Perfection Required for Eternal Life?

The clip below is from a 20/20 episode which aired this past Friday (11-25-11) and a comment at the 14:15 mark specifically stuck out to me regarding what one needs to do to go to Heaven. Are they really correct? It that really what God's word says? See clip below (I recommend watching from the beginning of the clip to the 14:14 mark).



Well...I guess all I really needed to do since being born was be perfect and then I would be able to go to heaven. Wouldn't that be obeying God's word? Because if I didn't obey one part of it then I be in sin and not able to go to Heaven and my desiny would be Hell. You see, the only problem with obeying God's word in order to go to heaven means my salvation would be based on what I do. Which is being perfect by obeying God's word and thus not sinning; however, there is a problem...Roman 3:23 (for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God). So, it is really not by being perfect by obeying God's word that enables me to go to Heaven, it is by having faith in the grace God offered me through His Son Jesus Christ, not the result of anyting I did or could do (Ephesians 2:8–9). Those poor kids, please keep them in your prayers.

Oh, by the way, I could not even enter this world sinless because I was born of Adam's seed which is how sin is passed down from one generation to the next (Romans 5:12), so it is true that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We all need a Savior in order to go to Heaven and that is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

Now...What Changed Their Minds?

Today is finially the day that the "180" movie is released and we have an opportunity to see what has changed all of these peoples minds regarding abortion. I mean you just can't change peoples minds and so quickly, comeon'. Please take some time to view the free movie below to find out what was shared that made do a 180. Now, I just watched it and it is about 33 minutes long, but I'll tell you that I feel it is well worth every minute. I found it shocking, enlightning, frightening and in some ways disturbing; however, I feel this is information that we all need to be reminded of so we do not end up repeating history. Or, is it already too late? Have we already repeated history?

Again, please take time to watch the video below and you determine for yourself if it is too late or not. Is it too late for the Jews, is it too late for humanity, is it too late for babies in the womb or is it even too late for you? My answer would be that it is not too late as long as we or you still have breath. It is not too late to make a difference and make a decision that will not only save many lives and/or many babies, but perhaps even your life for eternity. After viewing the movie, please feel free to visit www.heartchanger.com for more information and please be forwarned that the movie below does contain some graphic images that may be disturbing for some viewers.

Pro-Choice to Pro-Life...in Seconds.

This is an important announcement to help spread the message of "180" by Ray Comfort of Way of the Master.  Please take a moment to watch the short two-minute trailer below and then know that a free full version of this shocking, award-winning documentary will be available at the www.180movie.com website on September 26, 2011. How cool is that? 

This is a great tool to pass along and share with anyone you feel appropriate (from those who do not know Jesus as Savior to those who know Jesus as Savior and need a tool to help share Jesus). May God Bless you as you are reaching out to share the good news of Jesus Christ!

What Happens After We Die?

I was recently looking at the "Stone the Preacher" blog and I came across this very interesting debate that I just needed to share with anyone passing by this blog. The debate was on Larry King Live and the topic was 'What happens after we die?'

A great question that I'm sure a lot of people have and want to know the answer to, but is there really an answer to the question? That is what the assembled panel of a renowned pastor, a Rabbi, a New Ager, a Muslim, a priest and an atheist were on the show for to try and figure out. The short debate is interesting to watch as all seem to go against the renowned pastor. Could it be because he is actually sharing the absolute truth from God's word? I'm sure it is not a surprise for the renowned pastor to have everyone go against what he is saying because God's words states that Jesus (who is the way, the truth and life and no one comes to the Father but by Him) will be offensive to those who don't believe (1 Corinthians 1:18)?

Who do you think? Is there there a right person in the debate? Watch below.

Making the Most of Every Opportunity.

