"GOD'S PLEA FOR YOUR ATTENTION"

 Good Afternoon to ALL!

I know it has been a while since I posted, but I pray that I didn't lose the interest of many of my precious readers.  It has been a conflicting time for me as I am trying to the best of my ability to keep the internet usage cost to a minimum to please my hubby, but more and more I am feeling convicted in my spirit that I really need to start blogging and spreading my wonderful Heavenly Father's Word once again.  

The explanation of the pictures are as follows:  The top right, is the Fiery Dove.  It is a reminder to keep the Holy Ghost Fire within you.  Don't become complacent and let the fire or the love for God burn low.  

The middle picture is a reminder that we NEED to read God's Word so we Know what He expects from us.  This is no time for ignorance.  As you will see later in my post, ignorance is no longer an excuse.  

The bottom picture is a reminder to us that if God felt that Baptism was important enough to have Jesus baptised, then it must definitely be important for us to do the same.  Remember, Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever.  His mind NEVER changes.

The time of His return is drawing closer and closer, and I feel that I am not doing my duty as a Christian  (a FOLLOWER IN THE WAYS OF CHRIST) if I do not do my part and witness to as many people as possible.  

There are so many people out there who have never heard of Jesus, let alone know His truth.  HE is the way, the truth and the life.  Without Jesus, NO ONE can be saved.  

Another myth is that the HOLY SPIRIT is not needed for salvation, that it is just an  extra bonus.  The Holy Spirit is a VERY NECESSARY component of our Salvation.  Without it we cannot be saved either.  Acts 2:38 tells us straight out that the way to Salvation is to REPENT, BE BAPTISED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST.

The Holy Ghost is more than just a feeling we get, or goosebumps.  He is the ACTUAL Spirit of Christ or God Himself. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the Actual Indwelling of Jesus' spirit within us.  He is there to GUIDE US, and nudge us toward the right path.  He is there to teach us HOW to live for God.  Without His guidance we would be so confused it would be easy to take the wrong path and be lost.  

If we will LISTEN and abide by the Holy Spirit's nudges, we can stay on the path to righteousness and to God.  

A lot of people believe that if you "say",  "I believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior" that that is all there is to it and they can go their merry way and live the way they want to, and not change a thing.  I am here to tell you
NAY!  That is not the case.  When you say those words, you have to back them up with your life.  You have to REPENT and turn your life away from the old ways you were doing things.  I have always heard the definition of insanity is doing the same old things the same old ways and expecting different results.  Needless to say that is not truly insanity, but it is definitely the wrong concept.  

If a person wants to be saved and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, he must understand two things.  One NO SIN WILL ENTER HEAVEN.  If we don't change our lifestyles and continue to sin, disobey God's Word ( which means it is important to read His Word so that we will know when we are going against His Will), or even just be indifferent, we will NOT enter into eternity with God.

 According to the Message Bible, Acts 17:30, it says:  “God overlooks it as long as you don’t know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.”   In the KJV, it says He winked at sin. 

This means there is NO EXCUSES.  

Again, I tell you, if anyone tries to tell you the Holy Spirit is just a bonus, PLEASE don't listen to them.  Listen to your heart.  If anyone tells you that baptism is not necessary, PLEASE don't listen to them get baptized in JESUS NAME.  The ONLY NAME under heaven by which we can be saved.  If God saw that it was necessary to baptize Jesus, what makes us so special that we don't need it?  Don't be deceived.

This is not meant to be a "DOOM AND GLOOM" post, but it is my personal quest to get this word out and for as many people as possible to be saved and join me in heaven when our time comes.  

Good Afternoon and May God Bless!

"A NEW CREATURE"

Good Evening to All!

(4) We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.

(5) For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, (6) knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. (7) For He who has died has been freed from sin.

(8) Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, (9) knowing that Christ having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. (10) For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives , He lives to God.

(11) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have been reading the "reference section to this passage and it gives a very detailed explanation as to what EACH verse means. The thing is, I have posted and posted about the importance of baptism, of water and of Spirit, so you know what the Word says about it as well as my feelings about it. IT IS A MUST.

I would like to focus on some particular parts of this passage if I may. It states that we are to walk in "newness of life" and that our "old man" was crucified with Him.

