Category Salvation

What Can We Say Shen We Don’t Know What to Say?

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“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15).

Being a personal worker is hard. Not only does the personal worker need to be able to present the truth with love, we must also combat error. I’ll admit it, I’ve often taken the “you’re wrong here’s why” approach to evangelism.

 Almost on a daily basis, especially Since I started preaching in Borger, I am told fantastic stories of how folks claim to have been saved. At no point is there ever a “thus saith the Lord” with a bible book, chapter, verse reference.

What do we say after those kinds of tales? It’s too easy to shake your head and close off the conversation because we don’t know how to respond.

I’ve discovered a better way, and I want to share it with you. Instead of running away, I see it as an opportunity to share the true Gospel, (Romans 1:16).

It’s called the “As for me…” principle as found in Joshua 24:15. The Apostle Paul used a similar tactic on Mars Hill. “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:22-24).

Here’s how it works. First, I ASK if I can open up to them about my own salvation. I then tell them how I was SAVED according to the commands of God. I had to Hear the gospel (Matt 7:23-29). I Believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24). I Repented and continue to live a penitent life (Luke 13:3). I have Confessed and continue to Confess Jesus before all (Matt 10:32). I was Baptized in Water, just as the Lord commands to have my sins washed away (Mar 16:16; Acts 2:38), and I strive to be Faithful to the Lord all the days of my life even if doing so causes me hurt (Mat 28:20; Rev 2:10). “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2Tim 1:12).       

Sometimes there are questions about what I’ve said. I answer by saying, “I’ve FOUND that there are many discrepancies between what people say and what God teaches in His word. This next part is important. I ask if I can show them what I did. Then OPEN an actual printed bible for them to see and read for themselves.

I READ to them, (or let them read) those passages that I saw when I first learned the truth. Sometimes I need a few MARGIN notes to remind me where they are. I let the gospel be the power of God unto salvation and not myself for the converting of the soul. Whenever I’ve relied on my own ability to quote scripture, I’ve been met with resistance. One person said, “Satan quoted scripture too.” That push back was helpful because it revealed to me what people are thinking whenever I have quoted verses (even if accurately). It’s hard for people to argue against the Word. They’ll try, but they’ll fail.

Finally, I have no EXPECTATIONS of them. Certainly, my desire is that they come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved, but that’s God’s work. My job is to scatter the seed on the ground of the heart (see Mark 4:14-20). “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1Cor 3:6).

Agape,

Spencer

Go here For some helps with scripture when sharing the gospel.

Let’s Talk about Jesus #4; His Unspeakable Gift

The Preacher 1 Comment

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

(2Corinthians 9:15).

While we’re talking about Jesus, let’s see if we can talk about this unspeakable gift.

The word here is the idea of indescribable, something we’re often unable to put into words. We are allowed to speak about it, but we’ll find it difficult to fully describe the good gifts of God.

Since most folks are talking about Jesus, let’s talk about Him too. Jesus told a healed man, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). Perhaps, we can do the same?

Maybe we can try to put into words the unspeakable GIFTS of Christ.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”
 (James 1:17).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

What are a few of the spiritual GIFTS we have from God in Christ?

We have GRACE. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11; cf Eph 2:8). We need to start here for it is by the GRACE of God in Christ that we have access to salvation. Grace is a gift of God. It is God’s Rescue plan for sinful man. Grace gives us Access to God through Christ. The sacrifice of Christ is the central component of God’s Grace. When we are baptized into Christ we are saved and can Escape the corruption of this life (for by Grace are you saved). Truly Grace is an indescribable gift.

The divinely INSPIRED word is a Gift of God. After James says that every perfect gift comes down from above, he writes this, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). His inspired word is the source of knowledge about salvation in Christ, and is the source for how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy; “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:15-17).

On a personal level, God gives us the Gift of bearing FRUIT. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

He also gives us gifts for our earthly TREASURE for our physical needs as well as for the church, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God” (2Corinthians 9:8-11; Mat 7:11).

Not just for our own use, but to share with those in need as the church in Macedonia did for the Saint in Jerusalem, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (2Corinthians 8:1-4).

