Once saved always saved?

I often struggle with this question. I find it hard to understand how self professing Christians act, and do the same things that non-Christians do. I feel I am being judgemental, and I guess I am but......my heart is burdened for them. If one truly believes that what the bible says is true we should want to make sure others KNOW the truth.

I think for the most part, people as a whole, want to believe in God and that Jesus died on the cross to save the world from sin. BUT, the following verse shows that following Jesus is not easy. Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." It's just human nature to go the easy route, but that leads to destruction.

I listened to a sermon last week by David Platt that I found very interesting. It really got me thinking about the above question. I think many are being deceived that all you have to do is say a prayer, ask for forgiveness, and walk down the aisle and that's it, you're done. That is just the beginning. You are born again at the point and the holy spirit dwells in you. Your eyes are opened. I will list some of the notes from the sermon. We can profess publicly what we do not possess personally. Is is possible that one could walk down the aisle and say the right things without REALLY having it? Walking down the aisle itself will not save you.

The way of Christ is always fruitful. James 2:26 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." I firmly believe that others should see that you are different from "the world" you shouldn't have to tell them you are different, it should show.

The way of Christ is always faithful. Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven." Being obedient to God is key.

We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. One must repent. I looked up the definition and this is what it said: Repentance is not merely a change of mind but a radical change in one's life as a whole that especially involves forsaking sin and turning or returning to God. Make a RADICAL change.....we don't keep on doing the same thing. Luke 13:5 "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." That is pretty powerful once you come to a clear understanding of what repentance means.

I really feel like the gospel has been watered down as to not offend anyone. We can't twist and turn God's word to make it say what we want it to say. Sometimes the truth hurts. Once we realize that we have to give up the ways of the world in order to keep what we can't afford to lose (eternal life) it is all worth it.

God is just awesome!

Let me start by saying God is just awesome!!

Poor Denson has to have another back surgery. He will be having 2 fusions on November 2nd. He desperatly needs some relief and although the recovery time will be tough it will be worth it in the long run.

I know you are thinking "God is awesome....back surgery........ummm, I don't get it." So, that brings me to this..... As Denson was leaving the hospital after meeting with his doctor about the surgery, there was a little old lady with a walker that had parked her car pretty much on the ramp of the parking deck. At first Denson just kept on going and was on the phone with his Mom. He told her about the lady and she told him he needed to help her. So, Denson asks the lady if he could help park her car. She said yes of course but there weren't any parking spaces close by. She proceeds to tell him to pull his truck out of his space and then park her car there. The problem with that is a line had began to form and someone was bound to get that spot. Well, the little ond lady with her walker stood in the parking spot, shooing people away until Denson could back her car down the parking deck into his spot. She was very grateful and told him he would be a blessed man for helping her. She asked if there was anything she could pray for. He told her that he just learned that he would be having another back surgery and if she could pray for that he would appreciate it. She said he would be prayed for that night when she said her prayers.

The awesome thing is..... Denson was nervous about the surgery and rightfully so. But, God knew that and through this sweet little old lady gave him what he needed. He said he feels at peace about the surgery now. I just love it when things like that happen and there is no mistaking it was God.

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Lastly, I am just so heartbroken for a friend of mine. She has learned that she has breast cancer for the 2nd time. She beat it once and many prayers are going up for her to be healed again. After beating cancer the 1st time, she suffered the loss of her youngest son AND her Mom within the same week. She is just the sweetest person you can meet and it breaks my heart thinking of what she has had to endure. Please say a prayer for her, her name is Liz.

I know that prayer is very powerful because our prayers are heard by the maker of the universe. That is so hard to fathom sometimes......THE maker of the universe!

In the next few days I'll be posting the latest antics of none other than Reese. One story involves a pop tart and a potato peeler:) That boy has got to be the most creative (and destructive) 2 yr old I know!!

Hope everyone is having a good week!!