Baptism of water is a symbol to us and to God that we want to be like Christ. We
want to be "buried" with Him and resurrected. Hence the immersion. When it says that our old man is crucified, does that mean that we are completely changed and not have to work at not sinning? Absolutely not. We will still have temptations, just as Christ was tempted in the desert. It's just that once we have repented, been baptized into the kingdom of God and even more been baptized with the Holy Spirit, He will guide us and teach us. He will give us that "nudge" about what to do and what not to do. Of course, we should study His Word as well, because He talks to us through His Word.

The point I am trying to make is so many people get discouraged because for some reason they get the idea when they read about being a new creature, that something miraculous happens and they will automatically lead a sinless life, and life will be a bed of roses. The thing to remember is that roses have thorns.

Even baptism will not shelter us from the temptations of Satan or life. Look at Job. He was as faithful as could be to God and you see what Satan did to Him.

We must make a conscious effort to strive for Christ-likeness and if we fall and mess up by sinning, get back up, dust off, GO TO GOD AND REPENT, and learn from our mistakes. don't dwell on it, but don't do it again. Turn away from sin.

In case you are wondering about the references to the butterfly, it is the Christian symbol for "change", which is what must happen to be saved and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Good Night to All and May God Bless,

"SHORT, SWEET, SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT"

Good Evening to All!

This post was actually meant for last night, but my eyes got so tired I had to postpone it til today.

I was reminiscing and looking through my "old Bible", the Bible that I was using when I "woke up" and realized I needed to get serious about my relationship with God. I loved looking through my notes. Did you know that until the second century, people were only baptized "in the name of the Jesus" ? In the second century the Catholic Church changed the baptism "formula" to "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost". This is according to several encyclopedias and the dictionary.

I knew that Father, Son and Holy Ghost was only mentioned in Matthew 28:19 as far as baptism, but I didn't know the "rest of the story".

OK, the above has nothing to do with my scriptures below, I just thought that would be an interesting thought to "chew on". If you would like the full meal, I can give you some links to check out or I can go into further detail. I hope you don't mind, I am just one of those people who get a certain thought "stuck in my brain" and won't let it go until I have searched it out thoroughly. I love researching things like that.

May I say that I would really love to give a shout out to 3 special blogs which constantly give me inspiration. The first is Christian with a View by Steve Hawley, According to the Book, by Stan Butler, and Settled in Heaven by Rob Barkman. While the first two seem closer to my "doctrinal faith", I enjoy Rob's study of scripture and his Bible studies. I love the way he always comes to my blog and gives me comments of inspiration. I learn a lot from his studies because they give me the unction to do research and get into the Word and study more. Truly God's love seems to pour out from him. I give God thanks for you three gentlemen for you have blessed me with your blogs immeasurably.

Now, on with my Post

"This is what the LORD says--
Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:

I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like ? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established by ancient people,
and what is yet to come--
yes, let him foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides Me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one."
(Isaiah 44:6-8 NIV)

This verse above tells me that He is the God I can depend on. He is the only assurance I need. When others let me down, I can go to Him and He will carry me.
He alone is the God who provides, heals, comforts and is there for me no matter what.

We are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:9-11 NIV)

This verse reminds me that I am but a small cog in God's ministry. Even though Paul started the church in Corinth, (planted) and Apollos came behind him and continued his ministry (watered) it was God who touched the hearts of people and drew them to Him. He made the increase.

It is the same with us today. It takes all of us to plant and water God's Word about His kingdom, but GOD will bring about the results and make the increase.

I will not be posting tomorrow or Sunday, but will be back on track on the 26th.






Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"A HOME FOR GOD'S SPIRIT"

Good Evening to All!

May Christ through your
faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! (Ephesians 3;17 Amp.version

I usually go with the King James version, but for this verse I wanted to use the Amplified version to emphasize the word "DWELL" and what it entails. It doesn't mean shows up once in a while, or comes in when we do good. It doesn't mean He enters when He feels like it.

When we are "born again" of the Water (baptism by immersion) and of the Spirit (in-filled with the Holy Spirit), Then Jesus' Spirit (the Holy Spirit) enters into us (our spirit) to live.

Now mind you, this is just to get you thinking, ok?

