self_exam_journal

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2 COR 13:5

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March 30, 2008

www.EvangelismStuff.com

Hello Reader, If you wish to purchase a bound copy of The Self Examination Journal, you can do so on EvangelismStuff.com. However, you have no obligation to do so. What you would buy is exactly what you’ll find here (with the exception that the purchased form has no color pictures, but is entirely black and white inside).

Additionally, if you are reading this online, you may wish to note that the two messages you are encouraged to listen to can be found online, and I have provided clickable links to them below.

May God direct you.

In Christ, Anna Jackson

CLICK HERE to link to Todd Friel’s message, “Are you really a Christian?”

CLICK HERE to link to Ray Comfort’s message, “True and False Conversion.”

The Self Examination Journal Version 2 - March 2008 (Version 1 - October 2007) Anna S. Jackson

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the exam

Honest self examination is a journey that should never end. In fact, Christians are commanded to not only examine themselves, but also to test themselves to be sure they have been genuinely converted. See what 2nd Corithians 13:5 has to say:

journal KJV Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

NASB Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?

journal NKJV Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?— unless indeed you are disqualified.

NIV Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

At the end of that verse we are told that there are those who will fail this test. This scripture tells us there are those who believe they are Christians, but who do not actually have Jesus Christ “in” them.

Jesus speaks about what will happen to this group of people on Judgment Day in Matthew 7:22-23:

KJV Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity..

NASB “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ ”And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’”

NKJV Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

NIV Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.

Away from me, you evildoers!’

journal None of us could possibly imagine the horror of standing before Christ only to hear him declare that he never knew us. That’s why the Self Examination Journal was written. The goal of this book is to help you, “make your calling and election sure,” (2 Peter 1:10).

Second Corithians 13:5 (pg. 6) speaks of a test.

So what’s the test? Is it actually spelled out somewhere? Do I need a #2 pencil to take it or what?

Here are your options...

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inspired the pure form

The test, in it’s pure form, can only be found by opening your Bible. We’ve provided a section in this book starting on page 50 that contains nothing but straight, Holy Spirit inspired scripture: the entire text of the book of First John. Why? Because God gave us that book with the stated purpose of getting us to a place where we can “know” that we have eternal life. (1 John 5:13) That assurance/knowledge comes through taking the “test” found in that book’s pages. You can easily read it there for yourself apart from anyone’s coaching. However, if you’d like a little help along the way, just keep reading.

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the test

one bite at a time

the core

the condensed version If you’re the kind of person who just says, “Enough talk, just skip to the end!” You can choose to turn to page 60 and read the “core.” That’s a condensed version of everything this book is trying to get across. But please make sure you are prepared to take a deep and honest look at yourself. And be ready to admit that if you find yourself feeling angry, insulted, or defensive, that these may be signs that what you’re reading is touching a nerve.

Try to approach this task of self examination with a humble and teachable heart. Take honest inventory of yourself... you’ll be very glad you did.

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To begin examining yourself, we highly recommend listening online to two audio messages. u The first is entitled “Are You Really a Christian?” by Todd Friel, host of The Way of the Master Radio. You can listen to it online at WayoftheMasterRADIO.com. v The second is “True and False Conversion” by world respected author and evangelist, Ray Comfort. You can listen to it online at LivingWaters.com/learn.

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ARE YOU REALLY A CHRISTIAN? First we’re going to take a look at Todd’s incredibly rich sermon. (A transcript of this message can be found starting on page 66.) I cannot over emphasise how much vital information is packed into this message. I recommend you listen to it, all the way through, at least two times… and I’d really suggest three. Why? The first time you need to listen only – don’t take notes, don’t look up verses … just listen. This gives you the big picture, kind of like flying a helicopter over a piece of land to learn where the landmarks are.

Then go back, almost immediately, and listen to it a second time. This time have your Bible and a note pad handy. Stop the recording as frequently as necessary so that you can write down important points and look up the scripture references for yourself.

The third time you listen, turn it all inward and look deeply at yourself. Spend that third time through asking yourself the hard questions.

I believe this to be potentially one of the most lifechanging sermons you will ever hear.

On the following pages you will be asked to write out scriptures and answer questions. Please 12

journal don’t skip anything. Remember, the text of 1 John from The Evidence Bible is in this book starting on page 50.

Write out 1 John 5:13: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ From the scripture above, you can see the reason “these things” were written—in other words, the reason the preceding five chapters of 1 John were written—was for the express purpose of getting us to a place where we can “know” that we are saved and that we have eternal life. God is so kind to include this book, so that our questions about our own salvation can be answered from his Word.

Available through LivingWaters.com.

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journal In Todd’s sermon, he pulls ten signs of genuine Christianity out of those chapters. In the Self Examination Journal, we’re going to touch on seven. So again, I highly recommend you listen to the sermon for yourself.

It’s also worth noting, before we begin, that these scriptures were given to us so that we can examine ourselves... ...not others.

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QUESTION 1 Write out 1 John 1:8: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ How do you think of yourself?

Choose all that apply: q

I know I’ve sinned. Who hasn’t? No one’s perfect. But I really try to do the right things, and I’m sure God considers me to be a pretty good person.

q When I stand before God on Judgment Day, I think my good deeds are going to outweigh the things I’ve done wrong. God judges the heart, and He knows I’m basically good at heart. q I know I’m a “sinner,” but I don’t really think I’ve done anything so bad that I would deserve to go to Hell. Besides, I always ask God’s forgiveness for my sins. q I feel awful when I’ve done something wrong.

I ask God’s forgiveness and I try to never do 14

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If anyone knew what I’m really like on the inside, they’d never speak to me again. Even the thoughts I have are so impure I’m scared to death to face God.

q Other: _________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ 1 John 1:8 is more than just merely acknowledging, “I’m a sinner.” Perhaps the most important sign of genuine Christianity is a depth of understanding of your own state before God. A genuine Christian does not think of himself as a good person. He no longer justifies himself saying, “Oh, I’m not so bad. There are a lot of people far worse than me.” Instead he sees every personal violation of God’s Law as if it were a splash of red paint on a white wall.

Ask yourself how you did on this question. If you have trouble really seeing the depth of your own sin before God, this could be a warning sign.

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QUESTION 2 Write out 1 John 2:3: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ First John 2:3 tells us that one of the ways we can know we belong to Him is if we are obeying His Commandments.

Name as many of the Ten Commandments as you can remember: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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journal Do you know “His Commandments”? (The Ten Commandments can be found in your Bible in Exodus 20.)

1. You shall have no other gods before Me. 2. You shall not make yourself an idol.

3. You shall not take Gods name in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and mother.

6. You shall not murder.

journal committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Of course this commandment also includes sex before marriage.)

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not lie.

10. You shall not covet.

To “covet” is to desire something that belongs to someone else.

In your life, do you actively strive to obey God’s Commands? Do you work to force yourself to obey Christ... even if it causes you pain? Do you diligently police even your thought life to make it obedient to Christ? Take some time to think about this:

The Bible says that God considers hatred to be equal to the sin of murder. 1 John 3:15a says, “Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer.”

7. You shall not commit adultery.

God considers sexual fantasizing to be equal to the sin of adultery. In Matthew 5:27-28 Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has

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1 Corinthians 9:27 2 Corinthians 10:5

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QUESTION 3 Write out 1 John 2:15: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Can you think of some ways that you find yourself loving this world? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

__________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Do you love this world and the things of this world? Only you (and God) can evaluate where you stand on this question, but God’s Word tells us that if we love the stuff of this world—God’s enemy—then we are at odds with God.

This is a tough one, especially when we live in such a materialistic society, but here are some questions you can ask yourself: Does your money belong to God first, or to you first? How tightly are you holding on to material possessions? How easily and quickly could you leave everything you own to go onto the mission field (if that’s where God called you to go)?

