I've Tried To Be Good

 

It's a question I remain hesitant to ask: "Are you saved?" I know people who don't mind asking at all. One lady at our church told of waiting quite a while before asking her own grandmother, and was pleasantly surprised that the answer not only was "Yes, I am," but started a conversation which gave depth to that answer and solace to her granddaughter.

Often the answer is "I've tried to live a good life," which doesn't address the question. There are millions of people who work at living a "good" life as opposed to a "bad" life, but the real question comes down to a question of salvation. I've focused on what the Bible says in previous blogs, but there are many different churches that have added specific actions that are required for salvation that are not biblically factual.

The first one that comes to my mind is baptism. 

Our church does require baptism for membership, but does not include it as part of salvation requirements. For us, it shows the commitment on the part of the person asking for membership. They are willing to follow Jesus example. Before beginning His ministry, He was baptized by John the Baptist. The importance of that action shows in the fact it is contained in all four gospels: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:32-34.

Not every incident is in all four gospels. Often something is is two, perhaps three, but I would suggest that very important information is carried in all four gospels. Do not infer that a singlet is unimportant - the fact it is in the Bible at all carries meaning that it was intended to be there. One reason for reading a variety of translations is to see what was omitted - or added. Since few readers of Old Testament Hebrew or New Testament Greek are around to check what we know to be facts, we must depend on translation. When the job is well done - such as the centuries of hand copying of Isaiah down to the Dead Sea Scrolls, we can be certain that we do have the most accurate accounting of scripture today.

So, since baptism is important as an example of following Jesus' example, it is expected as the first step of joining a number of different denominations. That does not mean it is a part of salvation, but our church has made it a requirement for membership. Why? Because it shows the new member believes, as we do, that baptism is an important step. Plus, that same new member shows understanding that it is not essential to salvation. If they believe it is, they really should find a church that accepts that belief.

Membership listing in our church rolls does not mean salvation, and we believe that holds true for any church roll. It is not necessary to be a member of a church to be saved. However, once accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, a new Christian should find a congregation where members actively respond to Jesus' teachings and are eager to help a new believer learn more - about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and how to keep the important commandments of Matthew 22:35-40. Before consideration of any other part of learning, these verses contain the importance of all the Jewish Law and the prophets.

How can we know if we are good enough to be saved? We aren't. We are saved because we aren't good enough to match what God requires. If we were, Jesus did not have to die on the cross. But that was decided, by God before creation:

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:17-23)

I could have just used the bolded part - but the context tells us that we can never be "good enough" on our own to pass through God's righteous judgment. He knew that and set a plan in motion that includes eternity past, our present, and eternal future.  John 3:16-18 is the most complete telling of what it takes - although the first part of John 3 and multiple other verses confirm (and none deny) what it takes to know ourselves that we are saved from eternal separation from God:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

John wrote five of the books in the New Testament. He never changed his concept:

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:10-13)

Don 't "try to be good" enough to pass through this world without knowing Jesus Christ and His Father. Once you've heard the stories, talked with people who have made the commitment, read what His followers left for us to know - rejection is just as plainly described as salvation. It is a choice. We all make it one way or another. I'm hoping to spend eternity speaking with people I know now. Some have not chosen wisely.

Oh, yes - we believe when you do trust Jesus, that's salvation. Then you depend on Him to walk with you through the coming trials and tribulation that naturally come to life. He will do that for people who believe He is able to keep us:

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

If you don't, be cautious about saying you do. You may need more information to grow your faith:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We aren't perfect. We goof up, we sin. That does not remove our salvation provided by God. We repent, we apologize, we ask forgiveness - of those we've injured, and from the Savior who never leaves us alone.

"Just Show Up"

 

Jesus Knocking at the Door - Stjohn-stroudsburg

Every once in a while I run across someone who had a message that resonates with me. It's like getting a phone call or a doorbell rings and I not only pay attention, but find there's a reason I need to know this exists. One such phrase was "Just Show Up.' Then, when reading "Read a free chapter of my latest book "Just Show Up."👇on his X page, I found:

One is that we’re not called to change the world. God doesn’t require us to do something big and dramatic to fulfill His call on our lives. My younger self would be disappointed to hear that. But now it’s a relief. Saving the world sounds exhausting and I just don’t have the energy these days. Instead, God calls us to small acts of ordinary faithfulness. This kind of success doesn’t come in spite of life’s responsibilities and challenges, but in the midst of them. Even because of them. It might not change the world, but it does change us and the people around us.