People want to enhance their appearance to "look cooler, younger, older, or more professional. They want to be perceived as such. They enhance their education to get a better career, to be more successful. People enhance their bodies to look better ( if you want to call it that), to become famous (for the wrong reasons in my own opinion).

With that being said, if we can do all that, why can't we enhance our hearts, our spirits for God to dwell in?

Let me put it this way. If you don't smoke, or drink, would you want to live in a "nightclub" that reeked of stale beer and dirty ashtrays? If you are a very shy and modest person, would you feel comfortable wear a "micro-miniskirt and a low cut, midrift blouse?

In essence, if we ask Jesus' to come into our hearts but even after He enters we
continue to live the "old way" and go out clubbing on Fridays and Saturdays, or wearing clothes that don't constitute much more than a couple of small pieces of material, or using God's name in vain or "the name "Jesus Christ" as a substitute for a curse word, we are asking Jesus to do the same thing. He tells us if we Love Him to ABIDE BY HIS WORD, and that includes the holiness part of dressing, entertainment, our attitudes and our actions at All times, not just on Sundays and Wednesdays or when we're around church folk. We need to show respect for all people whether they go to church or not, because we as Christians are suppose to "come out and be ye separate" from the world. Therefore, we are suppose to act differently than someone who doesn't know God.

If we want Christ to feel at home in our spirit, we need to make a healthy happy living environment for Him. I remember when I was a very small child listening to my mom and dad fight like cats and dogs. I was lucky I guess because while I can remember a couple or three instances (really bad ones) my two older sisters I'm sure remember every one. I do however remember a huge fight between them after I was a little older I guess about 10 or 11. I have spoke about it before, so I won't bore you with details, but it was definitely no fun. I wanted to run as fast and far in the opposite direction from the fight as possible. Maybe if I had, he and mom would have quit throwing fists at each other and run after me. Anyway, My point is Jesus doesn't want to live in an unhealthy (physically or spiritually) environment either.

We "tweak" our appearance and our personalities for the ones we love or want to impress, so don't you think we should tweak ourselves (physically and spiritually) for Jesus? After all, He gave the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE for us.

Remember, Jesus said to be saved we must be born of the water and of the Spirit. In other words to get to heaven we have to have the Holy Spirit in us. This helps toguide us into ALL truths, and helps us to live the way God wants us to live. If we don't "tweak" our hearts and spirits for Jesus, He may decide that we are not serious about wanting Him there and will not stick around. Of course, if this were to happen, he would always come back if you called on Him and decided to become serious about your "relationship with Him".

Just think of it this way. What kind of house would you like to live in? A seedy hotel, a night club with obscene pictures on the wall, or a clean neat house with wholesome, decent pictures and decorations? It doesn't have to be perfect, just clean and neat.

I hope that I haven't stepped on toes tonight, just served up some "food for thought".

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"HELP IS HERE"

Good Evening to All!

Before I get started, I would like to thank Lynette of "Crazed Mind" for my birthday present. She obtained a Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index. (I haven't figured out how to underline on my blog, so I bold instead). Anyway, this book will be a total blessing for me in my research for my Bible study and my blog. I can look up any topic and this book will give me the scriptures pertaining to it. I can't wait to put it to use!

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And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. John 14:16 KJV

I will ask the Father , and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with your forever. AMP. version

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I just read a devotional which I "sort of disagree with". According to this person, "many people have received Jesus as Savior and Lord. They will go to heaven, but never draw on the full capacity of the Holy Spirit that is avail to them or experience the true success God wants them to enjoy on Earth.


I'm sorry but I must disagree. It plainly states in Acts 2:38, that to "be saved" we must "repent, be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins and we SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. It doesn't say "could, can, might or possibly". It says a definite SHALL. The key is allowing God to give it to us. It is ours for the taking. All we have to do is focus on God and allow Him to give the Holy Ghost to us by entering into us. It is truly a magnificent feeling. A peace that passeth understanding. A warmth like arms of love enveloping us. Who in their right mind wouldn't want this?

