The Jesus Christ Appreciation and Worship Thread

[Quasimod0]

A couple of skits that my church did four years ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPZfE8x-ARs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAGD0S5WQRU

I play Jesus in both of these vids.

Great job man. Love the human video stuff

 

[topdog1]

 

[batman44]

Christ is awesome I grew up in a christian home (my dad's a pastor), but didn't come to know Him until a few years ago (I'm 27). For a long time I was a fake believer; I knew God existed and even believed in scripture, but on a superficial level. One day the Holy Spirit opened my eyes, convicted of my sin and rebellion against God and came to the realization of my hopelessness to do anything to save myself. Though I'm far from perfect, I know Christ saved me.

My favorite ministers to listen to are Jim McClarty, John MacArthur, Ryan Fullerton, John Piper, Al Mohler, Paul Washer, Matt Chandler, James White, Mike Abentroth, Todd Friel, David Forsyth, Voddie Baucham

As far as music, I'm into Christian hip hop artist such as Flame, Shi Linne, Timothy Brindle, Trip Lee, Stephen the Levite, Andy Mineo, Lecrea, Bizzle, Propaganda, Sho Baraka, Tedashi, KB, Dillion Chase.

 

[I'm Venom]

Amen. I'm right there with you in that first paragraph, except my dad isn't a pastor.

Despite how much I hate rap, I agree with my pastor that Lecrae reaches an audience that "you and I" will never reach. I'm into Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Third Day, etc.

 

[Q45]

Agree 100%

I'm agnostic, but it's totally hypocritical to complain about being bullied or discriminated against by Christians and then to turn around and do the same thing to them, especially if they're not pushing their views on anyone. A few years ago I was very intolerant towards religious people and I thought I was so smart quoting Dawkins or whoever. And then I met some Christian friends who were really nice and non-judgemental towards me, and I felt like an ass. I also remembered my grandmother whose favorite place was the Church pews on Sunday and how wonderful she was to me and how sad I was when she passed. And now I know that I can hold on to my own beliefs while still respecting those who are different as long as they respect me in turn. Anyone who comes in here trying to start trouble is an intolerant jerk, plain and simple.

I agree. I'm an angry, God-hating, ex-christian, athiest/agnostic (depending on what day it is), and though I poop on christians when among my fellow infidels, I really do believe you all shouldn't be put down for expressing your beliefs and views in a peaceful, non-judging way. As Jesus said: "Judge not, lest ye also be judged," or as Will Smith once put it: "Don't start nothin', won't be nothin'!"

 

[JJJ's Ulcer]

I agree. I'm an angry, God-hating, ex-christian, athiest/agnostic (depending on what day it is), and though I poop on christians when among my fellow infidels, I really do believe you all shouldn't be put down for expressing your beliefs and views in a peaceful, non-judging way. As Jesus said: "Judge not, lest ye also be judged," or as Will Smith once put it: "Don't start nothin', won't be nothin'!"

Exactly. Or "live and let live." If someone tells me I'm going to Hell for not believing in Jesus, that's a different story. Then I do get indignant and angry. But if everyone can respect each other's points of view we can learn something from each other, or at the very least we can build friendships based on our similarities instead of our differences. I think things changed for me about two years ago when I briefly dated a very Christian girl. I had an exam or something one day and she told me she'd pray for me. I don't think prayers work in the sense that God listens and personally intervenes, but I was nonetheless very touched by that and it gave me some kind of inner-strength. I think I discovered then when religious beliefs are rooted in love (prayers, charity, helping one's neighbor) as opposed to hate (religious wars, prejudice against gays, telling people they'll go to hell for having different beliefs) then even if I disagree I can not only respect that person, but even admire them.

 

[regwec]

I'm an atheist, but have always thought Jesus seemed like a pretty laid back kind of guy. I think we would have gotten on alright. I have a lot of liberal Jewish friends- he'd fit right in.

 

[Anita18]

Jesus is awesome -- when his teachings are actually followed. He taught people to be there for their fellow man regardless of how they are seen by society. He taught people to be there for each other regardless of their differences. Some faiths have lost touch with that while others readily acknowledge it. But, I'd say that is the coolest thing about him.

