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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #438 March 10, 2002 Tall Grandfathers No, I’m not going to talk about clocks this morning although I‘m sure there is a Gleanings in grandfather clocks. A few weeks ago, I heard what was described as an old Irish proverb, I don’t know if it really is or not, but it sounds like it could be. Like any good proverb, it’s simple, profound and contains a good kernel of truth. "No matter how tall your grandfather is, you have to do your own growing." Loosely translated, you don’t become who you are by association. You become who you are by what you do. Here are a few ways you don’t become a Christian - You don’t become a Christian because you go to church - You don’t become a Christian because your parents and grandparents went to church - You don’t become a Christian by having your name on a membership role somewhere -You don’t become a Christian because you were married in a church -You don’t become a Christian because you live in a Christian country - You don’t become a Christian because you were baptized as a child (for proponents of infant baptism, we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one) - You don’t become a Christian by following the Ten Commandments, or being nice, or working your way If one of those things describes the reason you believe you’re a Christian, I’m sorry to break the bad news to you. The good news is that it is incredibly easy to become a Christian. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:9-13 NIV It’s that simple. Believe on Him and accept Him as your Lord. If you’ve done that already, you have started your own growing. It’s just the start, there is more to a faith walk than just accepting Jesus, but you are on the right path. Until next time, may you grow to be more like Him every day.
Hallelu Yah
Kevin If you haven’t yet done so and want to become a Christian and experience His love for you and His forgiveness of your sins, email me and I’ll share some Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Or simply begin the relationship by saying a prayer along the lines of: Dear God: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer let me know and I will direct you to some free non-denominational resources that will help you grow in that newfound relationship. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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