The Holy Spirit is given to us by God to guide us a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepw1jk7v0ajHyin3DCggYYAIs1pH48KCK9TypSJ47D_jiT5BpH-Avhv2kqIpgJHMtYsahsTnZqv38MrRtvX2oo9akg3maNSSt0EK8UoFptoe5dV4mJ2Vgf3bfbjVIlHjeADvcw5omygZ9/s1600/Holy+Ghost+at+home.jpg">and help prepare us for our entry into heaven. As I have said before, this is a life-time journey. Salvation is a gift from God. Jesus died for this purpose. He died so that His Spirit could be glorified in heaven, and come back to earth and live within us. He is our protection against the adversaries of our spirits which are our flesh and Satan himself.

The Comforter was sent to guide us to know when we have that nagging little voice whispering in our ear things which are contrary to God's Word so we can push those thoughts out of our minds and get back on track as to what God wants us to do. To live by His Word, Love Him and Worship Him. To strive to attain the characteristics of our LORD Jesus Christ. In His Word He says He made man in His image, and also that He wants us to take on the Fruit of the Spirit which are His attributes: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).

I will agree on certain points in the devotion which I read however. It spoke about how people who are self-sufficient often think depending on God is a sign of weakness. They need to understand that drawing on the ability of the Holy Spirit, they can accomplish more in their lives than they could by doing things their own way without including our Comforter into the mix.

People need to realize that relying on God to help them is actually showing strength. Within the "human make-up", we have many short-comings, pride being the biggest one I think. Pride is the cause of many a downfall of us. We do not like to admit when we are wrong. We do not like to admit when we need help. Instead of asking God for help and including Him in our decisions, we would rather do our "own thing" and take a chance that all will work out, rather than giving God the green light to take over and MAKE SURE that all will turn out ok. Usually, it's been my experience when I "forget" to include God in my plans and decisions that I make a total mess of things, or if they do turn out ok, it was a difficult road getting there. This could have all be avoided if I had listened to the Holy Spirit and done what He told me to do.

I hope that you will seriously think about this post. You don't have to be at an altar to receive the Holy Ghost, you don't even have to be in a church. I have seen people receive it sitting on their bed in prayer, sitting in their recliner or where ever they choose to "worship God". The first time I receive the Holy Ghost, I was being baptised in Sweetwater Lake. I have received a re-filling of the Holy Ghost many times. It is such a wonderful feeling. The main thing is placing your COMPLETE focus on Him, praising Him and pouring our your love to Him and you WILL receive Him.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

I Baptize You with the Holy Ghost and With Fire

THE BAPTISM OF FIRE
I baptize you with water for repentance, But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11 NIV)

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As believers, we are called to do more than go to church on Sunday mornings, do more than follow prescribed rituals, and certainly do more than have water sprinkled on our heads or be immersed in baptismal pools. There are all extremely important and not to be ignored, but they must be followed up with a willingness to experience the “baptism of fire.”

This seems to be pretty self-explanatory. John the Baptist seemed to be a pretty straight-forward kind of guy. He's saying that although he can baptize people in water for the remission of their sins, it's not good enough. In the near future, Jesus is coming to seek and to save those who are lost. He will baptize us with the Holy Ghost and Fire. Of course this is prophecy because it has not yet happened. Jesus had not been baptized yet, with water by John, let alone the Holy Ghost.

When He did come on the scene, He preached His Father's message for the 3 years and was crucified. It was THEN after He ascended into heaven and His Spirit was sent back to earth as our comforter that this prophecy was fulfilled.

On the day of Pentecost there was the sound from heaven as of a rushing might wind, and it filled the house where they were sitting. (3) and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Some people think that when the baptism of "fire" is mentioned, it is in this reference as part of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Another explanation is the excitement and zeal one feels when they become filled with the Holy Ghost. (This I have felt. ) I cannot think of a more satisfying and exciting feeling when this happened to me. Hence, the phrase "on fire for God".
Last but not least is another explanation which sounds good, but I'm not sure that this verse would go along with this particular explanation. While I do agree that we must go through a cleansing process and a purifying process (purified by fire), I don't know that I would agree that this particular explanation would go with the Key Verse for tonight. It sounds like they are saying that God deliberately makes us go through trials just to purify us and "make sure that we are worthy of being a vessel fit for His use.

I'm sorry, but I don't agree with this. I may be way off base, but I know for a fact that God uses all kinds of people whether they've been "purified" or not. For example, what about Rahab the prostitute, or the woman who was not married, but "living with a man? She ran into town telling everyone about Him. Neither of these had been "purified". There were many other examples all through the Bible, and He still uses all kinds of people from all walks of life today to get His message spread, and to do other wondrous works of Him.