Yup.

I'm not religious - the only time I've been in a church service was for choir concerts, other people's weddings, and my goddaughter's baptism. I don't believe that I need to follow a set of rules in a book (or written by other people) to be close to God. I believe that God works through human connection and kindness, and I intend on practicing my own brand of spirituality that way.

But damn, there isn't anything more powerful than a person of God who fulfills that edict of kindness without fail, and through adversity. I live in LA, and there's a local organization called Homeboy Industries, headed by a Jesuit priest named Father Greg Boyle. He hires recently released felons, mostly gang members, and trains them for re-entering the job market. He vouches for them and inspires them to believe in themselves, even though many of them were violent in the past.

I'll let an article in Fast Company do the talking, which I can't link to unfortunately because of cursing. It's a wonderful article and I hope you Google it, it's called "House of Second Chances." It made me cry.

When [disgraced KB Homes CEO Bruce] Karatz first reported for work two years ago, Boyle had no idea who he was--just that Karatz was rich and a friend of the former mayor. Boyle is not one to Google people. His impression of who you are seems only marginally informed by what you have done. As for Karatz's felony conviction, which Boyle discovered a few weeks later, he said: "Everyone is a lot more than the worst thing they ever did. This place is about redemption and restoration."

That, my friends, is a true Christian. Which made me since he got reamed when he spoke at a Catholic event, because he doesn't believe 100% in the Roman Catholic teachings (he supports gay marriage and is pro-choice). All these hateful comments from self-professed "Christians" and i'm just sitting here laughing because he's doing more good in this world than probably all of those "Christian" commenters combined.

It isn't the rules you follow, it's the kindness you show toward your fellow human being.

 

[SentinelMind]

There's often a lot of confusion as to what is required to be saved.

Do I need to stop sinning? Stop lusting? Stop lying? Stop cursing? If I've already hurt someone..is too late? What if I'm trying...trying so hard....trying to do right thing, but its too hard for me..am I doomed?

The fact of the matter is we're all sinners: We are all contained in a sinful, fleshy body that we all have to deal with for rest of our material life. No matter how much good intention we have, our flesh wants to sin, desires to do evil...that will stay with us as we stay in these physical bodies. That's something you, me, we all will have to endure. Nobody's perfect.

God understood this...and new we did not have the capacity to save ourselves. Yet, He still wants union with us.

So if we can't do anything about it? Who can?

Well, let's see what Bible says:

John 11:25, “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 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 6:40, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
1st Corinthians 3:11, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”


Faith...Faith and trust in Jesus Christ. That's it.

Jesus Christ paid the price for all of us when He died on that cross. He demonstrated to world He is Lord by getting out of that tomb. He did all the work in covering all the sins we've created in the past and will do in the future. He did all the work.

So what do we have to do? Just believe Christ is sufficient. Trust that He did it all and will do it for YOU!!

So it doesn't matter how much we've messed up in the past...and how much evil we may create in the future....we have to believe that Jesus Christ will save us..that His sacrifice is sufficient.....and we are destined to join Him in Heaven.

Christ's sacrifice is sufficient...for those who believe Christ

That's it. You don't have to be Superman, a nun, priest, pastor, robot, Mother Theresa, turn back time, be perfect... You don't have to let your sins stress out your salvation. Once you're saved...you're always saved No future sin can take you away from God's salvation. Once you have put your trust in Jesus...your salvation is secure...no entity can take you out of God's love.

The question we have to ask is have we accepted Christ's invitation?

Thank you and God Bless!

 

[Quasimod0]

Great post man. I just dont agree with the once saved always saved thing. I dont think that i can just get saved once and then sin and do whatever i want and still be in right standing with God. I think that the only way i can be removed from the hand of God is if i personally remove myself, you see what I'm saying?

 

[SentinelMind]

Great post man. I just dont agree with the once saved always saved thing. I dont think that i can just get saved once and then sin and do whatever i want and still be in right standing with God. I think that the only way i can be removed from the hand of God is if i personally remove myself, you see what I'm saying?

