworks and became a support for me in prayer and exhortation.

We just don't brag and boast about it. Truth be told, I see so much beauty and goodness within the Body of Christ but we are not supposed to call attention to ourselves...so maybe we don't really see or know the many things going on "behind the scenes"...

That's a new thought...

[JP1]

I came from a very rigid, legalistic, harsh background and that was my mindset. It was a "hellfire and damnation" background and I became so rigid, I was stiff as a board.

I understand this completely. In my younger years, I attended a church that for a while that only preached hellfire and damnation. Every Sunday I heard about how we were all going to hell if we didn't immediately repent, and how great the wrath of God was.

They may indeed have been true, but it certainly didn't reach my heart. I sat there every Sunday daydreaming about anything but where I was at, or, thinking something along the lines of "Why should I worship this mean, hateful, vengeful God?" Fear just wasn't a way to reach me, and I still don't think it is the only reason one should get saved, because if you're doing it just so you won't go to hell, then I don't believe your heart is truly in it.

Anyway, I eventually made my way into a church that taught about the love of Jesus. About how God loved us so much that He sent His son to die a horrible death to save us from our sins. Well, you know the rest of that story!

My heart melted, and I was born again and I love Jesus! And looking back, now I know that God is NOT mean, hateful and vengeful. I understand the reasoning behind heaven and hell, and the need to repent. But is was Jesus LOVE that brought me to that point . Just hearing about God's wrath every single Sunday did nothing but harden my heart. We MUST teach the love that Jesus is all about. Once you've received Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, you want to repent!

[Catsmeow]

JP: Whenever I see that you've posted, I always look forward to reading your stuff.

Your posts are uplifting and I can relate to them. Ditto again.

Hope you continue to contribute. It's always refreshing to read what you write.

[JP1]

JP: Whenever I see that you've posted, I always look forward to reading your stuff.

Your posts are uplifting and I can relate to them. Ditto again.

Hope you continue to contribute. It's always refreshing to read what you write.

Thank you so much for you kind words. All glory goes to God!!

I enjoy your posts too . . .

[WayneB]

There are only a handful of folks that go beyond the doors of the church and herald the Good News.

Brother Wayne,

You know I love your posts and hear you ..but you know something I've learned? The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing.

People within the church don't see what each of us do in private.

People here don't know how much we pray, intercede, give to the needy, sacrifice for others, share the gospel with neighbors, etc.

Why? Well, because Jesus teaches us not to boast of what we do but that our Father in heaven sees what is done in private and rewards us openly.

I believe there's a lot more going on in the Church than people know because "boasting" of our "good deeds" is not supported by scripture.

There's a lot of people on this board alone that have been a lifeline to me in times of need..people I didn't even know cared.

When I was suffering my worst, people who barely knew me came out of the woodworks and became a support for me in prayer and exhortation.

We just don't brag and boast about it. Truth be told, I see so much beauty and goodness within the Body of Christ but we are not supposed to call attention to ourselves...so maybe we don't really see or know the many things going on "behind the scenes"...

That's a new thought...

I won't argue with you there Cats. You make a real good point. It is just frustrating that when there is an obvious need, folks don't step out in faith and fill that need. There is a big mission field and so few folks go where they are called. At least that has been my experience.

BUT I agree...we don't see the things that each other of us do in private. I may sound like I'm judging but I'm not; it is just an observation. It is sad that so many are missing out on the greatest blessing...I have never felt more blessed and energized in the Lord than when I am in the jail with the inmates I minister to.

One other thought --- Paul boasted but He boasted in the Lord as led by the Spirit. He gave ALL the glory to God. We should share our ministries as long as we do it out of love and from the heart, not out of pride. It's all about motive!

Blessings sister,

Wayne

[Catsmeow]

I'm a former foreign missionary to Indonesia so I've seen plenty of action. I also have been attending a church that's real active in missions, so it may just be the particular church.

Some are very missions active; some aren't. I prefer to support indigenous missionaries..(missionaries local a particular country or nation). It's much cheaper for them to live and they understand their own people and culture.

It's much harder (and more pricey) to export expats to teach a new language, culture and the customs of a country. This is especially true of Muslim countries. Those are particularly challenging for women to minister in yet I did it.

One thing I've found is you can be a missionary wherever you go...beginning in your own neighborhood. There's so many lost neighbors who need the gospel preached. That's a good place to begin, then spread out to family, friends, and co-workers.

The main thing is to share Jesus by being a living witness and a shining light to those in darkness. Every soul is precious.