Yes, I'm sure He rejoices when His creation "wakes up" repents and realizes that they need to be baptised in Jesus' Name for the remission of their sins, and receives the Holy Ghost and is baptised with His "fire", and I have no doubt that those that He chooses to use do come around and do this, but it does not necessarily have to be the first step. God does things in His own order and in His own ways.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

For Those Who Are Skeptical of Baptism

Good Evening to All!
I saw this "mini-devotion" and I felt the strong urge to share it with y'all. I was disturbed a few years ago, when someone who I looked up to and love dearly told me that they decided that baptism is merely a symbol and not needed to get to heaven. I was floored. They are very devoted Christians and when they told me this it made my heart drop to my knees. Here is the reason why.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus. a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. for no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

In reply, Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. John 3:1-3

"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he
is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ' You must be born again.'". John 3:4-7

KJV

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:1-3

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born? Jesus answered, Verily verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born of Water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:4-7

Being born of the water is baptism by immersion in water. Think about it. If you want to get cleansed when you're dirty, you wouldn't sprinkle yourself with water, would you? To get clean, you need to be completely in water. The same with baptism. To cleanse a person of their sins we need to be immersed in water completely and come up cleansed "white as snow' from our sins. (In the Name of Jesus).

Being born of the Spirit, is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost or as the Bible words it the "infilling of the Holy Spirit.

More scriptures about that is Acts 2:38, acts 10:48, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12 and Matthew 28:19. The reason I mentioned Matthew last is because baptism in the "name of " the Father , Son, and Holy Ghost is only mentioned once. Any other time baptism is mentioned it is "in the Name of Jesus Christ".

I am hoping I will have time to type my post tomorrow morning or afternoon, as I will be "out of pocket" tomorrow night. I am going to Austin to attend a Conference of "The End Times and Prophecy" with Ervin Baxter who is an "authority' on the subject. I have heard from many people that it is a really neat conference, so I'm really excited! I hope to be able to share a lot with you Monday about it. (Sunday is Bible Challenge day, and I learned my lesson about trying to do that and write a post. By the way, just to clarify, I have heard some people say that the Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are 2 different things. They are the same. The Bible said that when Jesus' died, (God's fleshly body- 1 Tim. 3:16) "He gave up the Ghost". In another spot it said that He would send the Holy Spirit back to earth as a comforter. They are one and the same. That is how we have Jesus (God) in us. I know most of you probably know and realize all that I say, but there may be some that don't. I feel like we all need refreshing at one time or another, and then I hope that I may be reaching some who haven't heard of or really studied the Word.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"SALVATION OR MISCONCEPTIONS?"

Hi Everyone!

I know it was just last night or night before when I said I wouldn't put another article on here, but I just can't think of anything to write about tonight. I hope tht I haven't posted this before. I know I just posted the Intimate Relationship article, which was actually the 2nd part of this, but I thought it would be better received to go first than this one.

The following is an Article which I wrote for Associated Content back in September. The last article I wrote for them was about my Tennessee Vacation. I think I'm just letting myself get too tired. If one of these times it seems like I let my post run a little long, it's because I'm trying to get it started in the morning instead of bed-time.

I hope you enjoy the article and that you will leave me comments on your thoughts about it.

Salvation or Misconceptions“Food for Thought”

If someone came up to you on the street and asked you, "If you die today, will you go to heaven"? What would you HONESTLY say? Unfortunately in this day and time Salvation has many different faces, and has become to a lot of people just a "word" with many meanings and as many ways to receive it. The spirituality of it is having less and less of an impact. If you ask ten people what Salvation is and how to get it, you would more than likely get at least six or seven different answers.

There are misconceptions that are liable to get people into trouble "salvation-wise", ideas such as "once saved always saved", or "I'm a good person, so I'll automatically go to heaven" to name a couple. In addressing the "once saved always saved" belief, in the Bible it speaks of people turning away from God over and over again and He turns them to reprobate minds. Second Timothy 3:1-6 talks of this problem and its consequences. It talked of people having an "outward appearance of godliness, but denying the power of it which describes doing activities not connected with having a relationship with Jesus Christ and it got continually worse from there. God got tired of trying to talk to them. If you're doing something wrong, and feel it in your spirit, or conscience, but keep doing it, eventually your conscience or spirit will be seared and you won't hear that little voice inside anymore. This is what is meant when it is a person has no conscience. A person can easily fall from grace at this point, so we must be vigilant in our walk with God.