God is our Creator and He is the one who ultimately chooses who will be saved. We can't naturally decide to walk away from destiny God has given us. We are saved because the Holy Spirit convicts and takes over us. It is explained in John 3, for a person to be saved, they have to be born twice...physically (of the water) and spiritually (being born again). It doesn't make sense after we achieve the second spiritual birth that the spirit dies...spirit cannot die...God will not allow His spirit that dwells into us to die or depart. We are partly physical beings...but we are not in control of the universe. We have to look at salvation as from God's perspective, not ours..




Book of John Chapter 3
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:



Once the Holy Spirit comes down from Heaven...and selects you...that's pretty much it..you may fight all you want, resist, try escape, but He has made His decision and the spirit will overcome the flesh.

Yes, your flesh will still sin.....but you heart will be guided by the Spirit, you will feel guilt when you sin, you'll feel compelled to do God's bidding...you will always be reminded of the sacrifice, responsibility. It's out of your hands.

You cannot claim you have the power to walk out of God's reach. You have to understand....God does the saving...we just have to trust Him...God will forgive you for sins (lusting, lying, assaulting, stealing, whatever).....but the lack of trust is what offends God the most. You can't escape the grip the Holy Spirit that dwells in each of our heart. Saying otherwise implies your flesh is stronger that God's spirit, which is blasphemous.

Look at some of prophets in the Holy Bible...Moses, Paul, Jonah...tried to run away, make excuses, tell God they don't have ability to do what He asks.... They all tried to resist God's calling, but were ultimately compelled into doing His bidding. God brought all of them back into the fold. God is ultimate decider of our destiny.


Once your saved, you are always saved. Salvation comes from trusting in Jesus.

Isn't that glorious...you don't have to wake up each day wondering if the sin you committed yesterday broke that link you had with God. God's one sacrifice covers all sins.....if there is one sin the sacrifice couldn't cover...then what could cover it??? There are no more sacrifices!

God saw that Jesus's death on the cross was sufficient. The God of Abraham always gives us a way out if we trust Him.


Here are some links that further address this point:

http://www.gotquestions.org/once-saved-always-saved.html
http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/questions/Giveupsalvation.htm

 

[Kelly]

This guy pretty much says it all for me....

 

[The Sage]

Really cool thread.

 

[Warhammer]

This guy pretty much says it all for me....

That pretty much sums up my feelings as well.

I'm not a big fan of organized religion, but I do respect it as a medium. This is why I feel I can walk into a Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Orthodox, or Catholic church and worship God in the same way. We're worshiping the same guy. If I had to classify myself, I'd be a non-denominational Protestant. Pretty much, Jesus died on the cross. I accepted him as savior. That's it. A church doesn't necessarily have to be there to steer me in a certain direction. If a Christian (of any denomination) is a true follower, they will strive and grow as a Christian naturally. They will do good works naturally, not as a quota. At the end of the day, denominations exist purely because man disagrees. God cares about what's in your heat, not social norms. One denomination isn't above the other as much as certain denominations try to claim (Protestantism vs. Catholicism is the prime example).

Yay...21,100th post, btw.

 

[SentinelMind]

Romans 4:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.


Faith in Christ counts as righteous...not the work or labor that we're dong. The work and labor is the fruit of the genuine faith......but is not substitute for faith that is required to enter in Heaven.

Thus, once you have faith, all the fleshly/wordly things you've done is covered by the blood of Jesus Christ...and God will separate you from your sins.

Hebrews Chapter 10


16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

 

[Warhammer]

Once your saved, you are always saved. Salvation comes from trusting in Jesus.

Isn't that glorious...you don't have to wake up each day wondering if the sin you committed yesterday broke that link you had with God. God's one sacrifice covers all sins.....if there is one sin the sacrifice couldn't cover...then what could cover it??? There are no more sacrifices!

God saw that Jesus's death on the cross was sufficient. The God of Abraham always gives us a way out if we trust Him.

That's the awesome thing about all of this. It's not complicated at all.

 

[SentinelMind]

Exactly...many folks out there worrying about salvation. They need to understand, God saves..we don't save ourselves.....we can't will ourselves to salvation. Holy Spirit will convict us to call out to Jesus. Once we're saved, there's no turning back...

