Signal_Hill

My redemption comes from the fact that I am no longer held down by the yoke of sin. God has shown me the futility of living a life that is of the world, and how that life(style) leads only to an eternity of despair, and of not being able to enter into the heavenly places. The sacrifice paid by His only son, Jesus was a gift that can never be repaid by this mortal being. A future without redemption is like falling into a black hole, accompanied by panic and despair.

If there is a scary side to predestination, it is the view that there are those who are chosen from before the world was begun, and the rest of mankind cannot become a part of the family of God, no matter what. Holding to that view is dangerous, and in all probablility, a lie that has been spread by Satan to discourage people from being saved. The comfort comes from knowing that God DOES have a plan for mankind, and that there is the promise of an inheritance into His family. Paul brings up predestination as a way of assuring both the saints at Ephesus and the faithful that God does have a plan for them.

After years of sitting in church, and hearing the Word of God preached, I know what it means to be in Christ from a head knowledge perspective, but I often have doubts and realize that from a spiritual perspective, I probably am not "in Christ". Yes, I know all the right words to say when someone asks about my salvation, but deep down inside, I know within my heart of hearts, that it is all lip service. I have "rededicated" my heart to Jesus on a number of occasions over the years, but in looking back, I am like the seed that fell upon stony ground (Matt 13:5, 20-21 ). I am now at a stage in my life where I know that the years I might have left are not as many as what I have lived, and I need to get my spiritual life in order, so that I can greet the Lord in the air ( 1 Thess 4:16-17 )when he returns. As for the implications, an eternity of death ( Rom 6:23 ) is what I face if I don't have the assurance of being "in Christ".

Hello Everyone... My name is Terry, and I live in St. John', Newfoundland, Canada. I am looking forward to beginning the study, and to learning from the word of God. Even though I have claimed to be a Christian for years now, I can honestly say that I am probably the worst of the worst when it comes to prayer and bible study. I really need to get some grounding in my spiritual walk. I would appreciate any prayers from the group. Thank you.