RE: Few going to heaven

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armydude -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/29/2008 7:21:00 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Suebee77 armydude, You just aren't getting my point. You don't seem to possess the gift of mercy, as I do, which makes me take up the case of anyone I think needs it. Scripture can very easily be twisted and mis-used, as scripture itself states, as in 2 Peter 3:16. You and I both need to steep ourselves in the New Testament, taking care to note who Jesus was speaking to, and the context of the words, with prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance. I hope you understand my meaning. I understand your meaning. And I ain't mad at you. Not one bit. I remember when an evangelist was visiting my hometown, preaching in the high school football stadium. He was telling us about going to a mentor and saying something along the lines of, "I just don't feel like I'm saved." Now this has been almost 20 years, so I can't remember it word for word but he was talking about worrying about his salvation because he kept doing the things he knew were wrong. When he talked about being worried about his salvation, the mentor said (and I remember this part perfectly), "You should be." The idea is this. Your salvation and the assurance of it should not be based on what you're doing now. If you know you're saved, live like it. If you have a doubt, go back and get assured of it. Then live like it. To jennycnails, please don't base your salvation on your obedience/disobedience on this one issue. If you doubt you're saved, go back to square one. Settle that issue. Then obey. I know it's not that simple. Believe it or not, I do. I know what it's like to bow to the power of sin. This is a universal feeling. Anyone that says they don't know what it's like to bow to the power of sin is lying. So when you hear this whisper in your ear (not the same as the still small voice) saying, "You're not saved because you __________," know that the voice you're hearing is likely not of God. But also know (as I've learned) that it will never hurt to go back and start over again. I've done it more than one time. A fresh start is sometimes just what we need.

LawrenceJCaldwell -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/29/2008 8:05:36 AM)
I am often reminded of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3. "From his mother's womb...laid daily at the gate of the temple...." What makes this and other Bible stories so powerful is often what is NOT said. This is a man of age spoken of here. He was carried and laid at the gate every day of his life. Why? He was lame. He asked alms (mercy money) to help survive. In other words, he was a helpless beggar. What is not written but should be obvious is that for some portion of Jesus' lifetime, especially His three years of ministry, He personally walked past this man, this needy, helpless, lame beggar at the gate and DID NOTHING. Why? Was He not merciful? Didn't He care? Fully God, didn't He know the man's situation? Why indeed! God alone is all-knowing and all-powerful. God alone will receive the glory for all things in this world (Romans 11:36). This is a good example of Isaiah 55:7-9 - "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." The only thing in this life that we can expect/demand of God right NOW is the reality of His Word, His Redemption, His faithful life through His blood atonement. The timing of the rest is up to Him alone. The question is, are you rightly related to Him to both speak and hear with Him? (Psalm 66:18-20).

HisFish -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/29/2008 9:38:28 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: jmjphe Ya know, things like youtube can be a huge breeding ground for all kinds of lets face it...garbage. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY advise anyone to stay away from it if they are trying to find videos, information, anything of the sort thats media related about Heaven, God, Jesus etc. I mean its a cool website for funny stuff but I'd stay clear if you want Christian related videos or videos even remotley about Chrsitiany or Bible theology. Edited TOS 5 While your right that there is a lot of garbage on YT, there is also a lot of solid teaching to be found there, you just have to be discerning.

bob97 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/29/2008 10:03:14 AM)
quote: you just have to be discerning. Without spiritual wisdom and discernment we really don't have much do we? We really need it in this world today. Bob

neetchym -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/29/2008 11:11:01 AM)
Even though we are all sinners, God has given us the gift of eternal life, as long as we accept Jesus into our hearts. I guess in the whole scheme of things, there may not be a huge amount of Christians in this unholy world by the "end", but for those who believed, we will go to heaven. It is by God's grace that we are given our salvation. And we can't "earn" this gift by our works, we must only have faith. And through faith in Christ we will get to heaven. The discussion seemed so negative as I read, so I just wanted to add a bit of hope for Christians. In conclusion... If you have FAITH in Jesus, you will be saved![sm=icon_smile_fish.gif]

