Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart (Teen Edition) Book Review

If the title doesn’t sound intriguing then the first line of the first chapter will definitely grab your attention.

J.D. Greer starts off by saying “If there were a Guinness Book of World Records for Amount of times having asked Jesus into your heart” I’m pretty sure I would hold it.

This book brings up a valid point in church teachings -“How can I know that I am saved?” “Was my confession heartfelt enough?” “Was I truly repentant?”  And the list of our doubts about our salvation goes on and on.

The author addresses these doubts in an easy to read format covering 8 chapters.  He takes us from his personal journey through belief, repentance, questions and also includes 3 appendices for further information.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  I enjoyed his honesty and openness about his journey and feel the information was clear, concise and informative.

New Month – New Theme

Wow, it is hard to believe February has come and gone already.  We are all currently in the season of Lent, that period of sacrifice that leads up to the Good Friday, and thankfully Easter.

I hope you have found the posts this past month to be fun, enlightening and most importantly – true to God’s word.  For the month of March it seems appropriate to talk about direction.  You know what I mean – Are you sure where you are going?

Let me put it another way – Are you in the non smoking or smoking section?

Follow us this month and let us help you figure it out if you are not sure.

 

As always

God Loves You And So Do We

Michele

That’s What You Get for Loving Me

I seem to be on a kick of remembering old songs.  When I was in college, the one above was popular.  It’s about a scoundrel who tells all the girls, “if you love me, expect to be abandoned, broke and forgotten, because that’s just how I am!”  “Fair warning!”  (I’m not sure why I liked it, this guy is unbearably arrogant).  Anyway, it began bouncing around in my brain the other day, causing me to think about the many, better things we get for loving God.  I’m sure this isn’t a comprehensive list:

• Someone who will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)
• Someone who will always listen (John 9:31)
• Our daily needs and pleasure in our work (Ecclesiastes 3:23)
• Wisdom (James 1:5)
• Christian fellowship (1 John 1:7)
• Fellowship with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27)
• Spiritual gifts to serve the others (1 Corinthians 12:7)
• The Holy Spirit, who encourages and comforts (Acts 5:32)
• Forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9)
• Salvation (6:23)
• Eternal life (John 3:16)

If we’re willing, even eager to take a risk on loving a flawed human being, who will no doubt disappoint us, why wouldn’t we take a chance on God’s love?  We stand to gain all the things above and more.  Love and trust God, and see what you get for loving Him.

What Stands Out? Hebrews Chapter 10

Wow, we’re getting to the good part.  There are so many beautiful verses in this section of Hebrews.  How about …

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.”  Hebrews 10:1

I love that phrase … “the law has but a shadow of the good things to come.”  Think about that.  The best things of this life are only a shadow of the joy we will feel when we meet Christ face to face.

And how about this one:

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:24-25

It’s telling us, don’t waste time!  Enjoy the fellowship of other Christians!  Encourage them! Spread the good news, so that others do not miss out on eternity with Jesus.

“Therefore do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward.”  Hebrews 10:35

All of Hebrews up to this point has been telling us that we can rest assured of our salvation because Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of the law.  We are reconciled with the father through His blood.  He was the perfect and final sacrifice, and we no longer need to live up to God’s standards on our own.

This is a truly inspiring chapter– what do you think?  What stands out for you?