And here’s another angle... Do you laugh at raunchy humor? Do you love watching a television show that’s not God honoring? Do you pay to see movies containing blasphemy and sex?

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QUESTION 4 Write out 1 John 2:23: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Who is Jesus?

Choose all that apply: q

Only a historical figure.

q

Only a prophet. and good teacher.

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A Christ.

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The Christ.

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A son of God.

q

The son of God.

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Fully God and fully man.

q

An angel.

q

The Archangel Michael.

q

The brother of Satan.

q

God the Son, the second person of the Trinity along with God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit.

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There are plenty of people who claim to know who Jesus is. Atheists say he was only a historical figure. Buddhists say he was an enlightened one.

Mormons think he’s the brother of Satan. Jehovah’s Witnesses say he’s the Archangel Michael. And finally, Moslems say he was merely a prophet, and that the Bible is lying when it says he died on the cross.

All these groups make claims about who Jesus is. But the Bible tells us that they are talking about “another” Jesus (2 Cor. 11:3-4) not the genuine Jesus Christ of the Bible.

In his sermon, Todd says 1 John 2:23 is kind of a theology quiz. The bottom line is that if you don’t have the genuine Jesus Christ of the Bible, then you don’t have the Father either.

Here’s a quote from Todd’s sermon on this very point: Jesus Christ is God Himself. God is three persons – distinct, separate – yet one. Co-existing. Co-eternal. If you do not understand that Jesus… you don’t have the Father. We’ve got to know who the right Jesus is. Second John is loaded with the understanding that if you don’t have good theology and a right understanding of who Jesus Christ is, you’re not believing in the right God. You might as well believe in a carved idol. You’ve got to have good theology about Jesus Christ.

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QUESTION 5 Write out 1 John 4:15: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Depending on the translation you’re using, the Greek word homologeo (Strong’s NT 3670) in this verse may be translated “confess,” “acknowledge,” or “proclaim.” The same word is used in these two verses: Circle the word “confess” in both the following verses.

Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Luke 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 24

These two other passages help us understand that 1 John 4:15 is not talking about simply speaking the words “Jesus is the Son of God,” it has to do with proclaiming that fact to other people. Genuine Christians tell others about Jesus Christ. Hopefully they don’t just wait for someone to ask, they intentionally share the gospel with the unsaved.

It would be as if you had cancer ravaging your whole body. You’d been told you only have, at most, a few weeks to live. A friend tells you to try this new herbal drink that some group is claiming can cure cancer. What do you have to lose? You try it. Within seconds you can feel your body becoming stronger. Over the next hour, all symptoms of the cancer fall away one by one.

You become so excited that you rush to your Doctor. He verifies that you are completely cancer free. You are going to live! Could you contain your happiness? Could you prevent yourself from telling every cancer patient you know about this miracle drink?

Someone who has been saved by Christ from eternal Hell cannot help but tell others about the miracle God’s done for them.

This scripture clearly states that if we fail to proclaim Jesus Christ being the Son of God, we don’t live in God. In fact, Charles Spurgeon said, “Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.”

Here’s a quote from Todd’s sermon on this point: 25

journal You know, when I heard this, I wasn’t sharing my faith either. And I said, “You know, God, I’m going to prove it. I’m going to prove it. And I’m going to get out and start talking to people about Jesus Christ. And I’m going to look like an idiot. I don’t care.” I don’t have a choice. How can I not? I have the words of eternal life. How can I not share? How can I not? Imagine a Doctor that knows the cure to cancer, but he’s too busy furthering his studies to share it with people. Cursed Doctor!

You have the words of life.

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QUESTION 6 Write out 1 John 3:14: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Genuine Christians love other Christians. That’s not to say we don’t love non-Christians as well, but there’s something especially deep about our love for our brothers in Christ.

Write out 1 John 1:7: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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journal __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Here again we’re told that one of the signs that we’re walking in the light is that we’ll have fellowship with other Christians. If you’re a Christian, you just enjoy hanging out with other Christians.

If it annoys you to be around people who just want to talk about Jesus all the time, this could be a pretty profound warning sign.

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QUESTION 7 Write out 1 John 3:8-9: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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journal To expand our understanding, and to add clarity, here are the same two verses from the Amplified Bible: [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done]. No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the seed God has planted, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God. This is one of the toughest ones to tackle. It basically says that when people “keep on” sinning it shows they belong to the Devil.

The Amplified Bible brings out a little more of the meaning in Greek. Look again at this section: No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin,

journal cation, pornography, lying, cheating, embezzling, grumbling, gossip... whatever it is... If you are deliberately, knowingly and habitually practicing it, you are proving that you’ve not been born of God. Have you been living a lifestyle of sin, and perhaps comforting yourself with one of the following ideas?

I believe in Jesus, that’s enough.

I’m saved. I said a prayer. I was baptized.

I’m just a “carnal” Christian.

I’m backslidden, but still saved.

It’s no big deal... God forgives me.

If you answered “yes,” then please go back and re--read the verse we’ve been discussing.

We will never reach perfection until God redeems us, but we should be growing in holiness.

In his sermon, Todd says, “The Christian walk, is not about perfection, it’s about direction. And if you’re not moving in a direction of holiness, you’re not in the truth.”

Are you progressing in the right direction? Are you more holy than you were a year ago? If you have to honestly answer that you’ve not been progressing in the direction of holiness... that’s a pretty serious warning sign.

This passage is not saying that Christians never sin. That would be in conflict with the rest of the Bible. (Just look back to QUESTION 1., page 15.)

However, if you’re living a lifestyle of lust, forni30

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TRUE & FALSE CONVERSION The second message we’re going to take a look at is “True and False Conversion” by Ray Comfort. Please listen to it online at LivingWaters. com/learn.

The purpose of this message is somewhat different than that of the first one we went through.

Todd’s message was largely a focused self-examination based on the book of First John. On the other hand, Ray is setting out to show the biblical basis for the existence of a “false convert” and give a warning about how people are led into false conversion.

You should begin by reading the Parable of the Sower. It’s provided for you here from the book of Mark, but you read the parallel accounts in Luke 8 and Matthew 13.

Mark 4:1-20 And he [Jesus] began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered to him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said to them in his doctrine, “Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

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journal “And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

“And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

“And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

“And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said to them, He that has ears to hear, let him hear.”

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

And he said to them, “To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”

And he said to them, “Do you not know this parable? and how then will you know all parables?

“The sower sows the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And

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have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

“And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

“And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”

This parable describes four different possible scenarios that can occur when the gospel is presented. Three of these people are what we would term “false converts.” Only the last one Jesus describes is evidently born again.

The terminology “false conversion,” is relatively unknown in our day. (In the 1800’s it was known as a “spurious conversion.”) In fact, some Christians today have a hard time believing that the “false” exist alongside of the “true,” and will continue to do so until the Day of Judgment. However, the bible clearly states that this is so.

When His disciples questioned Jesus about the Parable of the Sower, one of the things He said to them in response was:

In each one of the following scriptures, circle the word “false.”

“Do you not know this _____________________? and how then will you know ________________ _____________________?”

Jesus tells his disciples that this parable has a very simple meaning that they should have been easily able to grasp. He tells them that if they can’t understand this parable, then they’re going to have trouble understanding all the other parables.

Jesus’ explanation of this parable can then serve as pattern (or an example) to help use understand what’s going on in many of the other parables.

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Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

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journal 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privately to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: Besides the Parable of the Sower, Jesus told many other parables that speak of true and false conversions, such as: The Wheat and Tares (true and false), the Good Fish and Bad Fish (true and false) the Foolish Virgins and the Wise (true and false), and the Sheep and Goats (true and false).

In fact, the most terrifying example of the true existing alongside the false is told to us by Jesus when he’s explaining what will happen on the last day: Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? And 36

journal then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.”