To be "saved" according to His Word, (Acts 2:38) God's "plan of salvation" includes Him wanting us to repent which means to turn away from sin, in other words don't do something "wrong", go to church, say your sorry and ask forgiveness, then do the SAME thing again a couple of days later.


Repenting is to NOT do the same thing again intentionally. The next part of God's plan of Salvation is to be baptized in Jesus' Name for the remission of sins, (not titles such as Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but the Name of Jesus) the only time these 3 titles are mentioned as far as baptism is Matthew 28:19. In all other scriptures about water baptism, it's in the Name of Jesus. The last requirement that this scripture mentions is "and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (or Ghost). Receiving the Holy Ghost means the in-filling of the Holy Spirit (Ghost) which will guide us into all truths and teach us. Corinthians 2:13 says," These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but words which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. It is after these steps are taken that a person begins their life's journey of being saved by living for God and doing His will.

There is much more to being "saved" and receiving Salvation than "saying I acknowledge Jesus as my Savior or being a "good person". I hope to be writing more about it in the near future.

Reference: New King James Version Holy Bible
Second Timothy 3:1-6
First Corinthians 2:13
Acts 2:38

P.S. We had a guest speaker at church tonight as my Pastor had to go to Austin for some medical treatments. His dad who is a long time Sunday School teacher came and spoke to us. He discussed the "Newness of Life". In this discussion, he brought up when Paul was talking in Romans 6:4 where he spoke of "walking" in the newness of life. This one sentence speaks volumes about the "once saved always saved perception. When you walk, that takes time and growth. Therefore this tells us that it is an on-going process and not just saying "I believe" and then you automatically go to heaven. We must do as Paul did and "die (repent) daily and continually strive to live for God. I say "strive" because none of us are perfect, but the Bible tells us to strive toward perfection and to "be ye perfect as I am perfect" according to the Bible. PLEASE REMEMBER, this is just food for thought, seeds sown. I hope this has given you something to think about and that you enjoyed the article.

Good Night All and May God Bless.

PJ

Salvation or Misconceptions

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John 3:3-5 (New King James Version)
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Hello Everyone! Once again, it's after midnight and I'm just getting my blog started. I do have a good excuse though. Although today has been a pretty busy one, my main reason was because for one thing I went to a "Women's Aglow Meeting", and it lasted for almost 3 hours! That's longer than our church service, and I'm Pentecostal. You know how we Pentecostals are known for our long services! They sure are good though!!!!!Anyway, after I got home about 10pm, I was trying to find out how to link my blog to my Associated Content articles. It took a while, but a fantastic young lady came through for me and told me how. I will be so glad when I figure all this stuff out! It just seems like the older I get, the harder it is for me to grasp things. That is to say, understand the workings of things like computers and such. Of course when good old arthur-itis is acting up its hard to grasp the other way too!

The reason I picked out this specific Bible verse is to show the importance of both types of baptisms water and Spirit. I had someone tell me a while back that "water" baptism wasn't important anymore because it was just a symbol. Well, according to the Bible, I must disagree. It is Ultimately important for our souls. Here is a piece of the first article I wrote for Associated Content. At the end of it, I will place a link so that you can read the whole article if I have peaked your interest. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think. Also, don't forget to leave your prayer requests on the comments area if you would like for me to pray for you.

Salvation or Misconceptions
Food for Thought

If someone came up to you on the street and asked you, "If you die today, will you go to heaven"? What would you HONESTLY say? Unfortunately in this day and time Salvation has many different faces, and has become to a lot of people just a "word" with many meanings and as many ways to receive it. The spirituality of it is having less and less of an impact. If you ask ten people what Salvation is and how to get it, you would more than likely get at least six or seven different answers. There are misconceptions that are liable to get people into trouble "salvation-wise", ideas such as "once saved always saved", or "I'm a good person, so I'll automatically go to heaven" to name a couple.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2149753/salvation_or_misconceptions.html?cat=34

Please Remember, this article is meant as "Food for Thought".

Sincerely,

PJ