Salvation God’s Way—What Must WE Do?
 
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). When God sent His Son to the world to die for our sins, He did everything HE COULD DO to save us from our sins.
 
But do WE have any part to play in being saved? If you ask five different people, you might hear five different answers, including the following:
“Everyone will be saved, regardless of what they do!”
“Every good person will be saved.”
“Everyone that believes in Jesus will be saved!”  
“Everyone that keeps the 10 Commandments will be saved.”
“Everyone that prays for salvation will be saved!”

Clearly, these cannot ALL be correct. So how can we know for certain what God expects us to do in order to be saved? Jesus once said,  "Sanctify (cleanse, purify) them by Your truth. Your WORD is truth” (John 17:17). To know what God expects of us, we must turn to God’s word – the Bible.

If we approach God’s word without preconceived ideas on the subject of salvation, it will be relatively easy to ascertain what He expects us to do to be saved. Moreover, our goal should be to examine EVERYTHING God says concerning man’s role in salvation. If we only focus on PART of what God says, we might end up “partially saved", which is not to be saved at all.

So, what does God require of us in order to be saved from our sins?  
We must Hear (or read) the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16; 10:14,
17).
We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16 &  
18; 8:24).
We must repent of our sinful ways (Luke 13:3 & 5; 2 Peter 3:9).
We must openly confess our faith in Jesus (Matt. 10:32; Rom.
10:9-10)
We must be baptized (Mark 16:16) for the remission of our sins
(Acts 2:38, 22:16).

These are the conditions God has set down for us to comply with in order to be saved. Who are we to question Him?

When the most important subject in Scripture is studied—salvation—let us ignore all man-made doctrines, listen to God, and obey.

Jesus, always Jesus,

Dennis

WHO can Be Saved?  
   
If you were to ask three or four random people about the subject of salvation, you might hear three or four different answers. Since salvation is the most important subject of all, this is both amazing and frightening.  
   
In regards to this vital subject, some actually teach that God never intended for some people to be saved. This doctrine, known as “limited atonement”, is associated with the teachings of John Calvin. It essentially asserts that Christ only died for the “elect of God”, not for all men. But is this what the Bible says?  
   
First, the Bible clearly states that ALL men are in need of salvation. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:23, 10). That being true, would God intentionally offer salvation to a select few, while unconditionally condemning all others to hell?  
   
Second, the Bible affirms that God wants ALL men to be saved. The apostle Paul made this crystal clear in 1 Tim. 2:4, God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. The apostle Peter added, “The Lord…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). God desires for everyone to be saved.  
   
Third, the Bible reveals that Jesus died in order that ALL men might be saved. The New Testament reveals that, “God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Moreover, “He died for all”(2 Cor. 5:15; 1 Tim. 2:6), that He “might taste death for everyone”(Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:2), and “draw all peoples to” Himself (John 12:32). By Jesus “the free gift came to all men” (Rom. 5:18).. There is no doubt about it – Jesus died for everyone.  
   
Fourth, the Bible states that Jesus invites ALL men to be saved. “Come to Me, ALL you who labor and are heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28). The invitation to be saved is for “WHOEVER desires” (Rev. 22:17).  
   
As we continue to study the most important subject of all – salvation, we must ignore man-made doctrines, and rely on the Bible exclusively to determine the truth – John 17:17.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus,  
   
Dennis

Salvation God’s Way—WHO Is Lost?  
   
The Gospel of Luke uses the word “lost” more than any other book in the New Testament. In chapter 15, for example, Jesus mentions a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son (prodigal). And in Luke 19:10 He said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”.  
   
Speaking of which, WHO IS LOST in God’s eyes?  
   
Through the centuries increasing numbers of church “authorities” adopted the position that everyone is lost from the moment of birth. According to them, we enter the world totally depraved and separated from God because we somehow inherit the sin of Adam at conception. In other words, newborn babes are morally filthy and entirely sinful in God's sight. (By the way, this erroneous doctrine gave rise to the equally flawed practice of infant baptism.)  
   
Careful and unbiased Bible study, however, proves that God does NOT consider infants as morally filthy, sinful and lost. Nor does He transfer the sins of Adam to newborn babies. Ezekiel 18:20 states, “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father…the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”  Moreover, Jesus told his followers, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as LITTLE CHILDREN, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this LITTLE CHILD is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 18:3-4).   
   
Some people cite Psalm 51:5 in an effort to prove that all men born of women are sinful at birth. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” If David literally meant that he was born a sinner, the same would apply to Jesus Christ, Who was also “born of a woman" – Gal. 4:4.  
   
So, who is actually lost? Although the following is not an exhaustive list, it provides an idea as to those who are lost. Those who do not know God (2 Thess. 1:8-9); those who do not believe in God (Heb. 11:6); those who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24); those who do not repent of their sins (Luke 13:3, 5); those who do not confess faith in Jesus (John 12:42-43); those who do not obey the gospel, including baptism (2 Cor. 4:3-4; Mark 16:16); believers who return to their worldly ways (2 Pet. 2:20-22); and believers who leave their first love or are spiritually lukewarm (Rev. 2:4, 3:14-19).   
   