In the Parable of the Sower, Ray pulls out six characteristics of a false convert. They are: 1. Immediate results (Mark 4:5) 2. Lack of moisture (Luke 8:6) 3. No root (Matthew 13:6) 4. They receive the word with gladness (Mark 4:16) 5. They receive the word with joy (Matthew 13:20) 6.. They do “believe” for a season (Luke 8:13) Take some time to think back to the time when you believe you became a Christian. Did your “conversion” experience have these characteristics?

What light does James 2:19 shed on the sixth characteristic of a false convert? (James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ 37

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James 2:19 reveals to us that mere belief – when not accompanied by repentance (Luke 13:3) and placing one’s faith in Christ (Acts 20:21) – is not sufficient for salvation.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

What are the five fruits of a true convert?

Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

1. Fruit of _____________________ (Matthew 3:8) 2. Fruit of ___________________ (Hebrews 13:15) 3. Fruit of ___________________ (Colossians 1:10) 4. Fruit of the ________________(Galatians 5:22-23) 5. Fruit of ___________________ (Philippians 1:11) Matthew 3:8) Bring forth therefore fruits in keeping with

repentance Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Ask yourself how many of these fruits you can see in your own life.

What are the three things that happen here on earth to expose false converts?

1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________ Probe your own heart with these questions.

What happens to you when you are undergoing tribulation, temptation, and persecution? Do you find yourself losing your “faith”?

Colossians 1:10 That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God 38

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TRUE & FALSE CONVERSION OVERVIEW True conversion is when a person sees their true state before a Holy God, they repent and put their trust in Jesus Christ -- they are born again. A false conversion often happens when a person has been told to come to Jesus because He will give them a happier life, there is a lack of understanding as to what sin even is, there is no repentance, and the person is often told to repeat a prayer -but they have not been born again.

In the case of a false convert there is usually an initial burst of enthusiasm and excitement, in some cases this may last for years. But eventually time begins to reveal that there is something wrong. Over time the false convert seems to have no internal motivation to keep him pursuing godly things -- this is because he’s not been born again.

The false convert has no zeal for the lost, he is a stranger to holiness, he has no hunger for the Word, and no depth of prayer life.

The true convert, on the other hand, has a strong, almost insatiable desire to pursue godly things -- this is because the Holy Spirit resides in his heart, and he is a new creature in Christ. A true convert has an internal motivation to seek after the things of God. 40

For example, a true convert will not have to be chased down and dragged to church... he will desire to be in fellowship with God’s people. The Bible says, “newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word,” (1 Peter 2:2). A healthy lamb will have a healthy appetite. You don’t have to force-feed a healthy lamb. Someone who’s soundly saved will desire the sincere milk of the Word. They’ll discipline themselves. If you don’t see any internal motivation in a person, you need to allow for the possibility that this person has not been saved at all.

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exam results

Now that you’ve spent some time examining yourself, what are the results? Only you and God know for sure whether or not you’re a Christian.

But if you ended up, after going through the pre

This entire section is basically paraphrased from the last half of Todd’s sermon “Are You Really a Christian.” You can read it in his own words from the transcript in Appendix A.

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vious part of this book feeling like your Christian walk is a little “flimsy” it’s because you’ve not yet fully grasped the cross.

Todd Friel says, “If you’re squishy in your walk, it’s because you don’t get the cross yet.” The following is his paraphrase of Isaiah 53:5-6:

“He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when He went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.

And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God for His own sins!

But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we were healed. All of us, have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.

Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.”

There are two vial lessons that come out of the cross. The first one is that God hates sin. He 43

journal hates it so much he has created a place called Hell for people who break His laws. And it’s everything that Jesus described it as. He talked about Hell twice as much as He talked about Heaven. A lake of sulfur. Weeping. Gnashing of teeth. Where the worm never dies. It’s true. It is there. And most people are going, because God hates sin, and he won’t allow it into His presence. If you don’t understand this, you can never understand the other lesson of the cross. So here we go. We’re going to take a test to see how much of the thing God hates, we possess.

(1.) Where is God in your life? Here’s a question for you that is penetrating. Is Jesus Christ precious to you? Is He really, really, the focal point of your affections?

(2.) How about making a graven image, ever done that? Have you ever thought, “My God is not angry at sin. And my God is not wrath filled.

And my God is not going to send anybody to Hell.”

If you have, you’ve created a “god” in your mind that is a figment of your imagination... because the God of the Bible is wrath filled and He’s angry at sin every day. He does not just wink at sin, or say “it’s ok.” He will crush sinners on the Day of Judgment.

(3.) How many times have you taken His name in vain? Not just in cursing or swearing, but also in calling yourself a Christian and then acting like someone who is not a Christian. Allowing 44

journal the world to say, “Yeah, some Christian!” That is blaspheming the name of the Lord.

(4.) The Bible says, “All liars will have their part in the lake of fire.” God is keeping tabs. Every secret sin done in darkness is known to him. “The one who made the eye, shall He not see?” He knows it all and He is storing up wrath for the Day of Wrath.

Jesus said, “Be perfect, even as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” That should crush us all. Lying, and taking things that don’t belong to us, and coveting, and desiring things… It should bury us!

We should take this little test, based on the Ten Commandments, and cry out to God, “I have failed miserably. And you have every right to send me to Hell. It is reasonable. It is just.”

That’s just lesson one of the cross. But I will say this, if we don’t understand lesson one, we’ll never appreciate lesson two. If your Christian walk is a little “flimsy” it’s because you haven’t spent enough time focusing on lesson one. “Oh, what I’ve done to God! What I have done to my God. How I’ve lived for me, me, me. The filthiness of my life!”

Dwell there. Let it crush you.

And then when you can hardly breathe, consider the second lesson of the cross.

Turn and look to the Savior dying on the cross because God so loved this filthy, foul, sinful, rebellious, world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in him would not per45

journal ish, but have everlasting life! That’s not good news, that’s stunning news! That’s shocking news!

Do you know how somebody died on a cross?

If you saw the Passion of the Christ it isn’t even close. Jesus Christ knew your thought life. Jesus Christ knew about you and your Ten Commandment test, and He went, “I’ll do it. I’ll do it. I’ll do it because I love them.”

The song goes, “Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God would die for me?” He died for me?

God gave His son, His beloved son. Would you give your son for anybody? I’ve got to confess I wouldn’t give my child for anybody. God gave His Son for us. And the Bible says it “pleased” God to bruise His only Son. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Because He hates sin, but He loves us. And so it pleased God to pour out His wrath as the payment for us, so that we could respond, “God, thank you! Save me!”

So that the entire world, for all eternity would say, “What an amazing God!” Never has anybody done anything so kind! The king stepping off of His throne, entering in with the rebellious servants, and dying to save them.

He should be crushing us right now, but He’s waiting. Do you know why? Second Peter 3 says He wants you to come to repentance and the knowledge of the truth. He wants you to be saved so badly that He died for you. Oh please, 46

journal do not reject His marvelous, marvelous offer of amazing kindness. Don’t reject it. Today is the day of salvation.

Have you been told to, “Just believe”? The demons believe and they tremble. We must repent also. Imagine you’ve committed adultery. You go back to your wife and you say, “Honey, I just want you to know I believe in you.” No! You say, “I’m sorry. Have me back, please!” Repentance and faith, a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Some people say it’s easy to believe. The formula is easy: repent and trust. Doing it is not.

How do you get there? It’s simple, and yet so hard. Consider the test that we took here. Then get alone in the privacy of your heart. Get alone, with yourself, and with God. Examine your life.

You know what you’ve done… the thoughts, the deeds, the actions, the lack of praise, the lack of thanksgiving to God. Dwell on it. Let it crush you, and let it bury you, and when you think that you can’t stand anymore because of your filthy sinfulness, take a look at that cross, and your God hanging there to forgive you of your sins. And it will break your heart. And you’ll cry out to him, “God, I’m sorry! I didn’t know. I didn’t know how much you hated sin. I didn’t know how much you loved me. Would you please have me?

