No boasting because Jesus makes us right with God -- Full message

 

Call on the name of the Lord and be saved – Full message

 

Belief is important but it’s not enough, after all demons believe

 

I am in need of a Savior

 

A person can disparage and reject Jesus…but that won’t go well

 

We are friends of God

 

If you're going to save yourself you need to know what's required

 

Here's what is best for you

 

Culture gets this wrong: Your happiness is what matters most

 

Cremation or Burial?

I have been asked if—as a Christian—it is okay to be cremated as opposed to a traditional burial.

This is another one of those questions that is not addressed—at least not in a direct manner—in the Bible. In my opinion (this is one person’s opinion) the issue is a personal matter and is not mandated one way or the other by scripture.

The main concern that typically arises when it comes to debated issues such as this one has to do with eternity. If a person is cremated can the person still go to heaven?

In a way, the answer to that question is actually pretty simple and straightforward. Whether or not a person goes to heaven depends on this: salvation in Jesus Christ.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10

These verses from Romans chapter 10 indicate that salvation has to do with faith and belief in Christ, not cremation or traditional burial.

The following passage from Titus 3:4-7, also addresses the issue of salvation in Jesus Christ:

“But—when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

The salvation we have in Christ, described in the Titus chapter 3 passage above, has to do with God’s love, grace and mercy. Forgiveness of sins is mentioned along with new birth and life in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is specifically identified as “our Savior.” We are made righteous (which is necessary in order for us to be with the Lord in heaven) because of the work of Jesus. Clearly, the manner in which a person’s body is dealt with (cremation or traditional burial) is not a factor. Our salvation is provided by Jesus. It is rooted in Jesus.

I believe, in some cases, the people who argue that a Christian should not be cremated but rather should be buried in the ground probably feel like this is a more reverent and respectful way of dealing with the body. I can understand how a person may feel that way and I appreciate such a view. However, it appears to me, based on the Bible, that cremation is not prohibited and we can be confident that cremation will not prevent a person from going to heaven.

Salvation is dependent on Jesus alone.

 

…And white haired ministers bug me, too!

 

God has initiated everything when it comes to salvation

It’s important to keep in mind, God has already initiated everything when it comes to salvation. We do not make a first move by repenting or seeking His forgiveness. It’s not: First we repent. Then God, in His grace, responds with forgiveness.

He acted first. He loved us first.

Consider this: Jesus died for us while we were still sinners. (See Romans 5:8)

We do not make a first move in the process of establishing forgiveness, redemption and salvation. Our loving, gracious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has already made the first move.

Our repentance, confession and receiving of forgiveness and salvation is a response to God. He is first. Our repentance, confession and receiving of forgiveness and salvation is a response to who God is, to what He has done for us, and the grace He extends to us, in light of our recognition of our sin.

 

“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

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

 

I know this will really come across as “Bible thumper” stuff to some folks. But I’m trying to throw someone a life preserver.

You cannot buy salvation

Should we be talking about sin?

Eat the turkey and be quiet!

Knowing that we have ETERNAL life

Responding to one of Jesus' amazing claims...

An Interesting Conversation With My Doctor At His Office

I had an appointment with a doctor yesterday and after we dealt with medical issues my doctor—who knows I am a pastor—began talking with me about matters of faith. This physician is a sincerely devoted Christian who is not only a highly skilled and respected medical practitioner but he can also speak very knowledgeably about Christian doctrine.

At one point, I was sitting on the examination table talking with the doctor about the implications for salvation which are revealed to us in the story of Jesus’ conversation with the thief on the cross and I inwardly chuckled as I thought about what was happening. I was talking with a certain measure of expertise—biblically speaking—about the condition of a man’s heart with a physician whose medical specialty involves the heart. (Of course, I was speaking of the heart in a spiritual sense and his expertise has to do with the physical organ in our chest.)

I thought, “Well, this is probably not the typical cardiologist/patient examination room conversation.”

As the visit drew to a close he said, “You’re doing very well.”

I stood, we shook hands and I said, “So are you, doc.”

We laughed.

Then I went to the cashier’s station at the office and saw the bill and I wasn’t laughing quite as much. In fact, I felt some slight discomfort in my chest.

(Just kidding.)

I did not intentionally select this doctor and seek him out based on a trusted recommendation. I am connected with him as a result of an emergency room visit to a local hospital. It all seems very random but I wonder: Is it possible God arranged for me to have a doctor who would navigate my medical needs with great competence and who would minister to my soul, as well?

I think it is.

P.S. I was told I had lost 3 pounds since my last visit to this office, in early June. I honestly do not know how this is possible. (It may involve the low-cal offerings on the Taco Bell menu.) I was fairly certain I had gained at least a couple of pounds since my last visit. Apparently God has rigged the scale at this office so I won’t get yelled at again.

P.P.S I’m not very certain about the theological implications of my “God-rigged-the-scale” theory. But that’s what I’m going with, for now.

God Is Not Out To Get Us... He Loves Us!

At our Bible study, last night, some of the discussion which occurred reminded me of an important truth about God. The truth is: God is not trying to hide from us; He is not trying to keep us from knowing Him; He is not trying to make it difficult for people to experience salvation in Him.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus makes it clear that He wants us to experience His grace and mercy. It is His desire that we come to know life in Him.

According to the Bible He wants all people to be saved. Check out this verse: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

You might think, “Well this is obvious, isn’t it?”

Yes, in a way, this is obvious. Except that in the world of religion there can sometimes be a tendency to complicate things.

I realize this is odd, but sometimes the truths of God are communicated in such a way that a person could get the impression God is actually out to get us. Based on what they have heard, some people wonder if maybe God is gleefully rubbing his hands together and looking for some technicality which will lead Him to withhold His love, grace and forgiveness from us.

This “God-who-is-out-to-get-us” impression is incorrect. In fact, it bothers me. God loves us. Going to extraordinary lengths, He did everything that needed to be done in order for us to come into relationship with Him.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s preference is not that we are lost so that He can…

“Finally get to dish out the punishment you no-good punks deserve!”

His preference is that we walk with Him, know Him and find life in Him.

“[God] …is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 13

There is salvation in Jesus Christ.

                       Click here for podcast!