Burning Questions: What do you mean you don’t believe “once-saved-always-saved”?
Burning Questions part 3: What do you mean you don’t believe once-saved-always-saved?

Burning Questions:
“What do you mean you don’t believe in once-saved-always-saved?

So, what’s with this question? What’s it about or what’s behind it?
a.This question is about a doctrine commonly held within the Reformed or Calvinist tradition, for example think Baptists, Presbyterians or United Church of Christ.
b.This doctrine or belief states that once you have been saved, you can never lose your salvation.
c.The belief is that God’s grace will always keep you, and that no matter what you do, you will be finally saved and spend eternity with Christ

Salvation becomes like that sign you see at the store “All sales are final, absolutely no returns.”

Scriptures that seem to uphold this view:
John 10:28-29
1 Peter 1:5
Philippians 1:6

So, Whats the Big deal? I think we can encounter a two-fold problem.

First, if we are leaning heavy into the idea that once we are saved, we are automatically saved forever, our corrupt sinful nature will cause us to put too much emphasis on what we did in the past, rather than how we live currently.

Secondly, to lean heavily on the idea that we are once saved and always saved is to minimize or ignore the many, many scriptures that point to the necessity of believers growth, persistence, and continued response to the call of Christ.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-14‬‬
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3:12-14‬‬
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

Jesus argued against once saved always saved, giving us a very clear warning about falling away and the urgency of persistence in our faith.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:12-13‬‬
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

So, do you believe in once-saved-always-saved?

We believe that those in Christ can rest assured that they are saved, that those who love Him and desire to surrender to Him don’t have to worry that God will abandon them. We believe that a person’s relationship with God is just that – a relationship. And that a person can, sadly, choose to abandon that relationship.

As with many of our questions throughout this series, we are challenged to evaluate our own hearts, our own “position” if you will on the matter.

How is your relationship with Jesus? Right now?
How is your race of Faith going today? are you still in it?
Has the cooling wind of lawlessness cooled your once white-hot devotion to God?

The beauty of all of this is that you can decide right now to love Jesus actively. Your love doesn’t have to grow or remain cold.

http://bible.com/events/48743010

Redeemed and Restored

Pastor Kerry Willis brings the word from Mark 2:1-12

[1] Several days later Jesus returned to Capernaum and the news of His arrival spread quickly through the town. [2] Soon the house where He was staying was so packed with visitors that there wasn’t room for one more person, not even outside the door. [3] Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. [4] They couldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above His head. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. [5] Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.“ [6] But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there said to themselves, [7] “What? This is blasphemy! Who but God can forgive sins!” [8] Jesus knew what they were discussing among themselves, so He said to them, “Why do you think this is blasphemy? [9] Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? [10] I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, [11] “Stand up, take your mat, and go on home because you are healed!” [12] The man jumped up, took the mat, and pushed his way through the stunned onlookers. Then they all praised God. “We’ve never seen anything like this before!“ they exclaimed.

Capernaum was the town where Jesus set up His Galilee ministry. It was His new “hometown.” 

The faith of the 4 friends pleased God the Son. (Note Hebrews 11:6 — “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”)

The doctrine of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is recorded in Mark 10:45, Jesus speaking: “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served, but to serve others and to give my life as a ransom for many.”

Will we be friends, even in these days, with a fervent faith that will focus on bringing our lost and “paralyzed friends” to encounter the Savior and Healer, Jesus Christ? 

Do we have faith to begin bringing our friends back to church — to our Jesus gatherings?

http://bible.com/events/48740911

Sorry I didn’t send these along earlier in the week. See you in the morning! 

Burning Questions: I’m a Christian but I still sin…what’s wrong with me?

When Jesus sees your sin, He doesn’t condemn you; He says, “I can help with that.”

Week 1:Would a loving God really send someone to Hell?

Week 2:Do you actually believe the Bible is true?

Today’s question: I’m a Christian but I still sin…what’s wrong with me?

Why this question?-We are ALL sinners. We talked about that in the first week of the series, and it’s true. The Bible says, each and every one of us sins.-The good news is, through Jesus, we can be forgiven. But even after we are forgiven, struggling with sin makes many believers doubt…doubt themselves or even doubt God.-Some question whether they are really a Christian, others may feel constant guilt and shame that God is disappointed, even angry with them.-We must understand clearly what the Bible says about this question so we can experience victory and joy in our lives.

So what do we do when we sin? How do you face your own sin?

That’s really the important question we must answer.

1 John 1:8-9NIV

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Here we see an incredible promise with a condition.-What is our part? “If we confess our sins” (verse 9)-What is the promise? He forgives!-There is one more part to the promise: he longs to purify us from all unrighteousness.