Suebee77 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/30/2008 4:03:07 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: armydude quote: ORIGINAL: Suebee77 armydude, You just aren't getting my point. You don't seem to possess the gift of mercy, as I do, which makes me take up the case of anyone I think needs it. Scripture can very easily be twisted and mis-used, as scripture itself states, as in 2 Peter 3:16. You and I both need to steep ourselves in the New Testament, taking care to note who Jesus was speaking to, and the context of the words, with prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance. I hope you understand my meaning. I understand your meaning. And I ain't mad at you. Not one bit. I remember when an evangelist was visiting my hometown, preaching in the high school football stadium. He was telling us about going to a mentor and saying something along the lines of, "I just don't feel like I'm saved." Now this has been almost 20 years, so I can't remember it word for word but he was talking about worrying about his salvation because he kept doing the things he knew were wrong. When he talked about being worried about his salvation, the mentor said (and I remember this part perfectly), "You should be." The idea is this. Your salvation and the assurance of it should not be based on what you're doing now. If you know you're saved, live like it. If you have a doubt, go back and get assured of it. Then live like it. To jennycnails, please don't base your salvation on your obedience/disobedience on this one issue. If you doubt you're saved, go back to square one. Settle that issue. Then obey. I know it's not that simple. Believe it or not, I do. I know what it's like to bow to the power of sin. This is a universal feeling. Anyone that says they don't know what it's like to bow to the power of sin is lying. So when you hear this whisper in your ear (not the same as the still small voice) saying, "You're not saved because you __________," know that the voice you're hearing is likely not of God. But also know (as I've learned) that it will never hurt to go back and start over again. I've done it more than one time. A fresh start is sometimes just what we need. Well, that sounds better! I would still beg to differ on the necessity of "going back and starting over". If you know you have Jesus in your heart, you KNOW it! If you don't, then you should go back. When I was first born again, 25 years ago, I was a heavy smoker. I had tried to quit many times, and the Holy Spirit made it really clear I needed to quit. I tried again after being saved and still failed twice. But I never doubted my salvation; I just didn't understand why God wouldn't just take away the desire. Finally a Christian friend helped me make a written plan for quitting. It was very detailed and I had to take time to prepare. That time, though I suffered with the addiction for two weeks, each time I really had the urge to smoke, I prayed for strength from Jesus. Instantaneous little desperate prayers, but every time, He did it for me (about every 10 minutes of every waking hour for the first week or so). Nobody in my church ever suggested that because I couldn't quit easily I wasn't saved, and thank God they didn't. I just think jennycnails was crying for help, and not many on this thread were there to encourage her and help her. Just to tell her she probably wasn't saved...I still can't get over how cruel that was to her.

armydude -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/30/2008 12:23:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Suebee77 Just to tell her she probably wasn't saved...I still can't get over how cruel that was to her. To say that is actually a TOS. But I didn't see it. I just saw "make certain of it."

Suebee77 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/30/2008 7:00:33 PM)
What is TOS? Jennycnails made her post on 7/12/08. You can go back and find it if you're interested. You just don't see it the way I do, so I give up!

armydude -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/30/2008 7:06:07 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Suebee77 What is TOS? Jennycnails made her post on 7/12/08. You can go back and find it if you're interested. You just don't see it the way I do, so I give up! TOS= terms of service. << Link It's the rules that every member agrees to abide by in the community. If the post in question violates that, report it. I know the admin will respond quickly.

Suebee77 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/30/2008 7:24:11 PM)
It's post #80. Go back and read it again. It gives no other suggestion to help her, but to give her doubt as to her salvation. I just printed out the TOS, so I can read it thoroughly. [sm=icon_smile_fish.gif]

bzirk -> RE: Few going to heaven (8/4/2008 7:52:35 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: bob97 quote: you just have to be discerning. Without spiritual wisdom and discernment we really don't have much do we? We really need it in this world today. Bob And the good news is that the Lord has been so good to make it available to us.

Lrenee -> RE: Few going to heaven (8/27/2008 11:31:28 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: HisFish quote: ORIGINAL: Leo71 And yet you folks have managed to overlook a key section of the Book of Revelation, wherein it talks about .. "a number which no man could count, coming out of the Great Tribulation, having their robes washed in the Blood of the Lamb." A number without count doesn't sound all that few to me. I could go to NYC and not be able to count everybody, but the population of NYC is only a fraction of the total amount of people alive today. It's a matter of interpretation. Do you see the glass a half empty or half full. I look at Revelation and think, "Wow, in the last days, as hard and difficult as it will be for the saints, there is hope to keep faith, as there will be a vast number that will survive the Great Tribulation and will be saved. A number which no man can count, seems like it placing it's emphasis on "NO MAN CAN COUNT", even those who dare try. Again it's a matter of interpretation. But I'm going to agree with the idea that "if I can't count them, that must be a vast number of saints!" even though overall, I do agree that many will be called but few will be chosen.

monk-monk -> RE: Few going to heaven (8/27/2008 11:48:29 PM)
[qu e]Message edited by whatislove -- 6/13/2008 5:49:57 AM > [/quote] No, if we don't have it right down here we won't make it up there. If we can't get along here,be better get back in our prayer closet til this thing is cleared up.

monk-monk -> RE: Few going to heaven (8/27/2008 11:49:48 PM)
SOOOOOOOOOOOOO true

Thessa -> RE: Few going to heaven (8/28/2008 2:01:49 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: whatislove I saw this video on youtube called "Will you make it to heaven". I always thought that not too many people were going to heaven. After I watched that, i'm now realizing that it's fewer than I thought. Thoughts, opinions? Well if you look around the world or just watch the news you will find out thats probably true. Alot will not be going to Heaven. But its not because God dosent want them too. Its because THEY dont want too.

monk-monk -> RE: Few going to heaven (8/28/2008 1:16:06 PM)
I think a lot of us are looking at the people in the world today, and not at the ones who have already died in the faith, nor the ones to be saved because of faith in JESUS CHRIST. From beginning to end there will be a multitude. PRAISE GOD!! .

Lufia -> RE: Few going to heaven (9/6/2008 9:41:37 AM)
I want to know if i'm in the truth in saying this: Jesus is the only way to God and the only way to be saved. Since most of the people on earth are not born again christian ( they don't believe in Christ as their savior) so all of them should go to hell?

beachcooky -> RE: Few going to heaven (9/6/2008 12:25:03 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: jmjphe Ya know, things like youtube can be a huge breeding ground for all kinds of lets face it...garbage. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY advise anyone to stay away from it if they are trying to find videos, information, anything of the sort thats media related about Heaven, God, Jesus etc. I mean its a cool website for funny stuff but I'd stay clear if you want Christian related videos or videos even remotley about Chrsitiany or Bible theology. Edited TOS 5 Definitely! Go to godtube...its way better than youtube (obviously)

HisFish -> RE: Few going to heaven (9/6/2008 10:42:11 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Lufia I want to know if i'm in the truth in saying this: Jesus is the only way to God and the only way to be saved. Since most of the people on earth are not born again christian ( they don't believe in Christ as their savior) so all of them should go to hell? Yes, you are in the truth.

10ecvols -> RE: Few going to heaven (9/9/2008 3:18:27 AM)
We should stop spending valuable time condemning others for what they believe? So many good religious folks are losing the battle with the devil and it is surprising more people don't see what is happening. There are so many religious denominations with people wasting so much energy trying to get others to inherit thier religious beliefs...it is amazing anyone can make sense of what to believe. We as a religious community MUST come together to win the battle. Religion today makes me think of a football team in a huddle and eveyone wants to call a different play. Think about that for a minute!! The devil has everyone wanting to call thier own plays, snap counts, audiables, hot routes, etc. How will we ever come together as unit for GOD? The devil has found a way to make GOD's word so difficult to understand, that we as a religious "TEAM" will never come TOGETHER! My point is simple. We need to stop the devil from causing so much confusion and find a simple plan to come together. As they say in football, we need to get back to the BASICS! Sorry for the football references, but it is football time!! Praise GOD!!! Bless each and everyone of you, regardless of what you believe!

Thessa -> RE: Few going to heaven (9/9/2008 3:52:41 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: 10ecvols We should stop spending valuable time condemning others for what they believe? So many good religious folks are losing the battle with the devil and it is surprising more people don't see what is happening. There are so many religious denominations with people wasting so much energy trying to get others to inherit thier religious beliefs...it is amazing anyone can make sense of what to believe. We as a religious community MUST come together to win the battle. Religion today makes me think of a football team in a huddle and eveyone wants to call a different play. Think about that for a minute!! The devil has everyone wanting to call thier own plays, snap counts, audiables, hot routes, etc. How will we ever come together as unit for GOD? The devil has found a way to make GOD's word so difficult to understand, that we as a religious "TEAM" will never come TOGETHER! My point is simple. We need to stop the devil from causing so much confusion and find a simple plan to come together. As they say in football, we need to get back to the BASICS! Sorry for the football references, but it is football time!! Praise GOD!!! Bless each and everyone of you, regardless of what you believe! Its not about 'condeming' others - its about helping them. We, as Christians, have an obligation to help others and show them the truth.

stevenv -> RE: Few going to heaven (10/13/2008 8:00:50 PM)
The BIBLE says not all who cry lord , lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Only those that does the will of the father. So in other words take off all the old and put on the new . Living a life that is pleasing in gods eyes insteading of being self pleasing . God is merciful and forgiving and loves us unconditionally . He wants that kind of love perfected in us , Not a love from words , But a love in deeds . Setting or selfs aside to be a blessing to someone elses life . In todays world that kind of love is hard to find . So remember always strive to give god your best in everything . Your rewards are in heaven . God bless .

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