“For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]”. (Amplified Version) Ephesians 2:8-10
“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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (NIV) Romans 10:9-10
Do you realize how many people attend church and aren’t saved? They claim to know God but they don’t walk the walk! Their lives don’t fully represent Him; but their at church every Sunday!!
Do you know that your walk should match your words and your actions? You can’t say you know God, accept Him in your life but don’t give Him access to change YOUR LIFE!!
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (NIV)
You have to change! You have to be renewed! You can’t be who you’ve always been! You can’t do what you’ve always done!!
Many people attend church out of tradition; their grandmama went to church and their mama; so they Have to go! This doesn’t mean you’re a Christian!! You have to get to know God for yourself!! Get baptized for your self!! Get rid of the old you!!
Just because your family member attended church and was saved; that doesn’t transfer over to you!! You have your own journey to seek; and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior!! You have your own cross to pick up and carry!!
Another reason people attend church: that’s where you can find a good woman or man; so they are there trying to find love or a warm body! Everyone isn’t attending Church for the right reasons!! They are showing up in the house of God preying on innocent and unsuspecting individuals; men and women!! They aren’t there to serve God; get to know His word; or change their lives! They are their to feed and fuel their own needs and desires!
And this is another reason! I know many can relate: they go because their family member is the Pastor, Minister, Deacon or what have you! Again this doesn’t automatically give you the title of a Christian!! Being a Christian is about relationship!! With God the Father; Jesus (His Son; Our Lord & Savior) and the Holy Spirit (Our Guide). You have to have relationship! It’s not transferred or inherited!!
Now that I’ve shared these scenarios; how many are actually there for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
Are you included in the number?
So, my question again is; are you SAVED?
Do you have a personal relationship with your Creator, Heavenly Father; your Lord and Savior? The Holy Spirit? Do you know Him? Do you accept Him? Do you have a personal relationship; with Him?
Do you follow his commandments as best you can; because none of us are perfect! We all will stumble; but will you get back up? Will you get back up and grab others by the hand and run towards Jesus and not away to hide out with the enemy?
Will you offer encouragement to another fallen sheep to get them back on their journey? Will you offer inspiration on how God did it for you and He can most certainly do it for them? Will you be a witness? A willing vessel for the Army of the Lord?
If you aren’t sure if you’re saved and are ready to make the transition; you can read this scripture and/or pray these prayers.
“Be gracious to me, God,
according to your faithful love;
according to your abundant compassion,
blot out my rebellion.
Completely wash away my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I am conscious of my rebellion,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you—you alone—I have sinned
and done this evil in your sight.
So you are right when you pass sentence;
you are blameless when you judge.
Indeed, I was guilty when I was born;
I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Surely you desire integrity in the inner self,
and you teach me wisdom deep within.
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Turn your face away from my sins
and blot out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart for me
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach the rebellious your ways,
and sinners will return to you. Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God—
God of my salvation—
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it;
you are not pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit.
You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.” Psalm 51: 1-17 (CSB)
The Sinner’s Prayer (by Dr. Ray Pritchard)
Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.
The Sinners Prayer (by John Barnett)
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do to save myself. I confess my complete helplessness to forgive my own sin or to work my way to heaven. At this moment I trust Christ alone as the One who bore my sin when He died on the cross. I believe that He did all that will ever be necessary for me to stand in your holy presence. I thank you that Christ was raised from the dead as a guarantee of my own resurrection. As best as I can, I now transfer my trust to Him. I am grateful that He has promised to receive me despite my many sins and failures. Father, I take you at your word. I thank you that I can face death now that you are my Savior. Thank you for the assurance that you will walk with me through the deep valley. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
These prayers can also be located here: https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/the-sinners-prayer-4-examples.html?amp=1
We have to have our own personal relationship and journey with God! I pray for your strength and obedience and that your faith will not waver!! Be blessed.
Pastor Tamara
Written and published by Pastor Tamara McCarthy
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