Would you please forgive me.”

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That’s the heart that God desires, a childlike faith. And when He saves you, you’ll know it.

And you’ll be on fire. And you will never fall away. I’m telling you, you will never be snatched from His hand.

And you will stand before him, and you will inherit eternal life, not because you’re a good person, but because you’re a bad person who’s been forgiven by a good God. Please let him save you. He died to prove His love for you. Today is the day of salvation.

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First John ~ CHAPTER 2

inspired the pure form

First John

in “Comfortable KJV” First John ~ CHAPTER 1 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our The “Comfortable KJV” is the time tested King James Version where the archaic words have been replaced by their modern equivalents. It is available in The Evidence Bible which can be found at www.EvidenceBible.com.

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eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we to you, that your joy may be full.

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

First John ~ CHAPTER 2 1 MY little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

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First John ~ CHAPTER 2

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

6 He that said he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.

8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines.

9 He that said he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.

10 He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

11 But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not where he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes.

12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

13 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.

14 I have written to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are 52

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strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides for ever.

18 Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

20 But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.

21 I have not written to you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

22 Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: (but) he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

24 Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

25 And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life.

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First John ~ CHAPTER 3

26 These things have I written to you concerning them that seduce you.

27 But the anointing which you have received of him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.

28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of him.

CHAPTER 3 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not.

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.

4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

5 And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him.

7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose 54

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the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.

11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him?

Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loves not his brother abides in death.

15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoso has this world’s good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 55

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First John ~ CHAPTER 4

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

24 And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.

CHAPTER 4 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. 8 He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.

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9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loves God love his brother also.

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First John ~ CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5 1 Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves him that begat loves him also that is begotten of him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.

7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one.

8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son. 10 He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that believes not God has made him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life.

13 These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may 58

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know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not to death.

18 We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not.

19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness.

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Amen.

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the core

the condensed version

Jesus said, “Many will say to Me on Judgment day, ‘Lord, Lord...’” “...And then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’” ~ Matt. 7:22-23 Did you know that something like 62% of Americans claim to have a “relationship with Jesus Christ.” These people go peacefully into death, believing they are safely on their way to Heaven; but Jesus says “many” of them will be shocked and 60

horrified on Judgment Day. How can you be sure you’re not one of them?

Jesus told a story about two men who prayed; one was a religious man and the other wasn’t. The religious man saw himself as a good person. He stood up and prayed out loud about himself, “God, I thank you that I’m not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers…” But the other man knew he wasn’t a good person at all. He was humbled in his heart before God. He stood at a distance, without even the courage to look up. He beat on his chest in extreme remorse for his sin, saying, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted,” (Luke 18:10-14).

Which are you like? Do you see yourself as a good person, or are you humble of heart? No one else can do this for you, but the Bible urges you to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves,” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Do that now: Have you ever lied (even once) or stolen (regardless of value)? If you said yes, you’ve admitted that you’re a lying thief. If you hate someone, the Bible says you are a murderer (1 John 3:15).

Jesus said, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” (Matthew 5:28). But even if the only wrong thing you’d ever done was tell lies, God’s justice

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So if God gives you justice on Judgment Day, you will be guilty, and end up in Hell. However, even though God is filled with wrath against you for your sin, He is also merciful, and made a way for you to be forgiven. God sent His sinless Son Jesus to willingly suffer and die on the cross, then He rose from the dead and defeated death. But it may surprise you to learn that just believing these facts won’t get you to Heaven. In fact, the Bible tells us that even the demons “believe,” (James 2:19). So what do you need to do?

Luke 13:5 - Jesus said, “…unless you repent, you will perish…”

Have you repented? Before you say “yes” too quickly… many people think that “repent” means to feel sorry for doing bad things and ask God to forgive them. But that’s not true.

Of course you should feel sorry—cut to the heart with guilt for your sins—but there’s a difference between feeling sorry, and repenting. The Bible tells us, “your sorrow led you to repentance,” (2 Corinthians 7:9a). Sorrow is a feeling, but repentance is an action, “repentance from acts,” (Hebrews 6:1). The Bible tells us that you “should 62

journal repent and turn to God, and prove [your] repentance by [your] deeds,” (Acts 26:20b).

How can you tell when someone has really repented? The Bible tells us the person will, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance,” (Matthew 3:8). So examine yourself critically. What actions have you repented of? What “fruit” of repentance have you produced? According to the Bible’s definition, have you really repented? The bottom line is that Jesus says unless you repent you will perish.

John 3:3 - Jesus said, “…no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again…”

What does it mean to be “born again?” All of us share this in common: we were all born physically—an event we celebrate every year on our birthday. But being born physically doesn’t make us God’s children. No, for that we must be born again; and that doesn’t happen until we place our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,” (Ga Does this mean that real Christians never sin? Of course not. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us,” (1 John 1:8). But there is a clear distinction between living in sin and stumbling into sin. For clarity on this, read Romans 7:7-8:9.

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journal latians 3:26). This kind of “faith” goes beyond mere mental acknowledgement of facts. Placing your faith in Jesus to save you from Hell must be done as fervently as you would grasp onto a rope thrown to you as you were falling off a cliff.

When you place your faith like this in Jesus, you are re-born, spiritually speaking, as a child of God (John 1:12-13).

How can you tell when someone has really been born again? The Bible tells us the person will urgently desire to get rid of anything in their life that’s sinful or displeasing to God (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 John 3:9), they will obey Christ’s commands (John 14:15, 1 John 2:3), and they will pray to God for the boldness to speak to others about Christ (Acts 4:29). The Bible says, “…if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment,” (1 Corinthians 11:31). So judge yourself now, before you have to face God on Judgment Day. Have you genuinely been born again? The bottom line is that Jesus says you won’t be able to see the kingdom of God unless you’ve been born again.

Don’t be like the religious man in Jesus’ story.

Humble yourself before God today. Truly repent.

Place your faith in Jesus Christ, and be born again.

Take time now to “…make your calling and election sure…” (2 Peter 1:10). Don’t wait another minute… this breath may be the last one God grants you.

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journal For more information, please listen to a free message online called “True and Fasle Conversion” www.livingwaters.com/learn

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APPENDIX A

Transcript of the message “Are You Really a Christian?”

by Todd Friel You might want to call me an evangelist. Let me tell you what an evangelist is. If you’ve ever been to a sheep farm there are basically three characters. Alright? You’ve got sheep, of course, and then you‘ve got yourself a shepherd. He’s supposed to take care of the sheep. And he does that by gently using his rod of authority to guide them in the green pastures, to take care of them, to make sure that they’re protected. But sometimes the sheep... well... they don’t always do what they’re supposed to do. And so they call in the third character which is the sheep dog.

Now the sheep dog is the one who will run over the backs of the sheep if necessary. He’ll bark and even bite the sheep to get them to go where the shepherd wants them to go. And the reason they have this relationship is that if the shepherd is too severe and too harsh with the sheep, they’ll scatter, and they’ll go look for somebody who’s a little bit nicer.

The sheep dog doesn’t care what the sheep think of him – the sheep dog comes in and just bites them. Then the sheep do what they want, but they still love the shepherd.

That’s what the church is like, basically. We’re sheep, you’ve got your pastoral shepherds, and I am your sheep dog.

I am here this morning to bite you. That’s what I am. And then I’m going to scurry back to Minneapolis, and you can love your shepherds. That’s how this is going to work out.

But please know this – that if I’ve come to bark and bite at you this morning – I want you to understand my motivation. And why I perhaps bring this morning a challenging word; a convicting word. It’s because of my concern for you for two reasons.

