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I had a discussion about this topic with someone earlier this week. I was never brought up in a church, so im trying to find myself with Jesus now. It really helped me find out where I needed to start.
Actually, I'd be honored if anybody chose to do that. I encourage anoybody to print it out and share it with anybody they want to. May God bless anybody's endeavors by opening people's hearts while they are listening/reading it. I do ask, however that anybody that does plan to share it will PM me or something so I can pray for them
Kamtre
Thanks for your permission to print your paper out. I would like to share it with my small group at church.
Now take this to underprivileged people your age that live in apartment complexes and don't attend church and you will become a disciple of Jesus.
You will come to understand what it means to make Jesus the Lord of your life.
One more question I got...if I can believe that Jesus came back from death and walked the earth again...what else do I have to believe to be able to consider myself Christian? Or is that enough?
It is finished... He wants to pour out His goodness upon you
and provide salvation for you, He wants to do that by grace,
because of what Christ did,
accept it gladly!”
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:21
First let me say great paper. You really put your heart into it and I know the Holy Spirit guided you.
Now take this to underprivileged people your age that live in apartment complexes and don't attend church and you will become a disciple of Jesus.
You will come to understand what it means to make Jesus the Lord of your life.
Just keep in mind that many unchurched live there. Keep it simple, and I think you would do well.
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Jason (Paranormal Preacher)
JUNK PUNCHING THE DEVIL ALL UP IN HIS MAN GOODS SINCE 1998!
Eph. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 Cor. 2:2, Rom 12:2 I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified, I will not conform to YOUR ways!
Hey all... I go to a Christian school and I had to write a paper for bible class on salvation, and I think it's really good, so I'm going to share it:
“You’re going to hell if you do that one more time, Billy!”, “Repent, for the time of Jesus is near.”, “Die in my place and you will go to heaven.”, and “Drink this Kool-Aid and we’ll all go to heaven together.” Are all phrases we’ve heard or heard about these days… but what is THE TRUTH? We’ve heard about the cults, religions, and beliefs, but which one is the true one? How do we REALLY get to heaven? Do we have to EARN it? Is it given by a person, or given by god, or achieved by your-self, or is there a heaven at all? These are many things people wonder about these days, and, well thinking about it, people have asked these questions through the millenniums, but read further, and you’ll find out everything you need to know in order to get to heaven.
First things first, have you ever sinned? Ever told a ‘Little White Lie’? Ever swiped that candy bar from the corner store? Ever lied? Ever wanted something so much you stole it? Ever even killed anyone? The list of possible sins goes on and on, but the simple truth is: All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And here’s an even simpler truth: “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). So what can you do about this? You’ve got yourself into death row, by simply stealing that quarter from little Jimmy. How fair is that? COME ON! But wait! There’s more! Along with this death sentence comes the offer of forgiveness! Yes it’s true! Don’t put this down and walk away, assuming this is one of those religious gimmicks for money or something, because it’s the total opposite. Here’s one more basic truth: “But God demonstrates his own love for us, for in that time we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
So, that’s the truth. You’ve sinned and you were stuck on an island separated from the mainland (God) but Jesus dove in and swam the ocean just for you so that you could come with him to this kingdom of God (Heaven). Now here’s something about Jesus you’ve probably been wondering who Jesus is. Now you’re likely familiar with His name, but only use it when you stub your toe, but here are the facts (and Jesus’ life) in a nutshell.