When we consider the aforementioned souls, it becomes clear that the lost have reached sufficient age and maturity to make such choices for themselves. Babies and small children are incapable of doing so.  
   
As we continue to study the subject of salvation, may we determine to ignore man-made doctrines, while relying entirely on the Bible to determine the truth – John 17:17.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus,  
   
Dennis

Salvation God’s Way (Part 1)


Jesus once rebuked some of the Jewish leaders of His day as “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). Unfortunately, this practice has not ceased. In fact, the doctrines of men create significant confusion in our current religious world. Tragically, this occurs in connection with the most critical of all subjects—salvation. Examples include: (1) identifying those who are lost, (2) designating who can be saved, (3) specifying what man must do to be saved, (4) understanding what is required to remain saved, and (5) ideas related to the possibility of falling away.


The most serious consequence of man-made doctrines is that they frequently mislead those who are sincerely seeking to be saved. Jesus referred to such things in Matt, 23:15, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”


Every true Christian should be deeply concerned about the liberties that some preachers and teachers have taken with the most important subject in the Bible. Although some matters pertain to  “secret things” that “belong to the Lord” (Deut. 29:29a), salvation is NOT one of them (Deut. 29:29b). And while Paul wrote of some things “hard to understand” (2 Pet. 3:15-16), salvation is NOT one of them. Yet some men (and women) today pervert the subject of salvation by misapplying or misusing Scripture (2 Pet. 3:16).


The Bible says that God “desires ALL men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). That being true, doesn't God have the ability to reveal in plain, understandable language HOW to be saved and go to heaven? If the Almighty, All-Loving God has that ability, then we should approach His Scriptures with full expectation of finding (and sharing) His plan.


Over the next few weeks, my articles will examine fundamental matters regarding our salvation. May God help us to lay aside man-conceived doctrines, go back to the Bible, and find (and comply with) God’s clear teachings.


Jesus, always Jesus,


Dennis

WHOSE SIDE ARE WE ON?  
   
After Joshua took over the leadership of Israel and prepared to enter the promised land, he encountered a man with a drawn sword. Joshua cautiously approached him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" (Josh. 5:13). Joshua needed to determine whether the man was friend or foe. It turned out that the “man” was the Captain of the Lord's host, and was on the side of Israel.
   
Sometime later, when the Israelites gave up on Moses due to his extended stay on the mountain, they compelled Aaron to make them a golden calf to worship. Moses, descending the mountain, suddenly appeared. Initially it was not easy for him to distinguish between the people that were loyal to Jehovah and those that worshipped the idol. Thus he asked, “Who is on the Lord's side? Let him come to me" (Exo. 32:26). Moses needed to determine whom he could count on to stand up for the Lord.
   
Whose side are we on? The Lord desires for all Christians to stand unequivocally with Him. Unfortunately, some Christians have acquired some of the behavior and habits of the worldly. As a consequence, the distinction between them and the world is increasingly blurred.
   
For instance, some Christians talk like the world. They frequently take God's name in vain (“Oh my God!”); some even use profanity on occasion. And others routinely tell “white lies” – which are lies all the same. Whose side are they on?
   
Other Christians dress like the world. They frequently wear clothing that is too short, too low or too tight. It is not unusual to see some Christians attend church services wearing such attire, especially in the summer. Based on their appearance, whose side are they on?  
   
What about Christians that frequent the world's favorite haunts - casinos, bars, nightclubs, dance halls, even strip clubs? It is not hard to guess whose side these folks are on.
   
God wants His people to be decidedly different from the world. Sadly, Christians that routinely “blend in” with the world become just like the world…and essentially useless to the Lord.
   
Whose side are you and I on?  
   
Jesus, Always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

Avoid the Road to Rome


Twenty centuries ago a commonly heard saying was, "All roads lead to Rome." Although it was essentially true, it was not necessarily appreciated. And neither should it be today.

In describing the decline of the Roman Empire, author Edward Gibbon cited five contributing factors.


1. Deterioration of the traditional home and escalating rates of divorce. Tragically, America is going down that same road. Not only do 50% of marriages end in divorce, millions of couples forgo marriage entirely, choosing instead to live in fornication.


2. Escalating taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace. Although Christians are morally obligated to pay taxes (Rom. 13:6-7), it is tragic that billions of our tax dollars subsidize abortions, the promotion of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and pornographic media expression. Rome would be proud.


3. The mad craze for erotic pleasures, and sports becoming increasingly brutal. Millions of Americans regularly watch (and create) pornographic videos, patronize businesses specializing in exotic entertainment, consume alcoholic beverages, use illicit drugs or gamble. Millions more are hooked on savage cage fighting, featuring plenty of blood. Rome had nothing on us.