One reason is biblical. Jesus said some things that were just down right scary. Jesus said that in the church, just like this, there would be wheat and tares growing up together. In

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journal other words, saved people and not saved people growing up together. And He basically said, “Don’t try to pull out those tares because sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.” Which is which? And then He said there would be wise virgins and foolish virgins, good fish and rotten fish – that’s saved and unsaved. And so, if Jesus’ words are accurate, and I believe they are, in this room it is not only probable – it is likely – that we have got some tares and some rotten fish and some foolish virgins. And I speak from experience. I used to be a rotten fish myself. And so that is the second reason I bring this to you with a great deal of concern. It’s from experience. I studied to be a pastor. I did some math and I figured out that over the course of seven years I went to church over 2,800 times. We went to chapel twice, Monday through Friday, once on Saturday, and then to church on Sunday. That’s two thousand eight hundred times. I went to church almost 3,000 times – studying to be a pastor – and I am telling you I was hypocrite. I was unconverted. I was un-regenerate. Because nobody every shared with me what I would like to share with you this morning.

And so that’s my heart. I’m concerned. Because I know it for a fact, what it is to be a hypocrite and to be a false covert.

So here’s what I’d like to do this morning. You probably didn’t come to church to take a test, but we’re going to take some quizzes today. God was very kind when He wrote the Bible. In the book of First John… if you have a Bible I’d like to invite you to open it to the book of First John… First John, chapter five, says this: “I write these things…” (In other words, “I wrote the preceding 5 chapters”) “…so that you can know you’re saved.” And throughout the course of First John, it gives us ten signs, so that we can know we’re a Christian. And so I’d like to take us through those ten signs. This is a test to see if you are really a Christian. It’s a Biblical test. You don’t answer on a piece of paper. You don’t pass them forward to me. I am certainly not your judge. I do not grade them, nor does your pastor, nor does your spouse. This is between you and God alone. You are going to do what the Bible says we should do.

And that is to “examine” ourselves to see if we are in the truth.

And lets see where you’re at… between you and God. Cold?

Lukewarm? Or on fire? Alright?

First John 1:7 says this, “But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, then we have fellowship with each other.” If you’re a Christian, you like hanging out with Christians. That’s it. You just like to. It’s not that you don’t have pagan friends… those are fine… we all do. We work with them, we maybe

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even live with them. We can love them, and we should. But those people who are saved – there’s something special there.

as well believe in a carved idol. You’ve got to have good theology about Jesus Christ.

Number two – ten point test to see if we’re in the truth…

Verse eight of First John 1, “But if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Now this is not a mere acknowledgement, “Oh yeah, I’m a sinner, I goof, I do some things…” No, no, no. It’s more than that. This is, “I recognize, to my core, I don’t just have a God shaped hole in my heart… I have got a filthy, wretched, despicable, abominable heart. And if anyone knew what was really going on inside I would be ashamed and crumble. That is what I am.”

Number six. First John 3:2 says, “Yes dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns.” We can’t wait to see God. It’s as simple as that. Not because we are tired or weary and we would rather clock out… this has not been going well… I want to go home. No, no, no. This is, “I can’t wait! I can’t wait till He touches down on Mt. Zion, and I get to see the Savior face to face. I can’t wait!”

Number three. First John 2:3 says, “And how can we be sure that we belong to Him? By obeying His commandments.

If someone says, ‘I belong to God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth.”

May I ask, do you know the Ten Commandments? Do you strive to keep the Ten Commandments?

Number four. First John 2:15 says, “Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you. For when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you.”

If you love the world. Boy in America, this is a tough one, is it not? Do you love the world? It doesn’t mean that we live in a tent in the middle of the field with one change of clothing. Do you love the world? God’s enemy – the world. If we love the stuff of the world we’re at odds with God. Number five. First John 2:23. This is kind of a theology quiz. “Anyone who denies the Son, doesn’t have the Father either. But anyone who confesses the Son, has the Father also.”

Do you know who Jesus Christ is? This is a stunner. Now maybe you say, “Well of course we do.” I can’t tell you how many people I run into, and I’ll say, “Hey, do you know who Jesus Christ is?” And they say, “Oh sure. Yep. Uh-huh.” I say, “Who is he?” They say, “Oh, He’s the Son of God.” I say, “Terrific. Is He God?” They say, “No! He’s the Son of God.” I say, “So you don’t believe that Jesus is God?” Jesus Christ is God Himself – in the flesh, a Trinitarian understanding. God is three persons – distinct, separate – yet one. Co-existing, co-eternal. If you do not understand that Jesus… or dare I say a Jehovah’s Witness or a Mormon “understanding” of Jesus Christ… you don’t have the Father. We’ve got to know who the right Jesus is. Second John is loaded with the understanding that if you don’t have good theology and a right understanding of who Jesus Christ is, you’re not believing in the right God. You might

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Number seven. First John 3:9. (Long pause.) We’re going to wait on that one and come back. This is hard. It’s a hard word. Ahh…let’s do question eight in our ten point test.

Number eight. First John 3:14, “If we love our Christian brothers and sisters it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life.” Not only do we like to fellowship with Christians, we love them… and it just plain shows. People know it.

Number nine. First John 4:6, “But we belong to God that is why those who know God listen to us.” Christians love preaching, teaching, hearing the Word. We love it.

Number ten. First John 4:15, “All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them and they live in God.” May I ask you, when was the last time you proclaimed Jesus Christ… intentionally. Not waiting for someone to come up to you and ask you about the hope that lies within you, because there’s just something about you. I don’t know if that’s every happened to anybody here? That’s never happened to me, by the way. Not once. (Laughs.) Apparently I’ve got the wrong look on my face, or I don’t have the beatific glow, or something. Nobody’s ever walked up to me and said, “Excuse me, you just seem… um… special.” Maybe I need to work on something. (Laughs.) But it just doesn’t happen. You intend, “I know that person. She’s not saved. I’m going to proclaim Jesus Christ. And I’m going to make it happen.” Bill Bright says only 2% of Christians do. If we fail to proclaim Jesus Christ being the Son of God, we don’t live in God. Charles Spurgeon said, (brace yourself for this one) “If you do not have a passion to see lost souls saved, you are not saved yourself, be sure of that.”

You know, when I heard that, I wasn’t sharing my faith either.

And I said, “You know, God, I’m going to prove it. I’m going to prove it. And I’m going to get out and start talking to people about Jesus Christ. And I’m going to look like and idiot. I don’t

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journal care.” I don’t have a choice. How can I not? I have the words of eternal life. How can I not share? How can I not? Imagine a Doctor that knows the cure to cancer, but he’s too busy furthering his studies to share it with people. Cursed Doctor! You have the words of life.

The last one… remember we skipped number seven.

We’re going to go back to First John 3:8, “When people keep on sinning,” uh-oh, “it shows they belong to the Devil.” Now that is as clear as it could possibly be stated. What we need to know is this. There is Greek language involved here. This doesn’t mean that Christians never sin. This means that if you “keep on sinning.” It’s like, “Good morning, I’m planning my sin, and away I go. The next day comes and around I go again.” And it could be marked by any… you pick your sin. You pick it: lust, pornography, lying, cheating, embezzling, grumbling, not praising God... whatever it is. If you’re earmarked by lifestyle of sin – please hear this… The Christian walk, you know it’s not about perfection, but it is about direction. And if you’re not moving in a direction of holiness, you’re not in the truth. So if you aren’t growing by God’s Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you don’t have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling in you. It’s simply not optional for the believer. How holy should you be? This is real easy, because you’re thinking, “Alright. Well, how holy? You just finished ten points, Pal. What’s the curve here? How’s God going to grade this?” I don’t know. I don’t know the answer. I don’t know if it’s that you’ve got two out of ten. I don’t know if you have to get ten out of ten. I don’t know because they stand alone, and yet they stand together. I don’t know. But here’s what I do know. We should be holier than we were last year. That’s it. Just more holy – moving in that direction. Never reaching perfection until God redeems us – but moving. Are you holier than you were last year? You don’t know? Ask your family. That’s a toughie. Ask your kids. That’s brutal. But you’ll know. They know. They can see. They know. You know, down deep. God knows.