He was, is, and always will be a part of the trinity, the trinity consists of God the father, God the son, and God the Holy Spirit, each is part of God, yet there is only one God, the best way to explain it is a triangle. There are three corners, but there’s still only one triangle, the concept is impossible for humans to comprehend, but here’s the point. Jesus was part of God, and decided it was time to save mankind from its sin. He came to earth as a baby in a virgin (Mary) and had a childhood teaching in the temple, and most of the teachers listened to him, because he told with such authority, and he explained the scriptures with such detail, and why not? He was one of the people who inspired it! And when he turned thirty, he started ministering to thousands upon thousands of people (by the way, all the while he never sinned even once, because he was God, and God is perfect and has the ability to not sin). So finally the Pharisees, who were the people that taught in the temples got really angry, because Jesus always proved that the things they made the people do were wrong, and that the legalism (getting into heaven through doing good things) they taught was also wrong. Here's another bit of info, many people back then were illiterate, they couldn’t read any of the scriptures (the bible) that had been written by other people in the past inspired by God, so the Pharisees took advantage of that fact (because they were among the few people who could read) and told the people stuff that gave advantages to them politically and monetarily. So they eventually crucified Jesus, and blamed him of things he had never done, but then Jesus was resurrected and walked around earth and appeared to his disciples, and also performed many more miracles, then finally went back to heaven. Because Jesus never sinned, but was killed for sinning, he broke the old system, now all people have to do is: “Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10). Really? Is it that simple? Sure! Why not? God agreed to let Jesus swim out and rescue you from the island! All you have to do is call for him! “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13)
So, you’ve done your part, but what happens now? What does God do? The bible says: “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he himself is the sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2)”. It also says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 john 1:9-10). So it really is that simple!
So, now (after completing above steps) you are a Christian, congratulations. But what exactly does being a Christian involve? Well, Jesus said it best in Matthew 28: 18-20: “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the father, of the son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” So that’s what you should do, Jesus saved you from the island, and took you back, and taught you how to swim, now why not go back and save others from the island?
So now all you do is help others to be rescued, and you don’t even have to do that, but, once you are a Christian, you don’t have to do anything to keep it, but it is a good idea to help others become Christians and its great to do good things too, but all the stuff you can do cannot save you from hell. Remember the only thing that can save you from hell is faith in Jesus. No amount of self-punishment, meditation, baptism, worship, sacrifice, or chanting will save you. Well there’s my spiel, take it or leave it, but if you want to accept Jesus and officially become a Christian (and don’t know how to pray, or don’t know what to say) pray this prayer: Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only Son, Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus, transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life. Amen.
Well that's it, but if anybody became a christian because of this essay, please PM me, Thanks
I really do not know why this essay angers since I am not a christian, but it does.
Let's start with the topic title: "Christianity Made Easy"
If that isn't the most belittling topic name, I dont know what is.This whole essay is about how easy christianity is... it also makes this essay seem sarcastic.
At the end of the first paragraph you say "but read further, and you’ll find out everything you need to know in order to get to heaven." Now i wouldn't be bothered by this but just before that you were talking about how people have had these questions for melliniums which makes you look arrogant.
"You’ve got yourself into death row, by simply stealing that quarter from little Jimmy. How fair is that? COME ON!"
More of that sarcastic feel, putting jokes on a somewhat serious topic(at least to me anyways) doesn't really please me, I don't know about everyone else. And before this you were starting off the paragraph by asking "Have you ever sinned?" Then you list common sins which then later saying that you are forgiven for all of this in the eyes of God as long as you have faith in christ, like it doesn't matter. In the eyes of God, it may not, but since you are already saved, why dont you just tell us one of those 'Little White Lies' so that instead of releasing guilt off of murderers, the guilt still remains and we are safer... "Well Michael, just because you killed your wife and your unborn son, that doesn't mean that you are going to hell, just surrender to god and have faith in christ and you will be fine, IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE." Which brings me to my next arguement...
Saying something is "just that simple" is not exactly a good thing. In my eyes, calling any religion simple, (which im sort of repeating myself because it's the same thing as my topic arguement) is belittling, you are degrading your own religion. Because of this, if there is not already a "Dummies Guide To Christianity," you can bet there will be.
"So, now (after completing above steps) you are a Christian, congratulations. But what exactly does being a Christian involve? Well, Jesus said it best in Matthew 28: 18-20: “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the father, of the son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” So that’s what you should do, Jesus saved you from the island, and took you back, and taught you how to swim, now why not go back and save others from the island?"