A few weeks ago, towards the end of April, my Grandmother passed away. This is the Grandma of my Grandpa that passed away 4 months earlier in January. As you may remember (if not, just see the January 2011 post) that during my Grandpa's service I had the opportunity to share a clear gospel message along with the minister conducting the service. However, during my Grandma's service my uncle decided he didn't want anyone to speak, just eat and visit. Thankfully, my dad continually asked my uncle if I could speak during the service. My uncle eventually gave the okay and I once again had the opportunity to share Jesus Christ. This time was a little different.

I was only given a couple of minutes to share, so I gave a little background of my Grandma (whom I did not know to be saved before my hospital encounter), then shared one of my last conversations/encounters with my Grandma in the hospital where she thanked me, said she would never forget me, mentioned she had a peace unlike anything she had ever had before, stated that I knew what I was talking about and had a message that people needed to hear and was very grateful for me. This was an amazing encounter as I have shared Jesus Christ with her at different times included one time where I was banned from their house until I apologized for apparently judging them. I said I would not apologize for the gospel and then a few years later, in the hospital, my Grandma is saying she is grateful for me and I have a message people need to hear. What? That is crazy and if someone were to ask me if my Grandma was saved and would go to heaven when she dies, I would say after than encounter, Yes, she would. Praise God! It was definately very cool to share this story with my mom who loves the Lord and has been praying for her mom for many years.

Towards the end of my little talk at my Grandma's service I mentioned that if you are hear today and you think the story is great and nice, but you don't think much of God and heaven now, but you'll eventually get right with God, that is when you get around to it. I said, as of today it is your lucky day as you will have no more excuses. Then out of my pocket I pulled out a 'Round Tuit' and said I have a full pocket of Round Tuit's and don't leave without one today. I then proceeded to hand out tracks at my Grandmother's service and as a matter of fact, people were even asking for them. Now that is amazing and making the most of the opportunity that God has given to share about His Son, Jesus. If you are interested in obtaining the tract yourself, just click on the picture below and you will be linked to the site where it can be purchased.

Jesus as Savior or a Curse Word?

Check out the forbidden Easter add below (found initially on stonethepreacher.com) that a movie theater in California initially agreed to run for a church; however, after they realized it mentioned the name of Jesus the decided not to show it during the previews even though a contract was signed and thousands of dollars was paid. Here’s the reason why, according to Senior Pastor Mike Fabarez: “[They said] it uses the name of Jesus and so we’re not going to accept that ad.”



Pastor Mike further states: “You can show movies and contract with movie companies and producers and show all kinds of things that use the name of Jesus in all kinds of pejorative ways and as expletives and everything else. You can enter into contracts about all kinds of controversial topics on the big screen—but when it comes to an ad that just asks the question, ‘Did Jesus rise from the dead? Come to our church and check it out,’ they said no.”

Interesting isn't it. You can't watch a preview that points to Jesus as Savior, but you can watch the movie that follows which most likely uses Jesus name as a curse word (which is blasphemy and a violation of the 3rd Commandment).

Choosing to Play the Background.

At church this past Sunday we were given a challenge to memorize some wonderful verses that if applied would not only change our lives, but also any other person that we would potentially come into contact with. That sounded great, but the only problem with applying the verses to my life is that I too often get in the way. I many times end up trying and take the lead of my life and when that happens the focus ends up being all about me. What am I getting (i.e. recognition)? How am I feeling (i.e. happy, content, etc.)? What do I need to be happy (i.e. money, new tv, recognition)? When I'm leading my life, I tend to care less about what other people need, how they feel and/or even where they will end up spending eternity (i.e. I'm not thinking about sharing Jesus with people or even looking for opportunities to share Jesus).

The memory verse that were to memorize comes from Philippians 2:3-4 and can hit you hard, but if applied sure can change peoples lives. "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." From these verses I learn that I need to daily humble myself, let the Lord take the lead of my life, consider others better than myself (i.e. get dirty and wash some peoples feet like Jesus did at the last supper) and follow the example Jesus gave me to live my life. I need to allow, No, I need Jesus to play the lead and I need to play the background.