There’s the ten point test. How did you do? Lukewarm?

Hot? On fire? How did you do? Nobody needs to share this, it’s just between you and God. How did you do? Hmm? So here’s the question for us this morning. How do you get on fire for God? How do you get “better” on your “score?”

How do you become a Christian that desires the word, that loves the brethren, that can’t wait to see the Lord, that loves preaching, that proclaims the faith, that has good doctrine, that knows that they’re a sinner and is so grateful for God. How do

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journal you get on fire? I’m going to share that with you this morning because I think that God has given us some biblical examples.

And if we can figure out what happened to them I would suggest to you that each and every person in this room could walk out of here today on fire for God. Not squishy, Laodicean, lukewarm, who will be spewed out of the mouth of the Savior on Judgment Day – but instead, on fire! If we can understand God’s way of getting on fire. Ready to go? Here it is…

Three guys in the Bible: James, Jude and Joseph of Arimathea. James and Jude are half-brothers of Jesus Christ. John 7 says they didn’t believe in Jesus. Imagine that. They were living with God, and they didn’t believe in Him – hard hearts. But something happened, and they went on to write two books in the Bible, and they both begin in the same way. “James, a bondservant of Jesus Christ…” “Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ…” Whoa. They went from bitter brother to bondservant.

How did that happen? What changed? If we can figure out what changed them, it will change us too.

One wonders if they just didn’t want to bend the knee to their brother. If you’ve got an older brother or sister, boy, you know? Submitting. Boy. Can you imagine worshiping your older brother. I mean, talk about humility. That’s what it’s about. They had to get humble somehow.

There’s a third guy in the Bible that was kind of the same way. His name is Joseph of Arimathea. The Bible says that he was a secretive believer. “Yeah, I’m a Christian, but please… uhh… don’t bring it up at work. I could lose my friends here.

And if people at school knew about me they would think that I’m one of those weird people and I might not be as popular.

I might not get that promotion. I’m a ‘Joseph of Arimathea Christian.’” Because he was a religious leader and he had all the prestige, and he was a secretive believer. But something changed and he jumped out of the closet of Christianity, went to Pontius Pilate and said, “I want to take down the body of the Son of God.” Now you talk about being bold, that is being bold. There’s no going back at that point. Why did he do that?

What happened? We’ve got to learn it. And I’m telling you, it will change us. It will make us radically different. Ready?

You all know the answer too – the cross. It’s the cross. It’s the cross. It changed them. You see they were “good Jews.”

You know they were “good Jews” – James and Jude – because they grew up in the house of Mary. You know they knew the scriptures. Joseph of Arimathea was a religious leader. He

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journal knew the scriptures. They got it – they got the cross. And if you’re squishy in your walk, it’s because you don’t get the cross yet.

Isaiah 53, if you’d like to turn there, I will read it to you, but if you’d like to follow… I am certain that James, Jude, and Joseph of Arimathea knew Isaiah 53. Starting at verse 3: “He…” They didn’t know who it was. This, by the way was written 700 years before Jesus Christ came to this earth. What a book. What a book.

“He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when He went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God for His own sins! But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we were healed. All of us, have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.”

That is the message of the cross. That right there. And we’ve got to get it.

I wonder if you know both lessons of the cross? Most of us know one lesson, but there are two lessons of the cross.

Here’s lesson number one from the cross. Ready? God hates sin. Have you heard about this yet? God hates sin. We don’t hear about it a lot these days in modern evangelicalism. It offends people. It can make people not like you. God has created a place called Hell for people who break His laws. And I would beg and plead with you this morning that if you do not believe that it is real, please make sure you are right. He has prepared a place for lawbreakers called Hell. And it’s everything that Jesus described it as. He talked about Hell twice as much as He talked about Heaven. A lake of sulfur. Weeping. Gnashing of teeth. Where the worm never dies. It’s true.

It is there. And most people are going, because God hates sin.

And He won’t have it in His presence. He won’t. He will not tolerate it. He will not put up with it. Are there things that God cannot do? Yep. God cannot have sin in His presence. He is so good and so pure and so holy that He cannot have sin around him. Want to see and example in the Bible? Consider the High Priest. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest was to go into the Holy of Holies where God’s presence would

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journal be to atone for the sins of the people. And do you know that they did with the High Priest? They put little bells around the bottom of his robe, and they tied a rope (tradition says) to his ankle. Because he would have to purify himself, go into the Holy of Holies, and if he had not purified himself correctly, you know what God would do with the High Priest? Boom. Dead.

Because He can’t have sin in His presence. What was up with the bells? Well, when he was in there he would be swaying and the people outside, if they could hear the bells tinkling, they knew he was alive. If the bells stopped, they would take the rope and pull him out, because they didn’t want to go in either. Because our God is a “consuming fire.” And He hates sin. He can’t have sin. You’re thinking, “Oh, that God. That’s the Old Testament God.” Well, ask Ananias and Sapphira that God struck dead for lying. He has not changed from the Old to New Testament. He hates sin.

On the Day of Judgment, He will pour out His anger and His wrath on everybody who refuses to repent, who practices evil deeds, and lives for themselves. And I’m here this morning, because in 2,800 chapel services nobody ever told me this. That God hates sin. And I never understood the other lesson of the cross. I was thinking, “Oh yeah, it’s good news. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch… and yeah, that’s good.” But it’s only when we understand the depth of our sin that the second lesson of the cross becomes AMAZING! That despite what we are, what we’ve done… God died to save us anyway??! Oh! If you don’t think the cross is magnificent, you’ve got some self examination to do. You’ve got to look at yourself and see yourself, not the way you compare yourself to the neighbor. Because we can all find… I mean just by looking at this guy, I can tell I’m better than this guy. You know we have a tendency to just compare ourselves… and you laugh?

I know I’m better than you too. Cause I’m self-righteous, and I’m filled with pride. No. We must compare ourselves to God’s standard. To see how much of that sin we possess. So here we go. Test number two… another ten point test. We’re going to take another test to see how much of the thing God hates, we possess.

Where is God in your life? Here’s a question for you that is penetrating. Is Jesus Christ precious to you? Hmm? It’s a great question, isn’t it? Is He precious and dear to you? Is He really, really, the focal point of your affections. May I ask how many days you’ve woken up, like I used to do, never thanking God. Never bowing my head for the food that He’s provided.

Never giving Him the honor that He’s due. Never thanking him

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journal for my wife and children. Huh! Are you kidding? Thanking him??!! I was busy having a horrible thought life. Instead of thanking Him, I was filling my brain with filthy thoughts.

How about making a graven image, ever done that?

You’re thinking, “No. That’s Hinduism. They make those little graven images and they put them on a fireplace.” No, I’m not talking about that. Here’s how you and I can make a graven image. We do it this way. “You know that preacher who was in town on Sunday, that guy from Minneapolis? And I’m glad he’s gone! My God wouldn’t do that. My God is not angry at sin. And my God is not wrath filled. And my God is not going to send anybody to Hell.” Well, you know, you’re correct. You’re “god” isn’t going to do that because your “god” doesn’t exist. It’s a figment of your imagination. The God of the Bible is wrath filled and He’s angry at sin every day. And I plead with you to consider… He will crush sinners on the Day of Judgment. He will crush them because we didn’t put Him first. We get all the stuff… we get all the things, and we just delight in it, and we love it and we seek it and we serve it. And we never stop and go, “Thank you for doing this!” Every smell, we should go, “God you’re so good to us.” Every breath, we should thank Him for life. And we don’t! Instead we love the gifts and we never say thank you to the Giver. And He does not like it.