May we take a few moments to give careful consideration as to what happened at Jesus birth, the thirty plus years He spent on earth, His death, burial and His never-before resurrection? Then consider what is said about His second coming. There may be a good message in here for all of us.

First of all, His birth. Shepherds watching their fields by night were the only ones mentioned in scripture to have heard the angels declaration:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

A few rather unimportant individuals were treated to heavenly voices that we would prostrate ourselves before God to have seen - and not one bit of news was carried around the countryside about this in any records found to date.

The parents, as Mosaic Law required, presented their child at the temple with the prerequisite offering - and discovered a couple of people already had the good news!

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:26-32)

One man understood - and so did one woman. Two people in the temple, which was never lacking for attendees to be there, but no one else wrote of this. The memories of a mother written by a man after the death of her Son is all we have - and I do not doubt one word of these testimonies to our Lord's holiness.

Yes - Magi from the east were aware of the occurrence and traveled to Jerusalem to greet the new, but promised before, King of the Jews. They knew where to find Him - they thought. But they were wrong and needed a bit of redirection to where a young woman had given birth to her first child.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. (Matthew 2:3-8)

We have more detail here, the story is longer and a bit more specific - but only Matthew writes about this part. As part of the taxation portion of government, it is reasonable that he could have heard the story - but it is just as obvious that another large segment of the royal court had information. Add the death dealing by the soldiers, and the lack of historical references, this stands by the unbelieving as almost unbelievable. Oh, but it is believable. 

Now - why did one man's article on "Just Show Up" start me down this off-track writing? Because each one of these non-important people showed up in our Savior's birth story. Herod is the only King, the only "important" person (besides Mary and Joseph, of course) who believed that something extremely important happened. Their memories became part of Jesus' story before He even opened His mouth to share God's word.

Each person in these separate birth stories of Christ simply showed up, then shared what they had learned. Basically, His entire life is based on showing up, and sharing what is learned. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James, Jude - they all showed up and wrote down what I've been asking you to read. 

Actually, that's all Jesus asks us to do, isn't it? He had the power to change the entire world with one word - but He met people and spoke to them, one at a time more often than not. Why would we not consider that as following the command He gave:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Sometimes the go means only as far as a keyboard, or even a telephone. Because there will come a day when every knee will bow to Him, and everyone will see:

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16)

Jeremiah, Micah, and Hezekiah

Imprint of the seal (bulla) of Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, king of Judah. 
On display in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

(For those who came back - thanks! Finally got back on the internet and was able to complete this entry)

King Hezekiah has been a favorite of mine for

Mm ages, since I discovered God personally answered his prayer for a few more years to be added to his life. That type of healing still happens, but just about as few and far between as in biblical times. In "Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture" by William Stiebing he was described as "the best-attested figure in biblical history," due to the extensive documentation of his reign in biblical texts (both Kings and Chronicles, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah) and external sources (notably Assyrian inscriptions). I mention a good deal of this in Hezekiah and Dysfunctional Families 

Most people skip over 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The huge focus on David and Solomon is over and it appears that the people completely forget why they are where they are. It's hard to just function in society much less consider you were placed there for a specific reason. According to Got Questions, Hezekiah seems constantly aware of God's acts in the past and His involvement in the events surrounding Hezekiah. According to the Chronicles of the Kings:

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. (2 Chronicles 31:20)

As we know, a great number of kings did not. Hezekiah's problem seem to stem from the people of Judah, where he reigned. We pick up a lot of information along the way in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, but much more in the prophets. King Hezekiah was the son of King Ahaz, who did not do that which was good and right. When Hezekiah became king, he had a lot of destruction ahead of him. Not only getting read of pagan altars, idols, and temples, but the bronze serpent that Moses had made in the desert [Numbers 21:9] had to be destroyed because the people had raised it to idol status. Hezekiah had to force open the Temple doors his father had nailed shut, and the priests had to be returned, Passover reinstated, so not only reforms but actual religious revival came to the throne with him. 2 Kings 18:6-7 includes: "... held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him." 

However, in 701 BC, there was a crisis with the Assyrians, who pretty much dominated the world - and the northern kingdom of Israel. Now they wanted Jerusalem. Isaiah told Hezekiah that the Assyrians would not enter Jerusalem. The true worth of a prophet is truth. We tend to forget that and believe right off the bat today whatever is given to us in social or news media. Prophets were held to a higher standard, but it often took some time to confirm what they said. This particular instance, it was literally overnight. The Assyrian army of one hundred eighty five thousand died over night. Doubt that? Check archeological records that show Assyria did not take Jerusalem.