[YT]?v=jAIplRcxM4E[/YT]

 

[ImWithTeamConan]

Random thoughts......

1. Really hope this thread inspires other faiths to start threads, I think that'd be really cool.

2. I've been really frustrated with "church" for a while (or what America calls "church"). For the past two years I was a youth pastor, and I recently went on sabbatical (and I don't think I'm coming back). It bugs me a lot that we've (I'm speaking about the church I belong to but I believe a lot in my generation of twenty year olds probably feel the same way) limited the idea of faith to just continuing to go to church on Sundays.

Church for me isn't Sunday morning. It always has been the people in my life that have taught and shown me Christ's love when I didn't deserve it. The spiritual mentors that showed kindness and patience when I was a sarcastic, punk kid. The close knit group of brothers that know me inside out and accept me for what I am. That's church.

3. Today I'm going to be teaching at our youth service for the first time in a while. Would appreciate prayers that I can deliver the Word in a discernible yet interesting way.

 

[SentinelMind]

Random thoughts......

1. Really hope this thread inspires other faiths to start threads, I think that'd be really cool.

2. I've been really frustrated with "church" for a while (or what America calls "church"). For the past two years I was a youth pastor, and I recently went on sabbatical (and I don't think I'm coming back). It bugs me a lot that we've (I'm speaking about the church I belong to but I believe a lot in my generation of twenty year olds probably feel the same way) limited the idea of faith to just continuing to go to church on Sundays.

Church for me isn't Sunday morning. It always has been the people in my life that have taught and shown me Christ's love when I didn't deserve it. The spiritual mentors that showed kindness and patience when I was a sarcastic, punk kid. The close knit group of brothers that know me inside out and accept me for what I am. That's church.

3. Today I'm going to be teaching at our youth service for the first time in a while. Would appreciate prayers that I can deliver the Word in a discernible yet interesting way.

Yes, faith shouldn't just be about going to church on Sundays. God has given us different strengths and gifts and we have responsibility to spread The Gospel and reach needs of community best way we can. Get in where we can fit in. It's not about sitting in a large building Sunday morning...its about loving others, reaching out to others.

Let's ask us God to give us the discernment to know how we can contribute to His Kingdom. We do all things through prayer of supplication.


Yes, it can be challenging at times to deliver the Word to younger generation, especially in this current cultural generation. All we can do is send the word best way we can...God will do the rest. God does the saving.

Thank you...and you will be in our prayers today, ImWithTeamConan!

Philippians
Chapter 4

1. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

[SentinelMind]

Testimony from one saved life of despair, hopelessness, drug addiction

[YT]?v=uxmJv9wL2lA[/YT]

It's common...when Christ is not in your heart...something else fills the vacuum..material substance addiction or lifestyle that will only corrode your life. Jesus can take that misery out of your life.

Matthew 6:33
King James Version (KJV)
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

[kaypain]

I'm a Christian but recently my faith has be shaken and challenged to the point I don't care anymore. There's just so many things and question I have that I know won't get answered. Things that contradict itself and create nothing but confusion. I call a lot of these things "chains", I been going through chains of depression, chains of fear, chains of addiction, etc...

I'm at a state of mind where I'm afraid to die and afraid to live at the same time, every day I come home from work I sit and just think what's the purpose of all this? Am I'm just born onto this Earth to fear death, and is that sole basis around my faith. I believe in God and Jesus because I fear death, and what happens when I die. To me that makes life a big entrapment. Like if I knew I would be born into a world full of sin, would I even want to be born? We don't get to have that choice, to be challenged in a conformed world which ye must be transformed by the renewing of their mind to prove what is that good, acceptable, perfect will of God. Romans 12:2, a scripture I based my life on. But this task is extremely difficult, which put that question in your mind. If I had choice, would I want to be born? If I'm born a sinner why be born in a first place, and it's these questions that confuse me. Maybe I'm putting too much thought in it, but forgive me for my human mind can't help but succumb to these thoughts. Right now I'm struggling with finding a purpose in my life, I'm engaged and I have a 5 month old son. Tho some may my purpose is now to raise my son, sometimes I can't help but think did I entrap my so as well?