Children, dont do this at home, this is daredevil work:
So that's what you should do. Push your religion onto others. Since Jews, Muslims, Mormans, and every other religion out there that people believe in are not saved, you should go try to convert them into christians because otherwise, they will not be accepted into heaven.
I don't mean to be rude, but this essay is annoying me quite a bit, makes me feel like an important issue is turned into something stupid. Plus even if your essay is correct, it's like encouraging laziness... Let them read it on their own. Everything is made simple now. "Programming for dummies," "Investing For Dummies," "Learning For Dummies," "Thinking For Dummies," Where does it end? I fear it doesn't. That's just my two cents. Have a good day everyone.
One more question I got...if I can believe that Jesus came back from death and walked the earth again...what else do I have to believe to be able to consider myself Christian? Or is that enough?
You need to believe that Jesus is God almighty, the Creator(ref john 8:24, 1 john 4:1-3)
Thats about it. God made salvation simple. It was prophesied that the Messiah(The Christ, Saviour) would rise from the dead and would be God himself in the flesh. (psalms 16:10, isaiah 9:6, jeremiah 23:5-6) It was also prophesied that the messiah would die for mankind's sin(isaiah 53, daniel 9"25-6) In fact, the daniel 9 prophecy gives the time of the Messiah coming! According to Daniel 9, after the messiah would be "cut off" or suffer a penal death, the temple would be destroyed! Well, what happened in 70 AD? The temple was destroyed by the romans, so the messiah would have to have come and died for mankind's sins before 70 AD.
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I will either find a way--or make one.- Hannibal Barca
Here's another bit of info, many people back then were illiterate, they couldn’t read any of the scriptures (the bible) that had been written by other people in the past inspired by God, so the Pharisees took advantage of that fact (because they were among the few people who could read) and told the people stuff that gave advantages to them politically and monetarily.
You may want to check this out. As I understand it the Jewish tradition has always held tremendous value in literacy and memorization of scripture. People knew the laws and the Prophets. Now, as to interpretation of the law, I suppose some leaders did exploit it, but I don't know of any specific examples of transgressions in the Bible.
Originally Posted by Kamtre
So they eventually crucified Jesus, and blamed him of things he had never done,
This is incorrect. Luke 22: 66-71 says Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin who asked him, "If you are the Christ, tell us." and "Are you then the Son of God?" to which He replied, "You are right in saying 'I am." Now, as I understand this, Jesus uses the same name that God used with Moses when God says, "Tell them 'I am'" sent you, which amounted to the most severe blasphemy in Jewish law. When he's brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, he's accused of treason for he'd been called "King of the Jews." You might make a case that he was accused of something he'd not done as he'd never asserted himself as a political king, but then he made no case to deny it and Pilate was even willing to let him go because he felt it was a false accusation. Pilate went with the will of the people, however, and had him executed for treason.
Originally Posted by Kamtre
but then Jesus was resurrected and walked around earth and appeared to his disciples, and also performed many more miracles, then finally went back to heaven.
Aside from the miraculous catch of fish in John ch. 21, there is no account in the Gospels of other miracles after the resurrection. There is this, however,
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. - John 20:30
OK. I'll give you that.
Originally Posted by Kamtre
...now all people have to do is: “Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10). Really? Is it that simple? Sure! Why not? God agreed to let Jesus swim out and rescue you from the island! All you have to do is call for him! “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans
Originally Posted by Kamtre
10:13)
Originally Posted by Kamtre
So, you’ve done your part, but what happens now? What does God do? The bible says: “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he himself is the sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2)”. It also says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 john 1:9-10). So it really is that simple!
Good deal.
Originally Posted by Kamtre
So, now (after completing above steps) you are a Christian, congratulations. But what exactly does being a Christian involve? Well, Jesus said it best in Matthew 28: 18-20: “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the father, of the son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Originally Posted by Kamtre
15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." - Mark 16:15-18
When does the Mark 16:15-18 stuff happen? V.17 says these things will accompany believers, not "might" or "could."