George Barnett

As with most things in my life, I'm putting the "horse after the cart" here. While I was reading some responses to question #3 I noticed an allusion to "my introduction" by a fellow student, so I went looking and here I am. For the last fifteen years or so I have been involved with musical ministries, in various churches, of some description or other. I am a guitarist/singer and I also sing bass in a choral capacity. I have attended several churches over the past few years and am presently attending a small Christian Mission, non-denominational, whose teaching is based on Salvation through Christ's Blood and whose mandate is outreach and evangelization. I am constantly struggling with the notion of Faith, and am praying for the strength to let God take over my life. Even at this late stage in life I think that I can do it all. I pray to be able to change that. I look forward to this Bible Study and am already reaping the benefits of reading others' opinions on the questions being asked by Pastor Ralph. I find these answers very heartening and enlightening. Blessings to All, George

God, through His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, has assured us of eternal life. He has promised that, no matter what befalls us here on earth. All we need to do for Him to keep His promise to us is to believe in Him and have faith in Him.

Forgiveness is freely given to us by God. It is a gift from God, not a license to sin. We do not accept forgiveness with the thought that "we're good for another twenty thousand, let's go and sin some more, until next time!" We may only accept forgiveness with true sorrow in our hearts for our transgressions and with true intent to sin no more. When we accept God's forgiveness, we also assume the responsibility of trying to live up to His mandate which is one of obedience as well as love. We are surely saved by Grace, God's Grace as He sent Jesus to die for our sins. Good works, by themselves will not get us into Heaven, only faith in Christ will do that. Good works are a result of our trying to live in Christ, as we accept Him into our lives.

Such a Christian is a person who, for whatever reasons, is focussing on the worldly aspect of life rather than spiritual ones. I find myself in this situation more than I care to admit to and certainly more than I like. When I identify this behaviour I pray for forgiveness and for the strength and courage to allow God to run my life, to "Let Go and Let God", as the adage goes. I agree with the things that sbuthpstr stated, and am also grateful for a God who is endlessly loving, patient and forgiving. I pray daily for the strength and courage to let God into my life completely and to deny Satan his way with me. For me it is a constant struggle and I pray God will equip me to prevail. I look forward to this Bible Study, the interaction with other students and to improving my ability to live in Christ, and with God, through the things I will learn. God's Blessings to you all, George