So Are You? - Our Journey Online - August 2, 2012

So Are You?

10”Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. — Acts 4:10-13 

Hey, I have a question for you. It’s pretty important and it’s something you need to know for sure. So here it is, are you saved? You might say, “Uh sure, I go to church on Sunday. I’ve gone to church every Sunday. I don’t ever miss.” No, no . . . going to church on Sunday doesn’t make you a Christian. It doesn’t make you any more of a Christian than swimming in the ocean makes you a fish.

So, are you saved? “Well, my grandma is saved, and so are my parents. I once dated someone that was saved and they even took me to church a couple of times. So yeah . . . I think I’m probably saved.” Listen. God has no grandchildren. You can’t be saved through someone else’s decision any more than you can own your friend’s house just because you drove them to the closing.

So, are you saved? “I hope so. I mean, I’m a pretty good person. I’ve never been to jail and most people think I’m pretty cool.” Again, no. You are not saved because you hope you are. I have friends that every year hope the Chicago Cubs will win the World Series. Enough said.  And for sure it’s not what other sinful people think of you that determines your eternal destiny.

So, how can you be saved? There’s only one way: faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve gone to church. It doesn’t matter if your parents or your boyfriend/girlfriend have something good going on with God. It doesn’t matter how much you hope for it, or even what every person on the planet thinks of you.

The ONLY way you are saved is when you personally trust Jesus for the forgiveness of all your sins. Not just know that fact, but BELIEVE it. The Bible says that there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

So, are you saved?

Journal:

· Think about the main question of this devotional article and ask yourself this question, “Am I honestly, truly, completely saved?” If you don’t know, chances are, you’re not.

Prayer – Father God, as I examine my life, I see that I need to take care of answering the most important question I can ever answer: am I Your child, am I saved? I know that I’m not perfect, and I long  to be different. Because of Your Son, Jesus Christ, please forgive my sin and wash me clean. I want to know that I am truly saved. I want to know Jesus Christ as my Savior. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Always True: 5 Great and Precious Promises of God

Always True: 5 Great and Precious Promises of God 

5 CD Series Set - $35.00

What if you believed—truly believed with all confidence that God is with you? How would today go for you if you knew without a doubt that God is in control? What would be different in your life if you were sure God is watching and good? What would you risk if you were certain God is victorious? 

Just how would believing God’s promises change your life?  

Ask the greatest Christian you’ll ever meet if they hold on to God’s promises and they’ll all say yes. Believing that God will do what He promises leads to a great life. The greatest Christian you’ll every meet knows, treasures, and is resting in the promises of God. They cling to these assurances that God gives His people so they can walk by faith while they wait for Him to work.

So what exactly does God promise?  In this topical study of what will always be true, Pastor James MacDonald will explore five great and precious promises that God keeps. Enter into this study with anticipation and faith that the God who makes these promises is faithful and true... always true.

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Christianity / Devotionals / Today's Devotionals / So Are You? - Our Journey Online - August 2, 2012