I live in the Bible belt (the belt buckle to be exact) and one thing about it--everybody and their brother believes they are a Christian. not really, but mostly. Many folks around here are products of a familiar yet false teaching--say this "magic get out of Hell free prayer" and you are good to go. There are some who have prayed a prayer, walked an aisle and have even passed through the waters of baptism that have never gone on to study God’s word, much less open their Bibles. They have neglected His Word, His Church and His people and have remained unchanged spiritually. Is that true salvation? Of course not. And unfortunatel, I've talked to people who cling to that past prayer they prayed as being legitimate even though the life they live completely contradicts their profession. This false sense of security truly breaks my heart.
*Now don’t misunderstand me--our works don’t save us, but they do prove that we are saved.*
True salvation is knowing, believing and personally trusting in the person and work of Christ. It’s a complete and total surrender to Him; it involves a change of allegiance—a turning over the reins of your life.
I love this quote from one of Graham's seminary professors: A FAITH that FIZZLES before the FINISH was FAULTY at the FIRST.
Jesus affirmed this when he said, "You will recognize them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16
This month, I plan on writing about the importance of sanctification. Growing in godliness often gets over looked, but scripture points out its significance. God is clear in His word that once we've given our lives to Him, we must be disciplined to die to ourselves and grow in our knowledge and understanding of Him.
This is Paul’s point when he says,
"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." 1 Timothy 4:7
This month, I will be discussing some of the ways we as believers must be disciplined for the purpose of growing in godliness. Growing in Him is life's greatest pursuit and though we will never arrive spiritually, this side of heaven, we are strengthened, refined, and sharpened as we become more disciplined.
I'm excited about this series. My prayer is that it would be a blessing to those of you who read it. If you ever have any questions, please leave me a comment or email me: ourjoyhisglory{@}gmail{dot}
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Lately I've been thinking about how sad it is that there are SO MANY people out there believing they are saved when, when it comes down to it they neglect what God has outlined in His word. It truly is heartbreaking and something I've been trying to pray about more.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are enjoying the series, Chelsea. I am just now getting to all of my comments and emails. It's so important that we share the true message of the gospel and pray that the Lord changes hearts as people hear the truth.
ReplyDelete