The story that stuck in my mind more than any other was Hezekiah's prayer. Isaiah told him to get his house in order, that he would die. Remember, Isaiah had been correct about the Assyrian army. Hezekiah believed this prophecy, too. He prayed:

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. (2 Kings 20:1-3)

Did you notice Hezekiah turned away from Isaiah. He did not need a priest nor a prophet to intercede between him and God. Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord - not to a "saint," not to a "priest," not repeated a series of specified prayers, but directly to God. God answered, through Isaiah:

And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. (2 Kings 20:4-6)

There is much more about Hezekiah, and a problem he created for his son. But the fact he was a good King who obeyed God's commands, prayed for his own life, and received God's blessing of longer life, that is a good story to remember. However, the people he tried so hard to lead a Godly life failed him, as did his son Manasseh. Got Questions says: "... who would turn out to be the evilest king ever to reign in Judah (2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32; Isaiah 36-39)"

King David, a man after God's own heart, is the only other Israeli King that has more written about him in the Bible. In fact, "Historiographically, his reign is noteworthy for the convergence of a variety of biblical sources and diverse extrabiblical evidence often bearing on the same events. Significant data concerning Hezekiah appear in the Deuteronomistic History, the Chronicler, Isaiah, Assyrian annals and reliefs, Israelite epigraphy, and, increasingly, stratigraphy." ["Hezekiah". The Anchor Bible Dictionary. 1992.]

 

That's a lot of sources that have verified times, places, people that all work together to show what was written in Kings, Chronicles, Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah as well as Assyrian history and Israelite epigraphy match. Not necessarily with the same explanatory phrases, exact words - but sufficient to show that the people listed show in documentation from that specific period to have held the offices they said they did, and actions the Bible detailed.

Time and time again this has proven to be true - and no specific archaeological discoveries have proven one fact written down in what we consider God's word to have been a lie. Frankly, I do not find anything that convinces me that God does not exist, that God does not relate to mankind, nor have I any reason to ignore Him or what is written that He said.

If you have - please share. If you haven't - please share your witness to God's saving grace.

If You've Been Reading . . .

 

I've you've been reading the last few days, you have to know the question. Still, a good number of people will be saying: I simply cannot believe what the Bible says. God cannot exist.

That is an option open to everyone. I know a number of people who have made that choice and are living with it, and keep their mind focused on their answer. Many are tired of being asked, do not wish to discuss it, and would be grateful if their family wouldn't bring it up again. They do not believe the Bible contains enough information to even determine there is a god, much less that it was inspired by the one God.

I understand. I cannot possibly agree. I am so firm in my believe that I care about people I dislike immensely (I would be happy to explain why!) but they are on my prayer list under Salvation List. One specifically would be termed a "ship wrecked reprobate" based on a couple of verses:

Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:19-20)

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16)

Those are people who claim they know about God, may have even had a church membership, one or two may have been in a leadership position - but even the most minor of fruit inspections put them in one or the other of the verses above. 

The reason I pray for those who deny God's existence, which includes denying Jesus as His plan of salvation, is that I know where I will be eternally. That is a comfort for me. I also know where the Bible says non-believers will be. That saddens me.

Not because hell exists. Not because there is an uncrossable gulf between heaven and hell. Because right now I know I would miss their presence. That missing them will cease to exist in heaven, however. Once the hope ends, I expect the memories to end. Heaven will not be a place to remember what we have lost, but a place to enjoy what we have been given. I do expect to see a number of loved ones there. Those who chose not to be with us - I expect to forget.

Right now is the only time I have to get across the idea of making certain people who read this understand how important this question is. You may change your mind at any time, but it is necessary to decide: Do you believe there is a supreme deity? Upon what do you based this decision? How do you expect it to affect your life from now on?

Each answer determines the following question. I believe there is a supreme deity, and it is the Lord God of the Bible. I based miy decision on the Bible, other people's experiences, and my own. From my own profession of faith, I expected that decision to affect every day of my life - plus, I expect to spend eternity with Jesus in a prepared place.

God is not a puppeteer making people respond the way He wants them to. He does give opportunities to do His will, but explains well in Esther 4:14. Decide not to, and God will choose another. That same truth holds to the question of salvation. We cannot make that decision for another person. Everyone will choose for themselves, either heaven, or eternal separation from God.