Taking His name in vain. Oh yeah. Cursing, swearing?

Absolutely. How’s about calling yourself a Christian and then acting like someone who is not a Christian. Then the world gets to go, “Yeah, some Christian!” Blaspheming the name of the Lord. His name is so Holy. See, this is… this is what nobody every told me. And I’m here to plead with you. And I know I’m getting a little severe, but I can’t help it. No body every shook me. He is Holy! He’s Holy! Don’t you get it? He’s not just going, “Oh, whatever.”

The Bible says, “All liars will have their part in the lake of fire.” Now if you can do something else with that verse, knock yourself out. I can’t figure out anything else to do with that.

He’s keeping tabs. Every secret sin done in darkness is known to him. “The one who made the eye, shall He not see?” He knows it all and He is storing up wrath for the Day of Wrath.

We have been rebels to our God. This is His story, this is His plan for His glory. And we’ve been chasing all the stuff. And He gives it to us so we’d look up, and instead we just look inward and do it all for ourselves. We don’t desire His word, or keep the Sabbath, perhaps, the way that we should. We’ve dishonored our parents. Young people? Eww! How many

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journal times… “Honey I mean it. One. Two. I mean it. Two and a half. Two and three quarters. Two and seven eighths. Three!

Now you do it and I mean it.” You’re sinning against God. Do it when you’re told. It’s a sin against God, and He knows it, and He’s keeping tabs. And He’s not going to forget when you’re 70.

“He will not forget the sins of our youth.” And we adults, we did it too. I was the biggest snot on the block, I’m telling you, God hasn’t forgotten. Murder, haven’t done that. But Jesus…

These laws that God that gave to us were given for a reason. They were not given so that people should respond and go, “Yeah, I can keep those and earn God’s favor.” That’s what every other world religion is about. Every other world religion says, “Let’s keep God’s favor and we can earn our way there.”

All of them. The Law was not given for us to earn our way to Heaven. The Law was given so that we’d go, “God, we can’t do these things! Please, save us! Send Messiah!” But the Jews missed it, they didn’t get it. They responded to the Laws and said, “Let’s get together and write more rules about the Laws, so we can figure out a way to keep it and go to Heaven someday.”

They missed it. So Jesus comes along and in the beatitudes He takes the Law and He turns up the heat on it, and He turns up the focus, and He turns up the spotlight. And instead of just saying, “Thou shalt not murder,” He said, “You’ve heard it said, ‘Thou shalt not murder,’ but I say call your brother a fool you’re in danger of the Judgment.” They should have gone, “Oh no… I’ve done that all the time!” He said, “You’ve heard it said of old, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery,’ but I say you that if you’ve looked at a woman with lust you’ve committed adultery in your heart.” It should be a burden that crushes us. The Jews missed it. I beg you not to miss it. I beg you not to miss it!

The beatitudes are the Ten Commandments squared. “Be perfect, even as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” And it should crush us all. Lying, and taking things that don’t belong to us, and coveting, and desiring things… It should bury us! And we should take this little ten point test and go, “God, I have failed miserably. And you have every right to send me to Hell.

It is reasonable. It is just. And He should do it to me first.” All of us. It’s right. People go, “Oh, well, Hell is not that bad.” No! It’s that bad and more. I had a kid say to me once, “Well, do you think… Can you comprehend how hot the surface of the sun is?” No, but that’s not as hot as Hell. Why? Because God hates sin. And if that were the end of it… quite honestly we should all go kill ourselves. I mean, really. Quite honestly. Or we should all go live like the Devil, and be Epicureans, and just eat drink and be merry, and enjoy the finest things, because

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journal when we die then that’s the end. But that’s not the end. That’s just lesson one of the cross. But I will say this, if we don’t understand lesson one, we’ll never appreciate lesson two.

I wonder if your Christian walk is a little “flimsy” it’s because you haven’t spent enough time focusing on lesson one.

“Oh, what I’ve done to God! What I have done to my God. How I’ve lived for me, me, me. The filthiness of my life!”

Dwell there. Let it crush you. And then when you can hardly breathe, consider the second lesson of the cross. Turn and look to the Savior dying on the cross because God so loved this filthy, foul, sinful, rebellious, world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in him would not perish, but have everlasting life! That’s not good news, that’s stunning news! That’s shocking news!

Do you know how somebody died on a cross? If you saw the Passion of the Christ it isn’t even close. It wasn’t even close. Most men did not make it to the cross. They would whip them with the cat-of-nine-tails, with the leather, and the glass and the nails in it. It would tear through the sin, tear through the muscles, and the organs would just fall right out of their backs. Jesus Christ knew your thought life. Jesus Christ knew about you and your Ten Commandment test, and He went, “I’ll do it. I’ll do it. I’ll do it because I love them.” The song goes, “Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God would die for me?” He died for me? I could understand it if maybe we were all good… but we’re not all good – we’re all bad, and He died anyway! Amazing! When He died on the cross, the hanging from the… Remember the back is all torn up, you’re on the wood, you can’t breathe because you’re slinking down, and you try to push yourself up, which just rubs against the back. And you push yourself up because you can’t breathe.

It’s like when you’re in a swimming pool and you’re trying to go from the shallow end to the deep end, and keep your neck above the water. Ever done that? Water comes up and you stretch your neck up. That’s what happens on the cross. You get pulled down, and everything gets pulled up, and you can’t breathe, and you suffocate, and you die. And the Bible says, Isaiah 53:10, says it was God’s good plan to crush him.

God planned it. God planned it. It was God’s plan to bruise His only Son. “God was pleased to bruise His…” “God was pleased…” That image that you have in your brain right now of the Savior dying on the cross… With the nails, by the way, which didn’t go through the front of their feet, they think, because the nails aren’t long enough. They think they had

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journal the criminals straddle the cross so they could bang the nails through the akilies. That’s how you hung on a cross.

His son, His beloved son. Would you give your son for anybody? I’ve got to confess I wouldn’t give my child for anybody. God gave His Son for us. And the bible says it “pleased” God to bruise His only Son. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Because He hates sin, but He loves us. And so it pleased God to pour out His wrath as the payment for us, so that we could respond, “God, thank you! Save me!” So that the entire world, for all eternity would say, “What an amazing God!” Never has anybody done anything so kind! The king stepping off of His throne, entering in with the rebellious servants, and dying to save them. This is God’s prearranged plan so that He could be glorified to the max. There is no better way for God to be praised than for you to get saved. So that He can forgive you. So that everybody can say, “Do you believe what a God that is? He saved Todd! He saved you! What a God! What a good God!” That is history. That is God’s plan, and that is His intention.

Please know this. You will be glorifying God. You will glorify him in Heaven because you’ve repented and put your trust in Jesus Christ, and you will praise him forever because you will be demonstrating God’s kindness toward you, a sinner, or you will glorify him in Hell. Make no mistake about it. We will all be glorifying God. This is all for him. We are so self-centered, we think it’s about us, we can’t help it. God says, “No, it’s really all about me. And you’ll glorify me in Heaven because I’ve forgiven you, or you’ll glorify me in Hell as the smoke of your torment rises before the throne of the Lamb for eternity.”

He’s going to get glorified.

And I’m here this morning to beg you. Please, please…

He’s a good God. He’s a kind God. What does He need to do to demonstrate His love for you, but die for you? He’s a kind God. He’s a patient God. He should be crushing us right now, but He’s waiting. Do you know why? Second Peter 3 says He wants you to come to repentance and the knowledge of the truth. He wants you to be saved so badly that He died for you.

Oh please, do not reject His marvelous, marvelous offer of amazing kindness. Don’t reject it. Today is the day of salvation.

He gives us time. He’s a good God! Do you have to give up your life? Umm, yes. But you get God instead.