“I’m a Christian but I still sin…what’s wrong with me?”-The answer is “NOTHING.” There’s nothing wrong with you.-Here’s what WOULD be wrong: to entertain sin, to dabble in it, to accept it as “normal” or to believe that God winks at it. Living this way would be to make grace cheap.

Bottom Line:When Jesus sees your sin, He doesn’t condemn you;He says, “I can help with that.”

As believers in Christ, we desire to expose the sin in our lives. We do not desire to hide it or explain it away.We desire to be brave enough to share our struggles with someone else.And most importantly, bringing it to the Lord.

Romans 2:4NIV

4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Romans 8:1NIV

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Burning Questions:

I am a Christian but i still sin…what’s wrong with me?

Words matter, we all know that. But we also recognize words can mean slightly different things to each one of us.
To un-pack our question today we will look at what we mean when we say “Christian” and “sin”.

To begin, what do we mean when we say “I am a Christian”?
What do you think you know about someone that tells you they are a Christian?
How would you define what it means to be a Christian?

For our understanding today, we need to see being a Christian, as being in a personal, intimate, genuine relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.

This relationship changes everything!

Being a Christian means…
We live Transformed lives 
“Whoever claims to live in Him must life as Jesus did”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:3-6‬‬
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Being a Christian means…
Transformed relationships with others

‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:9-10‬‬
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.

Being a Christian means…
A renewed outlook on the world.

‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15-17‬‬
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

What do we mean by “sin”?

Greek- Hamartia- To fall short, to miss the mark.

“Sin is not only wrong doing, it is wrong being” N. T. Wright

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:8‬‬
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

“The great swindle of shame is what keeps us away from what we so desperately need, what we long for in our heart of hearts. Forgiveness and reconciliation with Christ”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:4-6‬‬
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

We cannot with sincerity say that we are serious about our relationship with Christ, while freely choosing to sin.

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:9‬‬
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Not only does God forgive us, but scripture also says he desires to purify, to cleanse our hearts from that sinful nature that causes us to betray him.

So, I am a christian and i still sin…Whats wrong with me?
– There is nothing wrong with you, that is not wrong in every single person. A sinful nature.
– By Grace through Faith in Christ, He longs to forgive you and to cleanse your heart from the nature of sin.

https://www.bible.com/events/48737246

Burning Questions: Do You Actually Believe The Bible is True (The Word of God)?“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” -Charles SpurgeonL

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Week 1:Would a loving God really send someone to Hell?

Today we are addressing the question: Do you actually believe the Bible is true (the Word of God)?

The Bible – also known as the Holy Bible, God’s Word, the Scriptures is:-a collection of 66 books39 books of Hebrew Scripture known as the Old Testament27 books we call the New Testament-written by 40 authors-over a period of 1,500 years-on 3 continents.

Two answers we may give, that are not well grounded, when ask “Why do you believe the Bible is true?”1. Because that’s the way I was raised2. I tried it and it changed my life

“I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable source of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.” – Voddie Bachaum

2 Peter 1:16-21 NIV

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Peter’s preaching is not based on something he made up, but on both his firsthand experience of Jesus and the truth of Scripture (fulfilled prophecy).

RELIABLE SOURCE OF HISTORICAL DOCUMENTSAfter applying the same criteria to the Bible as other ancient documents it is clear that the Bible is the most accurately preserved and verified document of the ancient world.

WRITTEN BY EYEWITNESSES DURING THE LIFETIME OF OTHER EYEWITNESSES– 2 Peter 1:16-18- Luke 1:1-4-1 Corinthians 15:5-8-1 John 1:1-3

REPORT SUPERNATURAL EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN FULFILLMENT OF SPECIFIC PROPHECIES– 2 Peter 1:19Scripture—particularly the words of the prophets—and Peter’s own experience confirm the truth of his teachings

CLAIM THEIR WRITINGS ARE DIVINE RATHER THAN HUMAN IN ORIGIN– 2 Peter 1:20-21

2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Being that the writings are divine rather than human in origin it answers our deepest longings and questions. What is truth? Does life have purpose? Is there a God? Can I know Him? Is there anything beyond this life?

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges for the Western Christian today is the temptation to take the Bible for granted.

Matthew 7:21 NIV

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

There is a difference between believing the Bible is true and living like the Bible is true

4 practices to understanding and living God’s Holy & inspired words found in the Bible:1. Begin with PRAYER2. Read it in COMMUNITY3. Read it DAILY4. S.O.A.P.-Scripture-Observation-Application-Prayer