Ever want something? Not have it, maybe not know how to get it, but want it? When you thought about it, you had hope that you might get it. We do that at Christmas time - a leftover from childhood. We also do it about other things. We hope for them. I believe Paul wrote about that (maybe had Luke as his writer):

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

We all have faith in something, even if it is the continued circling of the earth around a star. That has certain evidence, however, that tomorrow morning the sun will be seen in the eastern sky. Science has learned but about how that works - but all we have is the faith it will continue to work. This rocky world has destructive moments.

I have accepted Pascal's wager, and explained with limited abilities why I believe there will be an eternity, as well as my place in it. If I am right, several of my personal acquaintances will be disappointed. If I am wrong, and there is nothing, I shall not be disappointed nor will my acquaintances.

Where will you be if I am right?

Yesterday I Wrote About How To Be Saved

 

One reason for the many branches shown above - and many that are not even mentioned - has to do with mankind's interpretation of God's requirements for salvation beyond what Jesus and Paul so succincly added. There are a couple of reasons common to many. First is man's traditions. The Bible speaks of this often. My favorite verses are:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:36-39)

The Ten Commandments were given to Moses as he led the Israelites from Egypt to the home God promised them. The first four have to do with our relationship to God - Jesus cut those four down to one: love God. The next six have to do with our relationship to everyone in our lives - again that one: love everyone around us.

Every split above was done by people who interpreted the Bible differently than the people in the room with them. Just as the Bereans, when they first heard Paul's gospel message:

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. (Acts 17:11-13)

God's messages to people are usually disturbing. Just as disturbing as it was to Adam and Eve. We become complacent in comfortable lives where a certain amount of sinfulness surrounds us with a level of comfort. God's messages usually cover specific sins, and are unwelcome by those wrapped in that comfort. Don't think of examples out of your sight - count the ones that have made themselves (and you) comfortable. Yep, that's a toe-stepper. I know. I've had to look at those. And I've had to face God in prayer and discuss their disappearance.

Jesus continues to build His church - His assembly of believers. Some belong to a specific denomination - but not all to the same denomination. Some are members of underground churches in countries where congregations are not allowed. They are just as saved as church members in centuries-old cathedrals. The organization, the building, the prayers, the attendance, the membership written on a ledger does not create followers of Christ. That's what a Christian is a follower, a disciple:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)

Some Christians meet on the Sabbath - that is still Saturday, the last of seven days - to fulfill the fourth of the Ten Commandments. Other Christians meet on Sunday, the day of resurrection for our Lord, the Lord's day. Jesus spoke in the synagogue on the Sabbath, but He also picked grain, and told the naysayers:

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: (Mark 2:27)

Once again, my answers to religious questions/debates/arguements has to come down to the Bible. No - I do not have it all memorized, nor do I know what all of it means.I don't have to. I have to use it for my life and my relationship with God. What I have to change in my life may not be what you have to change in yours. What we both are to change is what separates us from God.

The primary separation from God is unbelief. How do we come to know Him whom we do not know?

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:12-15)

Paul was well versed in scripture. Just as Nicodemus, he was a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin:

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (Romans 10:16-18)

If you've read this page this far, you've heard the good news of God's salvation for mankind. What choice do you make of it?

What About How To Be Saved?

Wikipedia article

This photo (and the linked article) shows what is known as the schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox, or either one as The Holy Catholic Church. But it isn't the only division among Christianity:

From another Wikipedia article, we see divisions and we haven't even touched on the differences Christian organizations require for membership. Take our church for example. To become a member, the applicant must make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the propitiation of our sins. After making such a statement, members are expected to show their obedience by participating in baptism. That's all.

It is my understanding that several Christian denominations operate along similar lines. Others require specific training prior to membership, still others require specific participation as ongoing members. Methodology in worship fluctuates, too. But ...

But ... have you ever studied what the Bible says is required for salvation? And what happens after that?

Let's drop in on the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus:

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 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. 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. 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? (John 3:1-4)

Two thousand years ago Nicodemus, an educated leader in Judaism, member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus to learn more about Him and His miracles. I assure you, today people have the same question when the subject "You must be a born again Christian" arises. Yet Jesus states it as a fact, and expects Nicodemus to know about it:

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. (John 3:9-11)

Throughout the Bible God is shown as saying facts to people - and people decline to listen. There are consequences subsequent to not listening:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:16-21)

I would almost wager that when you learned John 3:16 as a child you never read nor memorized John 3:18. More than likely you assumed everyone understood. A large number don't. Let's continue into Acts, the followup to the gospels, which tells what the Disciples took from Jesus teachings, though their actions often got them thrown into prison. Once, a good question from a prison guard was answered by Paul after a miraculous encounter:

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:31-33)

Jesus said it. Paul said it. It is written several times in the Bible, what it takes to be saved. Now, what is "saved"? From the condemnation God has for those who do not believe He is who He says He is. Yes, it is that simple. Tell anyone you do not believe there is a God, and if there were, He would never have dealt with mankind they way the Bible says. Two types of people say that - one who believes there is no god, another believes his god is bigger, better and spoke differently that the biblical one.