I also base my faith on Romans 10:9

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

It sounds easy but it's not, to truly believe in this takes true genuine faith, and once you get that, you will be saved, no ifs ands or buts. Your name will forever be written in the book of life and nothing can erase it.

 

[SentinelMind]

I'm a Christian but recently my faith has be shaken and challenged to the point I don't care anymore. There's just so many things and question I have that I know won't get answered. Things that contradict itself and create nothing but confusion. I call a lot of these things "chains", I been going through chains of depression, chains of fear, chains of addiction, etc...

I'm at a state of mind where I'm afraid to die and afraid to live at the same time, every day I come home from work I sit and just think what's the purpose of all this? Am I'm just born onto this Earth to fear death, and is that sole basis around my faith. I believe in God and Jesus because I fear death, and what happens when I die. To me that makes life a big entrapment. Like if I knew I would be born into a world full of sin, would I even want to be born? We don't get to have that choice, to be challenged in a conformed world which ye must be transformed by the renewing of their mind to prove what is that good, acceptable, perfect will of God. Romans 12:2, a scripture I based my life on. But this task is extremely difficult, which put that question in your mind. If I had choice, would I want to be born? If I'm born a sinner why be born in a first place, and it's these questions that confuse me. Maybe I'm putting too much thought in it, but forgive me for my human mind can't help but succumb to these thoughts. Right now I'm struggling with finding a purpose in my life, I'm engaged and I have a 5 month old son. Tho some may my purpose is now to raise my son, sometimes I can't help but think did I entrap my so as well?

I also base my faith on Romans 10:9

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

It sounds easy but it's not, to truly believe in this takes true genuine faith, and once you get that, you will be saved, no ifs ands or buts. Your name will forever be written in the book of life and nothing can erase it.

Thank you, kaypain. I'm praying for you are your son and congratulation on your engagement!

When I think of question meaning of life, we have to first ask...who created life...and what would be meaning and purpose?

God created all creation....trees, sky, mountains...animals, people...the entire universe. The magnificence of universe is to bring glory and honor to our Creator.

The God created us and has intricate desire to have an ongoing relationship with us...He loves us....even more than we love ourselves. There have been times I almost didn't care what road my life was headed or where I would be if I were ever to die...simply nonchalant. God picked me, showed me I can make a difference, I can have an impact, and can surround me with love and comfort and peace...even though I dont' deserve it.

God loves us.....and blesses us....even though we don't deserve it. We're miserable sinners and we break covenants with God all the time...

Yet He still blesses us.

We live in a rough, cruel world...it seems hard we can endure what comes our way: bills, hurricanes, employment, food, sickness, backstabbing from friends...

We all have a rough life...I don't know what you're going through and you don't know my struggles.

But God knows all our struggles. God will create a pathway for each of us to persevere over obstacles if we put our trust in him. That's the purpose. He wants to have that TRUST-BUILDING relationship. Seeing God carry you above entrapments of this life...seeing his power...and you showing appreciation...God LOVES THAT. God cherishes that. The arm of protection God has around you despite what your eyes see, your ears hear....that brings peace, love, admiration. Knowing you'll get through when others try to break you and others can't see why you always get through...that's what brings happiness and peace in our lives. Continual relationship with Him.

You don't know who to trust when the going gets tough, right? Had friends party with you when things were good....then backstab you when things got rough? Left you? They weren't your friends.

Who was your ultimate friend.

JESUS!


God doesn't want you trusting in what you think is going to happen because we are limited, corrupted beings who can't make our way out of paper bag sometimes. He wants us to trust in HIM.

2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight

Think of the three Hebrew boys who were thrown into the furnace. They endured much more persecution and suffering because they wouldn't serve idols.


Daniel 3
12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

 

[SentinelMind]

[YT]?v=D6OmmK7YPyI[/YT]

 

[Super Kal]

Great post man. I just dont agree with the once saved always saved thing. I dont think that i can just get saved once and then sin and do whatever i want and still be in right standing with God. I think that the only way i can be removed from the hand of God is if i personally remove myself, you see what I'm saying?

exactly, Quasi... in fact, the Bible never teaches OSAS. it teaches the exact opposite, actually.

