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"ALL" (all) may be saved who accept LORD JESUS, MESSIAH. 1 Timothy 2:1-7, 1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for [all] men; 2For kings, and for [all] that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in [all] godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have [all] men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for [all], to be testified in due time. 7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. Are ( You ) SAVED ? Are “ YOU “ a ‘Christian’ ?!? What makes 'you' a Christian? We hear these “words” being tossed around all the time. It has become a sort of, ‘catch all ‘ phrase for many. "What is a Christian?" Unfortunately over time, the word “Christian” has lost a great deal of its significance and is often used of someone who is thought to be ‘religious’ or has high moral values - (but) who (may or may not) be a true follower of JESUS CHRIST. Many people who do [not] [believe and trust] in JESUS CHRIST (consider themselves) ‘Christians’ simply because they go to church or they live in a Christian ‘ nation.’ {Definition } ~ CHRISTIAN: Follower [of] JESUS CHRIST - Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16. One who belongs to CHRIST. Christians commit themselves to CHRIST and become [increasingly] 'like' HIM. They trust JESUS to guide their decisions, actions, (and) attitudes. The name was (apparently) first used by (pagans) to ridicule JESUS' followers, but it became a label Christians wear proudly. Please, Understand Something ~ ….going to church, serving those less fortunate than you, or being a good person does [not] make you a Christian. Following CHRIST JESUS, and Accepting HIM as LORD and SAVIOR, Repenting of your 'former ways', putting away the iniquities of "this world" , turning from sin (Repentance) these are the things that lead to the path towards 'being' saved. 'Being' Christian... Going to church does [not] make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile! Being a member of a church, attending services regularly, and giving to the work of the church, does [not] make you a Christian, per-say. Since GOD’S word, the Bible is the authority for the Christian faith, let’s find out what the Bible says… The word [ Christian ] - is only used 3 times in the New Testament, and each instance is referring to the [first] “Christians” of the early church. (Acts 11:26). (Acts 26:28). (1 Peter 4:16).
They were called “Christians” because their ( behavior, activity, and speech ) were like CHRIST JESUS. The word Christian means, ( “follower of CHRIST” ) or -“belonging to the party of CHRIST.” So, what made them part of this group called “Christians? A Christian is ( not ) just about works... (( This simply cannot be overstated ! )) Although ‘works’ are good - and we should ( also ) perform them, The Bible says that good works (do not) make us acceptable to GOD. In other words, a person can live to a high moral standard, give money to feed the poor, go to church, and serve their neighbors, and yet not be a CHRIST follower or “Christian.” Titus Chapter 3
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains it yet further... 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
9 [Not of works], lest any man should boast. The book of 1 John is about just that......”fellowship.” 1 John 1:1-7 “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life -- and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 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.” This passage tells us that if we have FELLOWSHIP with CHRIST, we have FELLOWSHIP with each other. Those that enjoy that FELLOWSHIP also are “cleansed by the blood of CHRIST.” See the point? Simply, simply put -- ( no ) acceptance of CHRIST, no fellowship with CHRIST. No fellowship with CHRIST, No Remission of sin. Being a Christian is not some earthly ‘entitlement’ -- Or some easy livin' lifestyle. It's about a commitment to GOD The FATHER, to The LORD, and accepting Our MESSIAH, CHRIST JESUS. It is about understanding and accepting; The FATHER, The SON, The Word ) ( which is JESUS) and THE HOLY SPIRIT. 1 John 5:7
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
It's about Faith. Believing on HIM.
John 6:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Acts 16:31
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” The words “Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST” are found in Paul’s famous answer to the Philippian jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Paul’s answer is simple: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.” Hebrews Chapter 3:12-14, Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; We are to confess our sins ! “If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). What this verse tells us to do is “confess” our sins to GOD. { Quick definition of ‘confess’ } -- The word “confess” means “to agree with.” When we confess our sins to GOD, we are agreeing with GOD that HE is Right and we were (wrong), ( and ) that we have sinned. Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: GOD forgives us, through confession to [ HIM ] - Confession to who? ( HIM. ) Which is an ‘ongoing basis’ because of the fact that HE is “faithful and just.” How is GOD “faithful and just”? HE is faithful by forgiving sins, which HE has promised to do for all those who receive CHRIST as SAVIOR. HE ( GOD ) is ‘just’ - by applying CHRIST’S payment for our sins, recognizing that the sins have indeed been atoned for. How? How are they atoned for? By the blood of The Lamb of GOD, JESUS CHRIST ! ( That's how ! ) Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. JESUS CHRIST, gives to us, affords to us, The ability to ask and be forgiven of sin - all sin. Past sin, Present sin, Future sin. The ability to be Redeemed. Deliverance from sin and freedom from captivity. Being a Christian is a much deeper life than simply asking JESUS to come into your heart and believing in the forgiveness of sins. It is through believing in JESUS as the SON of GOD and in the work that HE did for us in HIS days on this earth, and by following in HIS footsteps and obeying the commandments HE set out for us, that make us true Christians, true followers of Christ. It’s not some poor interpretation of some ‘false ideology’ that some attempt to set forth - This is about an inner life that takes place before the face of GOD in simple faith and obedience. It is a life of action, a life of change, transformation and forward movement. Ephesians 4:23 - And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Is it a matter of perspective? Or is it more? Do we serve GOD in order to “earn” HIS love, or to be seen and admired by other people?
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Do we serve GOD because we love HIM (and) Respect HIM..? Love, Honor, Respect and Reverence ? Are we are grateful for the wonderful salvation HE has provided? Salvation and Grace through JESUS CHRIST? The Believer’s Response...
Once you can answer the question, “What is a Christian,” you have the personal responsibility to ask yourself, “What does this mean to me? Have I rejected or accepted GOD’S gift?” If you’ve accepted GOD’S gift of salvation, how has your life changed? Do you have the marks of a follower of JESUS CHRIST, a Christian? If so, your life will be characterized by love for others and obedience to GOD’S Word. 1 John 2:4-6 says,
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as JESUS did.” What does that mean? By living in Reverence and Obedience to GOD. Through following HIS Commandments, walking as JESUS did. Luke 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
If you’ve never accepted GOD’S free gift, we encourage you to continue your investigation. What is holding you back? If you are ready to trust JESUS and become a Christian, believe in CHRIST and commit the rest of your life to HIM. Understand that (sin) (separates) [you] from GOD (Romans 6:23) And that JESUS died as your substitute (Romans 5:8). You can have faith in JESUS to forgive you and give you eternal life with HIM, rather than eternal death. Talk to GOD and tell HIM that you want HIM in your life. Remember, your not saying a prayer simply to save you. You are expressing your faith to GOD [through] prayer.
“FATHER, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me. I believe that your Son, JESUS CHRIST died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite JESUS to become the LORD of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey YOU, and to do YOUR will for the rest of my life. In JESUS' name I pray, Amen.” "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
If you decided to receive Jesus today, welcome to God's family ! HALLELUJAH ! Now, as a way to grow closer to HIM, the Bible tells us to follow up on our new commitment.
1.Get baptized as commanded by CHRIST.
2.Tell someone else about your new faith in CHRIST.
3.Spend time with GOD each day. It does not have to be a long period of time., Just spend time with HIM. 1.Develop the daily habit of praying to HIM and reading HIS Word. 2.Ask GOD to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
3.Seek fellowship with other followers of JESUS. 4.Develop a group of believing friends to discuss your questions and support you.
5.Find a local church where you can worship GOD. -- You’ll be glad you did ! John Chapter 14
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.