4. The building of gigantic armaments to protect from enemies without, while the real enemy was the decadence within. America spends more money on weapons and ammunition daily than it's annual expenditures on programs to support traditional families and Christian liberties. A world leader once predicted that America, like Rome, will fall without a single shot being fired from an outside enemy. He may be right.


5. The decay of religion—faith fading into tradition and form, becoming impotent to warn and guide the people. Paul spoke of the “last days”, in which people will possess a form of godliness but deny its power - 2 Tim. 3:4-5. Many religious groups currently specialize in fun and entertainment as opposed to the comprehensive study and application of God’s word.


America is increasingly following the road to Rome, while moving farther from God. Some of our leaders are trying to remove “In God We Trust” from our currency, and "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. As Christians, this is the time to fervently pray for our country, leaders and homes - 1 Tim. 2:1-2.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

A New Year Passes Quickly  
   
Although this is the first Sunday of 2021, believe me, the New Year will grow “old” before we know it.
   
As a young child, it seemed as though a year was an interminable period of time. The school year seemed as though it would never end. Christmas seemed to take forever to arrive. Even in my teen years, time seemed to drag. At age 15, I thought age 18 would never come. And at 18, it seemed that age 21 would require ages to arrive.
   
But then something curious happened. Time appeared to speed up, and the years seemed to click off more quickly. Today, the expression “time flies” seems like an understatement. Moreover, during the past few years I have become keenly aware that my time on earth is limited, and my life will likely soon be over. At some point I will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ and give an account of my life.
   
As we enter this New Year, remember what is truly important. It is not how many tasks we accomplish, promotions we receive or how much money we earn or possessions we accumulate. What really matters is our relationship with God. Getting to heaven and taking others with us must be our priority. As a church we must focus on attending every service possible. We need to reach out to brothers and sisters in Christ that no longer attend or do so sporadically. And let’s not forget about the lost; we need to reach out and get them to our services.
   
Time is passing, and there is much to do. Let’s use our time wisely, squeezing out as much good as we can for the cause of Christ.
   
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful..." 1 Pet. 4:7
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

​

HOLIDAY VERSION OF 1 COR. 13(Although this should not be confused with scripture, it is an interesting adaptation. DRS)
Though I sing carols with the same passion displayed by the angels at Jesus’ birth, but do not speak kindly to my enemies, I’m just making noise.
Though I buy expensive gifts for family and close friends, but give pocket change to the poor, I’m just a show-off.
Though I realize that Jesus’ was most likely born in the spring, and that His birth is meaningless apart from His death, but do not share His gospel with the lost, I’m useless.
Though I possess sufficient faith in Jesus to repent of my sins, confess His name and be baptized, but do not put Jesus first in my life, I’m fooling myself.
Though I slave away in the kitchen, preparing a sumptuous Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, but fail to invite a lonely soul, it profits me nothing.
And though I decorate my home with wreaths, bows and an ornate tree with blinking bulbs, but fail to be a living light for Jesus, what’s the point?
Love leaves the cooking long enough to hold a child.
Love sets aside the decorating long enough to embrace my spouse.
Love is kind, even when harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s house that displays the latest, greatest holiday lights.
Love doesn’t scream at the kids to keep out of the way, but thanks God that they are present to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who reciprocate, but gives even more to those who can’t.
Love bears grumpy relatives, believes in Jesus, hopes for heaven, and endures dark days.
Love never quits.
Toys will break, new garments will wear out and golf clubs will rust, but showing love will always make a difference.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

​First Things First
Revised, by Luke Bower

A man was teaching a class about time management.

He brought out a gallon-size jar and a bunch of rocks. One by one he placed the rocks into the jar. Then he asked the group if the jar was full. They all exclaimed that it was.

The man then pulled out a bucket of gravel and poured it into the jar, shaking the jar as he poured so the gravel would settle between the rocks. He again asked the class if the jar was full. Catching on, most said no.

Then the man pulled out a bucket of sand and poured it into the jar, filling the small cracks between the gravel. He yet again asked if the jar was full. Most said "Yes", but a few students weren't sure.

“Good,” said the teacher as he pulled out a pitcher of water and filled the holes left by the sand.

When he was through, he asked, “What is the point of this illustration?” One student spoke up: “No matter how full your schedule is, you can still do more!”

The teacher replied: “No, the point is that if you fail to put in the big rocks first, they will never fit.”

It is important to make sure we first fit the “big rocks” of life into our schedules. If we don’t make time for things like family and friends, we will inevitably neglect them. But more importantly, as Christians we need to make plenty of time for God. If we wait until all the work, daily tasks, and chores are done, God will be short-changed.

Are you making plenty time for the "big rocks", especially the Rock of Ages (1 Pet. 2:6)?

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis