While viewing the following sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, it occurred to me that I have not always kept it "simple" on this blog. In my enthusiasm to help others, I tend to include as much information as possible for your benefit because I know the times are urgent and also that Jesus will return soon and my wish is for many to come to a saving faith in Him so that they may be raptured to heaven to be with Him before the 7 year horrific Tribulation period begins.
Pastor Chuck Smith's sermon is based upon 2 Corinthians 11:3 which follows:
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
Pastor Smith's sermon is 40 minutes long; I pray that you watch all of it, as I feel it is one of his best!
Pastor Chuck says to "simply teach the Word of God simply." He reminds us that the Pharisees of Jesus' day were mainly interested in all the minute details... and skipped mercy, and faith, and justice.
The posts on this blog tend to give a broad explanation of salvation, but only to edify and to make sure you understand what salvation is all about. Much is said here about the power of Jesus' shed blood, and how He was the Sacrificial Lamb; there is no salvation without the shedding of His blood to pay our sin debt in full as He took our place on that Cross, so that by belief in Him and His atonement we may have everlasting life.
I am reminded of how some people, at large assemblies by prominent evangelist, make a "decision" to follow Christ by coming forward, etc. But statistics have proven that many of them - most of them, in fact - fall away and don't last long. My opinion is (and also the opinions of others that study such things) that they just don't understand that it is much more than a "decision"- more than a head knowledge of Jesus or that it is simply the right thing to do. They need to be told salvation is a total, strong commitment to follow in Christ's footsteps as best they can; a total surrender to the Lord, and giving up their will to always endeavor to do His will - to obey Him. Much more than that, it involves a love and devotion to Him that is truly heart-felt; an all consuming desire to please Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul !
In other words, some people think they are saved when in actuality they are not. Saying a sinner's prayer one time and then going on about being totally living for worldly things and desires, does not mean you are necessarily a Christian. Some professing Christians never read their Bible and hardly, if ever, pray. Sanctification is a process, it doesn't all happen overnight, that is true.
Having said all that, however, belief in Jesus as the Savior is what saves you. Period!
Remember at Calvary, the thief on the cross near Jesus expressed faith in the Lord, and Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise. That thief had no opportunity to serve the Lord or do anything other than to express his belief in Jesus. ( Luke 23:39-43). Also, when Paul and Silas were in prison and a miracle happened (an earthquake) that caused the prison doors to open and everyone's bands were loosed. The jailer asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved, and they said "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:25-34).
In 2017 here on this blog, a post was also made which shared this information and more. Here is a link
A wonderful hymn that explains this truth of faith only in Jesus as the Savior is the old favorite titled "Just as I am" Here it is for you who are not yet saved (and for us older saved ones to enjoy again)
"All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." Jesus at John 6:37
Another hymn to encourage unsaved souls is "Softly and Tenderly" found below:
Jesus will return soon!
Be Rapture Ready!
Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms in an embrace of love and forgiveness!
Following are Salvation Scriptures ! If you are not saved, take these verses to heart, repent, and turn to the Lord and pray for forgiveness. If you are sincere, God will answer that prayer and welcome you to His family!
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." - John 14:6
"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." - John 3:16
Just a short note: Faith is number one! Belief in Jesus as the Savior!
Although knowledge is important, a person can know all "about" Jesus and salvation, but that does not necessarily mean that he is truly saved.
It is not "what" you know, but Who you know!
The important thing is to develop a close, intimate, loving, personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior! We do that by much time in prayer and by much study and reading of God's Holy Word, the Bible. The good Lord wants to fellowship with us! You cannot get to know a person or be "friends" with Him if you never communicate with Him.
The Lord expects and desires faith and belief from us!
He expects and demands obedience from us, and to put His will first in our lives.
All of which we will delight to do, and will want to do, if we are truly saved, truly born again.
Believe in the Lord with all of your heart, mind, soul, strength !
"And Jesus answered and said unto him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:29-31
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life!
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