Lastly but certainly not least, God gives the gift of SALVATION. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift He brings to all those that repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38) will not be removed. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (won’t take them back) (Romans 11:29).

People often mistake God’s Gifts as automatic & universal salvation, and that He gives physical blessings for all mankind regardless of their beliefs or actions. Not so. God gives the Gift of Access to salvation ONLY through His Son Christ Jesus. There is no other way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

The Gift of Salvation comes to those that obey Him. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus has told us what will be said to the disobedient who call His name at the day of judgment, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?

It is such a shame that even though we all have access to the Gift of God in Christ many will refuse it. God is full of Grace and Mercy, but one day everyone will stand before the throne of Christ to give an account and He “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thessalonians 1:8).

While we still have breath, we can obey the Gift of the Gospel of Christ and be saved. Then when death comes, we shall hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s talk about CHRIST

The Preacher 1 Comment

As part of a series of lessons about evangelism, part 3 is about Redemption through CHRIST.

Jesus Christ was CRUCIFIED for us.

Jesus Shed HIS own blood.

Jesus was RAISED from the dead.

Jesus is the very IMAGE of the Invisible God.

Jesus is God’s SACRIFICE for us.

Jesus TASTED death for everyone.

Here are some questions for us…

Have we CRUCIFIED the flesh? Gal 5:24

Have we come in contact with HIS BLOOD? Rev 1:5; Matt 26:28; Acts 2:38.

Have we been RAISED to walk in newness of life in Baptism? Rom 6:3-6.

Are we striving to IMITATE Christ in this life? John 13:15.

Are we offering SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES in our own body? Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15-16.

Have we TASTED Death in baptism so that the second death has no power over us? Rom 6:3.

Would you like to study more about how to be Redeemed by the Blood of Christ? Click here for access to self paced studies.

How was Noah saved?

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What does the bible say about how Noah was saved?

By Grace (Gen 6:8) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

By Faith (Heb 11:7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By Obedience (Heb 11:7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

In the Ark (1Pet 3:20) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

By Water (1Pet 3:21) The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us

What does the bible say about how WE are saved?

By Grace (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

By Faith (Rom 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By Obedience (Heb 5:8-9) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

In Christ (2Tim 2:10) Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27; Col 2:11; Acts 8:35-38; Rom 6:3-5) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

1Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.

Which of the following sentences are true? Let them that oppose it erase the one he says is NOT true.

baptism doth also NOW save us.

baptism doth also NOT save us.

What questions do you have about this material? Please let us know.

The church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper st in Borger invites you to attend one of their services.

The Divine Order of Baptism

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When is one saved, before or after baptism?

I contend that baptism comes before salvation. Some claim salvation comes before baptism.

Which does the Holy Spirit place first?

A. Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;”

(1) Belief, (2) Baptism, (3) Salvation.

B. Acts 2:38 “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

(1) Repent, (2) Baptized, (3) Remission of sins.

C. Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

(1) Arise, (2) Baptized, (3) Wash away sins.

D. Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

(1) Baptized, (2) Into Christ, (3) Put on Christ.

E. 1Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…”

(1) Baptism, (2) Saves.

If they’re correct that salvation comes before baptism, is it not strange that the Holy Spirit never one time had these in the right order?

Agape,

Spencer

Do you know what the Bible says about what SAVES?

GRACE is the means to ESCAPE

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GRACE gives us the means to escape from the penalty of our sin.

Eph 1:7-9 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:


Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Without acting on the GRACE that has been given, we shall not escape.

Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Ro 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

GRACE, FAITH, WORKS is the first part in this five part series.

The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ invites you to visit during one of their services.

GRACE is in Christ

The Preacher 2 Comments

Christ is the object of Grace. Without His blood there is no grace.

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

CHRIST is the object of Grace…

He was CRUCIFIED for us. John 3:16

We were redeemed with HIS BLOOD. 1Peter 1:18-19

He is the RESURRECTION from the dead. John 11:25

He is the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE God. Col 1:15

His SACRIFICE is the one and only sacrifice for everyone. Heb 10:12

He TASTED death for everyone. Heb 2:9

Click here for the first article in the series on GRACE.