Hebrews 6:4-8
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,
6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.
8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

Romans 11:22
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Hebrews 10:26-27
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

2 Peter 2:20-22
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

this teaches directly against what SentinelMind says about sin... Peter tells us that these people are even worse off than those who have never come to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ

"No future sin can take you away from God's salvation"? that's an outright lie straight from the Devil!
sin is what separates us from the Father, and if we continue in sin after we become saved, we can and do separate ourselves from the Father:

Isiah 59:2
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

do you remember not what the serpent said to eve when he tempted her to sin in the Garden of Eden?

Genesis 3:4
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

have you not read the warning Yahweh gave through the prophet Ezekiel about the righteous falling back into unrighteousness?

Ezekiel 18:24
24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

That's the awesome thing about all of this. It's not complicated at all.

on the contrary, it makes it contradictory to the character and morals of God. SentinelMind says that once someone is saved, they can go back to the exact same lifestlyle they were living in before they were saved, with sin, wickedness, unrighteousness, and ungodliness, and somehow it wont matter...

Jesus, His apostles, and the earliest church taught differently:

John 8:11 (said to a prostitute)
go, and sin no more.

John 5:14 (said to a man who couldnt walk next to the Bethesda gate)
Do not sin again or something worse might happen to you

1 Corinthians 15:34 {Paul to the church in Corinth)
Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning

1 John 2:! (the Apostle John)
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin

Take heed now to yourselves, and not to be like some, adding largely to your sins, and saying, "The covenant is both theirs and ours." But they thus finally lost it, after Moses had already received it.
Barnabas (A.D. 70-130) ch.4

Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time.
Didache (A.D. 80-140) ch. 16

Look you, brethren, lest His benefits, which are many, turn unto judgment to all of us, if we walk not worthily of Him, and do those things which are good and well-pleasing in His sight with concord. … It is right therefore that we should not be deserters from His will.
Clement of Rome (A.D. 96) ch.21

And we ought not rather to fear men but God. For this cause, if you do these things, the Lord said, Though you be gathered together with Me in My bosom, and do not My commandments, I will cast you away and will say unto you, Depart from Me, I know you not whence you are, you workers of iniquity.
Second Clement (A.D. 100) ch.4

OSAS comes from Calvinism, a heresy that didn't begin with John Calvin, but began with Augustine, when he mixed Manichaeanism and Gnosticism with Christianity in the 6th century.

my faith, and the faith of Christ, should not be taken at only one verse... the Gospel is simply not just one verse, it is many:

Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

John 14:15
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

1 Peter 1:15-16
15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

John 15:1-6
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

1 John 5:12
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Philetus, Hymenaeus, Alexander, King Saul, and Demas all fell into apostasy either from false doctrine or sin... dont let the ear-tickling words from modern day preachers tell you that it's okay to sin in your life. God finds it detestable and wicked and tells you to repent and stop sinning.

 

[SentinelMind]

Super Kal, see the video I added above...and see some other links I responded to Quasi.

I appreciate effort you've written...I will respond...but think about what you're saying.

Those who don't follow Once Saved Always Saved.....essentially believe...they can escape the Holy Spirit that has entered in their heart.

Do you really think you are strong enough...to reject...the Holy Spirit that convicted your heart and guided your heart? Why would someone choose to do this..and what makes one think you have power above God to destine your own fate? You are essentially arguing that faith is not what gets you in heaven......but that your works. But what did Paul say?

Faith....not works...Faith alone!

http://carm.org/are-we-saved-faith-alone-or-do-we-need-works-too

Rom. 3:28-30, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. 29Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one."

Rom. 4:5, "But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,"

Rom. 5:1, "therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"

Rom. 9:30, "What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith."

Rom. 10:4, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

Rom. 11:6, "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace."

Gal. 2:16, "nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified."

Gal. 2:21, I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.

Gal. 3:5-6, "Does He then, who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 6Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness."

Gal. 3:24, "Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith."

Eph. 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. 9Not by works, lest any man should boast."

Phil. 3:9, "and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith."