Are You Saved?
This is a easy question for some people, but for others it could be a concern, or something that's not thought about at all. Some people just don't understand the question. I grew up a Mormon, which I no longer follow. I have detailed my testimony on this website, which is called "How God Saved Me from Me." Please check it out if you're interested. Its viewable in a word document, on my home page, or by the link above.
What makes us who we are? What drives the motivations of our hearts? Where are we headed? What will be of us? Aging day after day, seeing family and others die, usually makes people think about their own demise. Many years ago, I definitely would have said I was going to heaven, for I was always trying to be a good person, and do things right. Since then, I have been preaching in a small church every other week, and I have studied The Bible a little. Just kidding, I've done some extensive research, and not because I had to. I want to. That's what I do. I read, I cross reference with my many other books. I look, to see why people believe certain things and why others don't. I then reflect, in my own life, to see how the things pertain to me. Every job I have ever taken, I have looked to see who's the good example, who does the company like, why is that person liked, and how do I mimic what they do? These are things, that I think will get me on the right path. If we look for an example we should follow in life, who is that example? I look at The best, Jesus Christ. I know we can't be perfect, I know that He's the hardest to mimic, but let me tell you, if you follow him, you will be more like him every day. The greatest thing, that has happened to mankind, is The work Jesus did on the cross. He hung on that cross for everyone, even the people who slandered him, as he hung there. He saved us from us! He has given us a chance to follow, he has given us examples to follow, he has given us a road map to follow. When I think about being saved, I think of all the people who say they are good people, and of course they're going to Heaven. How sure can someone be? How does anyone know they're going to Heaven? There's a scripture that gets me thinking.
Matthew 7:22-On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.'
then Jesus replies......
Matthew 7:23-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
So, who are these people? Apparently they thought they were followers of Jesus. They went around doing good things. People who follow someone, with wrong motives, like Judas, who wanted Jesus to be a mighty King warrior on the Earth, usually do not succeed in their plans. Jesus wants those who follow him, to do so because they love him.
Lets spend a little bit of time speaking about what it takes to be saved, to be placed on the "restart".Who doesn't want a restart, a new birth, a new beginning? I know people say praying the sinners prayer does nothing. Well, that can be true, if it means nothing to you. Like taking an oath, how seriously do you take it? Telling God that you rely on him, that you believe in him, and that you want him to be your Lord and savior is very powerful. God wants us, to confess with our mouths that we want him to lead us. When I had this conversation with God, I went to my room, shut the door, and first I asked The Lord to forgive me, and I was very specific with what I needed forgiveness for. Then I asked God to cleanse me of these sins. Here is an example:
Jesus, I've struggled all my life, I have done so many bad things, hurt so many people, and I don't like me anymore. I don't want to be the person I am. I want to be who you made me to be. I know you died for my sins on the cross, I know you were resurrected 3 days later. I accept what you have done for me, and I want you to be my Lord and Savior.
The journey just starts here. This is not the end, but the beginning. Now, after professing Jesus in your life, its time to follow. We must know what we are suppose to believe. We need to pick up our Bibles, and learn. Going to church is a great start. Being around other believers, who live as they are chasing after Jesus is also a must.
When I am gone one day, I hope I was able to make a difference. I hope I will be seen as someone who loved God and stood for something. I think that so many people don't stand for much. Most people will bend and bend, until they confuse themselves. We must stand for something! We must not waiver. We can't let our lights be snuffed out, by those who push evil upon us. Standing when no one else will, now that's something to be proud of. I hope that's how I'm remembered, as someone who stood when others wouldn't. I have counted the cost, and I Choose to follow my Lord.
Luke 6:46.....Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?
John 14:15.....If you love me, you will obey my teachings.
John 14:23-24.....If anyone loves me, he will obey my teachings... He who does not love me will not obey my teachings...
John 8:31.....If you follow my teachings, you are really my disciples.
Matthew 19:17.....If you want to enter life, obey my teachings.
John 8:51.....I tell you the truth, if anyone follows my teachings, he will never see death.
come find your mercy, Jesus awaits
Soldier4lordJesus
4-04-2016