GRACE is ACCESS to Salvation

The Preacher 2 Comments

what is GRACE?

IN the first article on GRACE, we learned that it is the Gift of God through faith.

the GRACE of God is a gift, and it can either be RECEIVED or REJECTED.

Grace is a gift of God that provides ACCESS to salvation.

Romans 5:2 KJV

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Eph 2:8-10 tells us it’s a gift.

But what did Paul teach the Ephesians when he first met them?

They HEARD and BELIEVED the gospel.

Ephesians 1:13 KJV

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

They continued to CONFESS and bring forth fruits worthy of REPENTANCE.

Acts 19:18-19 KJV

And many that believed came, and CONFESSED, and SHEWED their deeds. [19] Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (cf. Acts 20:20-21)

They were BAPTIZED into Christ.

Acts 19:2-5 KJV

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

So yes, they were saved by GRACE because by grace through faith we’re given ACCESS to the gospel which is the means of salvation.

What will you do with this GRACE?

Would you like to know more about how to ACCESS His GRACE?

Here is part four in this series on GRACE.

What is God’s PLAN for you?

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The phrase “God has a plan for you” is one of the most Disheartening, Destructive, and Dangerous false Doctrines taught today. It’s based on an abuse of the context of Jeremiah’s prophecy.
God does have a plan for you. It’s the same plan for everyone.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
2 Peter 3:9 KJV
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Mark 16:15-16 KJV
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 KJV
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; [12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

God’s PLAN for you and me.
God is no respect of persons. Acts 10:34.
He has the same PLAN for the whole world. SADLY, MOST WON’T FOLLOW IT.
1) PUT on Christ.
Galatians 3:27 KJV
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Mark 16:15-16 KJV
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
2) LOVE the Lord, His commands, His children, and everyone.
Matthew 22:37,39 KJV
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
1 John 5:3 KJV
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
3) ASPIRE to live a quiet and peaceful life.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 KJV
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; [12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
1 Timothy 2:2-4 KJV
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
4) NEVER quit being faithful even in the face of pain, persecution, and personal struggles.
Revelation 2:10 KJV
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Matthew 10:22 KJV
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Jesus is the LIFE

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“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

(John 11:25)

One of the great questions of life that everyone eventually asks is, “where are we going when we die?”

We all recognize that we will die physically, and many hope that there’s something more spiritually.

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.” (Ecc 7:2)

Jesus statement to Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life,” occurred at the mourning of her brother Lazarus. These become a source of comfort for the living. 

Jesus is LIFE. We’ll examine just a few ways in which He is the LIFE and the comfort that brings to His church.

Jesus is the LIGHT & LIFE.

The Gospel of John opens with this description of Jesus. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:3-5).

This statement made by the inspired Apostle demonstrates that Jesus is the origin of LIFE and Light. The Apostle Paul will make a similar statement to the epicurean and stoic philosophers in Athens.

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:28).

Since He is the LIGHT & LIFE, all other religions must be Darkness & Death. Jesus is the LIGHT & LIFE

Jesus is the life because He is the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE God.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col 1:14-17).

Jesus is God. His presence on earth represented the fulness of the Godhead. “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Col 2:9)

Jesus is the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE God.

Jesus is the life because He is FAITHFUL to Forgive.

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

He is faithful to forgive, but this same audience was told at Pentecost… “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:37-38). What we learn is that Jesus, at the point of His sacrifice, was making available the forgiveness of sins.

Part of the purpose of His miracles of healing was to show that He has the power to FORGIVE. “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house” (Mark 2:10-11).

Jesus is faithful to FORGIVE those that are in Christ. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9).

Jesus is FAITHFUL to FORGIVE.

Finally, Jesus is the author of ETERNAL LIFE.

“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb 5:9). “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

What did Jesus Himself say about salvation and eternal life?

(HEAR) Matthew 7:24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

(BELIEVE) John 8:24

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

(REPENT) Luke 13:3,5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

(CONFESS) Matthew 10:32 JV

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

(BAPTIZED) Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

(FAITHFULNESS) Matthew 28:20

Teaching them (baptized disciples) to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus has the words of ETERNAL Life.

–Spencer