5 minute read
World News.......................................................................Pages
from His Grace Magazine
by His Grace
Disturbing new trend!
Almost 70% of born-again Christians believe that there are other ways to Heaven
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Some born-again Christians make up almost 70% who disagree with the Bible and the biblical position that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, according to a new survey from Probe Ministries, a nonprofit ministry that is trying to help the church by refreshing the minds of Christians with a Christian world view.
This survey looks at religious mindsets and their beliefs towards cultural attitudes. They polled 3,106 Americans of the ages 18-55; they were from all religious groups which included 717 participants who said they were born- again Christians.
The born-again Christians were recognized on their reply to the question that asked, "Do you have a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in your life today?" They were also recognized by what they believe in and from what happens after you die. Born-again Christians agreed that, "I will go to Heaven because I did confess all of my sins and I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior."
Regardless of this claim made by the born -again Christians in this poll, all of those between the ages of 18 to 39, who was with some kind of religion, about 1 out of 5 strongly disagreed with those who said that Muhammad, Buddha and Jesus all taught valid ways to God. Sixty percent of them said they shared their faith with others with the purpose of converting them.
Steve Cable, who is the senior vice-president of Probe Ministries said, "If you think that there are multiple ways to Heaven, why would you want to go out of your way to convert someone to your religion? Of course, you could be sharing with an unaffiliated person who needs to choose a valid religion."
The survey also saw that some of the top reasons born-again Christians gave for why they don't tell anyone about their faith was because of pluralism. When born-again Christians explained why they don't tell others about Jesus, they gave three reasons: 1) "They can get to Heaven through different religious beliefs," 2) "We shouldn't impose our ideas on others," 3) "The Bible tells us not to judge others."
Steve Cable, said, "At first glance, this may seem surprising. But in a culture where pluralism is a dominant part of all religious groups, it begins to make sense. And the pluralistic reasons were dominant, attracting around two thirds of the population across all religious groupings."
Steve also stated that pastors and their churches really need to teach all of their congregations that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
Their are roughly about 176 million American adults that say they are Christians, but only 6% or 15 million actually had a strong biblical world view. Another shocking figure was that over half reject quite a bit of biblical teachings. This includes the existence of the Holy Spirit.
World War II Vet/Pastor
A Veteran/Pastor who is almost 100 years old is continuing to Preach the name of Jesus
AWorld War II veteran who is also a Pastor from Texas has been inspiring many people with his perseverance. He is also crediting Jesus for his long life.
Jack Hetzel is an author and a Pastor and he is turning 100 years old on November 18th. He has met presidents, fought for America during World War II, he has started businesses, written eight books and he has preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ for many years.
A few months ago, Jack made headlines as he received his high school diploma at the age of 99. As Jack prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday, he is giving all the thanks to God for all that he has done in his life.
Jack said, "I believe I'm going to go to 112, but I'm ready to go anytime. God has been so good to me to live 100 years."
Jack also told about his military history. He said he was in the army during World War II and he fought in five well known battles. Jack preaches at Big Sandy United Methodist Church in Texas and spent time leading other churches in past years.
Jack said, "After being in the military, I finally agreed with God that it was time for me to preach. If God puts something into a person, why would you retire from it? I don't minister; I am a minister. I don't like to vacate. I like to do what I'm doing."
Jack's strong spirit and his willpower aren't only noticeable in his pastoring, but also when he realized his dream of attaining a high school diploma. A lot of people Jack's age would have just given up on their high school diploma, but Jack kept pushing forward. Jack did receive a GED in 1948, but he always wanted a high school diploma and now Jack earned that this past summer.
Jack said, "It's very exciting. You see when you have little education and then you have to come up through life and you have to front life with little education, you have to learn somehow."
Jack's biography on his business website says Hetzel and Hetzel Enterprises; this business is a land management company. Jack only had a third grade education and yet he still achieved so much during his life.
Jack's biography says, "With no more than a third grade education, Jack became an instructor of 'Military Science' at Texas A&M University. Since retiring from the military, Jack has always been involved with entrepreneurship creating many successful businesses and non profit charities which are still in operation today. Jack is happiest when helping people in need."
Jack has lived an amazing life and lived it well and his story is inspiring, to say the least. It leaves us all with something to think about and to obtain like perseverance and a strong faith in Jesus Christ.