Thanks, but I'll stick with the biblical God. We don't know all there is about Him, but He has given us instructions that have lasted well over four thousand years. A drop in the bucket within the timeline science has given. I remain firmly convinced the Bible - written by men over a two thousand year timeframe - does provide all mankind needs to build the same relationship defined in Genesis, Psalms, Micah, the four gospels, and all the letters to the churches. Mankind walks with God just as Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Isaiah, Micah, Matthew, John, Peter, and perhaps one step out of time, Paul. 

Aren't you the least bit curious what made all of these men across history sufficiently firm in their conviction that God provided for them? Can you understand that I believe exactly the same thing?

Salvation through Jesus, the promised Christ, the Jewish Messiah, is this simple:

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:5-9)

Come back tomorrow. I have a bit more on where it gets difficult.

What Is Church?

That's a screen capture of our church building from our church website 

But - that is simply a building where the church meets. The church is the people who come to the building to worship God. We are also called a congregation, when speaking of the entire group, or the membership. Not everyone who attends is a member of this church because membership requires some specific actions. All of them are defined in the Bible, because our beliefs are centered in the Bible and we consider it God's word for mankind.

I do take a bit of pride in the concrete between the church building on the right and the fellowship hall/gymnasium on the left. Those two L shaped roofs cover a ramped walkway from our lobby into the gym. My Beloved Husband built the roof alone. Our family poured the concrete for the ramp, steps and drive. It was a gift we were so very happy to offer because we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we love being in our Lord's service. It has been almost 30 years since that was built. This year it got it's first new roof (due to some severe storms) and new ceilings out of hardiboard due to fire danger.

This is not, however, a building Jesus spoke of in the gospels. He did not set out to rebuild the Temple, or its replacement. He went specifically to individuals. The first He spoke with about religion was His cousin, John the Baptist. Next came Andrew and Peter, followed by public speaking to crowds, even huge crowds of thousands of people. Individuals came to Him, too. One reached out to touch the hem of His garment, and was healed. Oh, she was noticed - when He is touched by faith, He knows it.

In fact, it is faith in Jesus that activates God's grace:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

No boasting on my part simply because I have faith in God's word that He provides grace to believers. Thousands upon thousands of people come to believe that every day. Some know it, almost show it, then become those upon which seed reach stoney ground, interest showed, but it withered and died before it became faith that actually bears fruit. Read Matthew 13 if you want more on that subject.

Back to the church - a word used only twice in the gospels:

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18:17)

Context of  verse 16:18 goes back to the full conversation in Matthew 16:13-20. Peter had just confirmed that he believed Jesus to be the Christ (the Messiah promised to the Jews), the Son of the Living God. That is what Jesus was to build His church upon. For our congregation, a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ is required when asking to become a member. No one gets to be a member of our congregation without making that public statement. Our church is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Yes - that is an outstanding statement from "Solid Rock" hymn. 

Now, if you are Catholic, that's not what you've been told. But - Bible reading is outstanding for everyone. I did have a couple of Catholics tell me I was not only outside their church, but outside salvation for taking such information from the book available only to their Church to interpret. Can't apologize, either, because the Bible also tells me what a preacher used today:

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:3-5)

One mediator between God and man - not a priest, not a high priest (that veil was torn apart), not a bishop, not a pope, not even a pastor - but Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Remember one of my most favorite verses:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

The Holy Spirit - the Comforter that Jesus promised in John 14:16, 26; 15:26; and 16:7. This Comforter will "... teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Just as firmly as we believe God is one, that Jesus died and was resurrected to be in heaven, we believe the Comforter came upon those who also believed at Pentecost. After that, there was clarification between John's baptism and the spiritual baptism. 

So - back to what is church? Our English Bible translates as Strong's:

ἐκκλησία    ekklēsia    ek-klay-see'-ah

a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

It is the people who assemble at a meeting place who believe Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God. Nothing more - and more certainly nothing less.