Now, as we close, I want to challenge you even further.

I realize this has been a lot, but I want to challenge you even

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journal further. I don’t know your conversion story, and I am not your judge. I can’t stress that enough. I can’t stand here and say, “You’re going. You’re going. You’re not going.” It’s not my job, and I wouldn’t know anyway. But I’m a little concerned that these days some people have responded to a gospel presentation, and they were told to do something that maybe isn’t biblical. The response to the gospel is you die to you. You’ve heard the term “born again.” Right? How do you get “born again?”

You don’t climb back into your mother’s womb. You die to you.

Spiritually, “God I’m done. I am done with me. I’m dead to me.

I want nothing more with me.” And God says, “Now you’re ready, because I’m going to get all the credit for this. You’re not going to come to me on your terms, you’re coming on my terms only, and now I will save you.” When we repent and put our trust in Jesus Christ. “I’m sorry, I trust you.” But sometimes we’re told to do things, and I wonder if you were told to do something, and maybe your Christian walk is not been what it’s supposed to be. As gently as I can, I’ve used these terms myself, I would simply like to maybe make some corrections.

Have you been told to, “Just believe”? I was. That’s what I was told. Just believe. The demons believe and they tremble.

We must repent also. Imagine you’ve committed adultery. You go back to your wife and you say, “Honey, I just want you to know I believe in you.” No! You say, “I’m sorry. Have me back, please!” Repentance and faith, a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

We’ve been told that we should, “Ask Jesus into our heart.”

Well, does Jesus come and dwell in our hearts? Yes, He does.

Yeah. The question is how does He get in there? I wonder how many people in this room… I would almost take it to the bank you’ve asked Jesus into your heart six, eight, ten times – and He doesn’t seem to stay. You haven’t repented and put your trust in him. You haven’t died to you so that he can make you spiritually reborn.

What about this, sometimes we’re told, “We have a God shaped hole in our heart. Only Jesus can fill it.” So we give it a try. We do have a God shaped hole in our heart. We have way more than that. We’ve got a filthy, wretched, diseased heart.

And he’ll cleanse it. He’ll clean it and make it new. And he’ll give us a new heart with new desires when we repent and put our trust in him.

Sometimes people will use fruit as a draw card. “Come to Jesus and you’ll get…” sometimes it’s, “…love, joy, peace,

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journal patience, kindness, goodness…” Does He give us those things?

Yes. But if we come seeking the fruit… well, we don’t get the Giver of the gift.

Sometimes people will say, “Come to Jesus and your marriage will be healed.” Well, the Bible actually says something different. It says there’s a pretty good chance you’re marriage will get wrecked. “Houses will be divided because of me.”

Sometimes people say, “If you come to Jesus your kids will grow up better.” So you try it. That’s not what the salvation message is… it is repentance and faith.

“Come to Jesus and you’ll get healed.” Might God heal you? Yes. Might God kill you? Yes, for His glory. There’s no promise. The only promise that the Bible shows me is trials, temptation, and persecution. Ask Paul. What was Paul’s wonderful plan for his life? Shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, killed one time, came back to life, persecuted everywhere He went… Did He miss out on the “wonderful” plan? It’s not about that. It’s not about our plan. It’s about His plan. But we endure through those things because we have God and His forgiveness and an afterlife if we’ll repent and put our trust in him.

“Make Jesus our Lord and Savior.” Can’t. He already is.

We’re living in rebellion to him. We must submit to him.

“Accept Jesus.” Oh wrong! Couldn’t be more wrong. “Accept Jesus”? (Laughs.) You talk about having it backwards! He needs to accept us. And He will, He’s kind, if we’ll repent and put our trust in him.

Some people say it’s easy to believe. The formula is easy: repent and trust. Doing it is not. You have no idea what you are looking at. You have no idea what I was. You talk about…

I don’t care how much pride you have, Sir or Madam, I had way more than you. Self-righteous to the gills. You’ve got to get low. It’s about being low before God. And God says, “Now I’ll save you, because I’m going to get the credit for it. You’re not going to earn it. You’re not going to get any credit. You get low and I’ll be exalted, when you repent and trust.”

Now, this is a toughie. I’m going to challenge you on this, and we’ll wrap up. “Making a decision for Jesus.” This is a tough one. Have you, “made a decision for Jesus”? Did somebody tell you, “make a decision and become a Christian.” I’d like to challenge that. You see if this makes sense to you. Do

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journal I think we people can make a decision. I do think that. We can make a decision. We can accept the teachings of the Bible.

God is sovereign. He is holy. He is just. He’ll judge the world in righteousness. And Jesus Christ died on the cross, shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins. If a man will repent and put his trust in Jesus Christ, his sins will be forgiven and he will inherit eternal life. I believe we can decide that that is true, but that’s as far as it goes. We can decide it’s right, submit to God, humble ourselves to him, call out to him for mercy, and then He will decide to save us. He is going to get all of the credit.

Would you let a… You’re thinking I’m just being just a little too picky on this. You’ve got a kid. “Oh dad, my side hurts, my side hurts…” Will you just take him to a Doctor, “Hey do whatever you think you need to do. Whatever method. That’s fine.

Do whatever. Knock around in there for a little bit.” No, no, no. You want a surgeon who’s surgically accurate, and sharp, and we’re just talking about an appendicitis here. The gospel of our God is specific. Read Leviticus. You don’t think God is specific about the gospel? Repentance and faith. If we come thinking we’re… See when we “make a decision” we’re in the driver’s seat. Ok? “God, I’ve decided.” Wrong! Get out of the driver’s seat. Let God make the decision to save us, and He will.

But we’ve got to be completely done with us.

journal baby faith, that just looks up and says, “God, you’re big. You part seas. You put men in whales. You created the earth in six days. You died on the cross… Oh, God you’re huge and I love you. Please save me.” And He’s good. And He will. And you’ll know it. And you’ll be on fire. And you will never fall away. I’m telling you, you will never be snatched from His hand. Because he’ll seal you with His Holy Spirit. It’s the sign, the seal of His covenant. And He will save you unto the Day of Redemption. And you will stand before him, and you will inherit eternal life, not because you’re a good person, but because you’re a bad person who’s been forgiven by a good God. And we’ll get to enjoy and reign with him. Do you know that we get to reign with him? Do you know that Jesus describes serving, that in Heaven He’s going to serve us? Do you know that? Your God serve us? I should be on my face before him, fearful of looking up at this God. But He says, “I’m going to serve you because I am so good.” Please let him save you today. Please let him save you. He died to prove His love for you. Today is the day of salvation. If you don’t know, please come to him. Please.

How do you get there? How do you get there? Simple, and yet so hard. Simple and so hard. Consider the test that we’ve taken this morning. This is it. In the privacy of your own heart. Get alone. I’m not an altar call kind of a guy. I’m not going to ask you to raise your hand or fill out a card. Get alone in the privacy of your heart. You know if you’re saved or not. You know. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.” It’s radical, it’s different. You know it, and so does your family. Because you’re different now. If they don’t know, then something’s wrong. So you know. So get alone, with yourself, and with your God. Please, I beg of you, do the heavy lifting.

Examine your life. You know. You know what you’ve done.

The thoughts, the deeds, the actions, the lack of praise, the lack of thanksgiving to God. Dwell on it. Let it crush you, and let it bury you, and when you think that you can’t stand anymore because of your filthy sinfulness, take a look at that cross, and your God hanging there to forgive you of your sins. And it will break your heart. And you’ll cry out to him. And you’ll cry out to him, “God, I’m sorry! I didn’t know. I didn’t know how much you hated sin. I didn’t know how much you loved me.

Would you please have me? Would you please forgive me.”

And He’s good. That’s the heart that God desires, a childlike faith. Not a critical, “Well, I’ll be in control of this.” No a little

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