Guest Steve D Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 The below actually is an excellent article and web site link that has helpedmany. It is not meant to offend anyone - but to bring you closer to whomever your Higher Power may be.If you want to learn more, feel free to email me (Steve D) at nvflag@sprynet.com_________________________________________________________________THE FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS1. God LOVES you and offers a wonderful PLAN for your life.Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life?Because...(References contained on this Home Page are from the Bible and should be read in context wherever possible.)God's Love"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"(John 3:16 NIV).God's Plan[Christ speaking] "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" [that it might be full and meaningful] (John 10:10).2. Man is SINFUL and SEPARATED from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life.Man Is Sinful"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Manwas created to have fellowship with God; but, because of his stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way, and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is an evidence of what the Bible calls sin.Man Is Separated"The wages of sin is death" [spiritual separation from God] (Romans 6:23).This diagram illustrates that God is holy and man is sinful. A great gulf separates the two. The arrows illustrate that man is continually trying to reach God and the abundant life through his own efforts, such as a good life, philosophy, or religion - but he inevitably fails.The third law explains the only way to bridge this gulf...3. Jesus Christ is God's ONLY provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's love and plan for your life.He Died in Our Place"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).He Rose From the Dead"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...He was raised on the third day,according to the Scriptures...He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred..."(1 Corinthians 15:3-6).He Is the Only Way to God"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comesto the Father, but through Me'" (John 14:6).This diagram illustrates that God has bridged the gulf which separates us from Him by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place to pay the penalty for our sins.It is not enough just to know these three laws...4. We must individually RECEIVE Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives.We Must Receive Christ"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12)We Receive Christ Through Faith"By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, itis the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9).When We Receive Christ, We Experience a New Birth(Read John 3:1-8.)We Receive Christ by Personal Invitation[Christ speaking] "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him"(Revelation 3:20).Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of the will.The following explains how you can receive Christ:You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer(Prayer is talking to God)God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. The following is a suggested prayer:"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, I invite you to pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.Did you pray this prayer?If so, and you would like to learn more, feel free to click on the link below or email me back from more information. www.godlovestheworld.com Link to post Share on other sites
chrozzo 19 Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Steve Dannenman, is that you? Link to post Share on other sites
crowTrobot 2 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 more cult speak designed to play on irrational emotionalism. Link to post Share on other sites
keith crime 8 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 No offense but this is the exact stuff that ticks people and me off about a lot of christiansWe are born with sin - god made us - whats up with that?We are going somewhere else if we don't accept Jesus - sucks to be stuck somewhere where they don't have bibles - no wonder people are so desperately trying to send them to ChinaNot sure who said it but anyone who talks like this about heavan leaves us here in hell on earthBe a good person because you have decided it is the right things to doDon't tell people who live humble, generous lives they are going to eternal damnation because they treated everyone around them with dignity and respect and didn't get around to accepting your personal choice of saviorEvery part of your post says my way or the highway - you give religion a bad name - and it appears you never post here. Try to be a good person. Stop damning everyone who doesn't agree with you and learn something about living with other people in a loving way. You know like Christ did. Link to post Share on other sites
natewood3 0 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Keith,Can you answer the question of whether or not you know where you will be when you die?Also, do you have some standard of morality? In other words, why should be good people? You seem to be angry that the OP says that those who reject Christ will go to hell, and you seem to be asking him to be tolerant, which you implied means not telling people they will go to hell if they reject Christ as their Savior. If you have the right to tell him what he should and shouldn't tell others, why can he not respond the same to you? What if he does not believe you should be telling him that he should not tell others that they will go to hell if they die without Christ?It seems to be self-contradictory...maybe I missed something though. Link to post Share on other sites
keith crime 8 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I appreciate your sincerity and I am sincere tooDo I believe in morality - yes - and well personally I think it means more to be a good person because you decide that this is the proper way to live. Wouldn't you agree that this is a better reason then fear that you will be doused into a lake of fire.He can believe whatever he wants toI'm not trying to convert him or anyone elsePersonally, don't you think that a God who would damn people to an eternal hell, even if they had never even heard of Jesus, sounds like a fairly unfair oneMaybe he is right. Maybe because my parents were not born christian I will end up in a lake of fire or whatever. But aside from ones belief in that dogma (not using the term negatively), how would you feel about having a discussion with someone who is essentially saying - you are wrong - I have no proof you are wrong - oh and your eternal soul is damned for disagreeing with me. I'd be very happy if there was an after-life. I'd be pretty disappointed if it was one that ran it like that. Link to post Share on other sites
natewood3 0 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I appreciate your sincerity and I am sincere tooDo I believe in morality - yes - and well personally I think it means more to be a good person because you decide that this is the proper way to live. Wouldn't you agree that this is a better reason then fear that you will be doused into a lake of fire.He can believe whatever he wants toI'm not trying to convert him or anyone elsePersonally, don't you think that a God who would damn people to an eternal hell, even if they had never even heard of Jesus, sounds like a fairly unfair oneMaybe he is right. Maybe because my parents were not born christian I will end up in a lake of fire or whatever. But aside from ones belief in that dogma (not using the term negatively), how would you feel about having a discussion with someone who is essentially saying - you are wrong - I have no proof you are wrong - oh and your eternal soul is damned for disagreeing with me. I'd be very happy if there was an after-life. I'd be pretty disappointed if it was one that ran it like that.You say you believe in morality. Where does this standard of morality come from? What is the basis for you believing in morality? Is this standard of morality universal and unchanging? In other words, what makes you think it is right to be a good person?If the God of the Bible exists, then the Bible declares that God is righteous and just. It also declares that all men everywhere have sinned against God, whether they have heard of Jesus or not. Rom 3:10 as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; Rom 3:11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. Rom 3:12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, The Bible also declares that God is seen through creation and the world so that no one has an excuse for not knowing about God (Romans 1). Now, if God is our Creator, as the Bible teaches, then God has the right to obligate us to obey the standards that He gives, just as a parent has the right to obligate a child to obey. Since we have all disobeyed the infinitely holy and just God of the universe, we ALL deserve hell, regardless of whether or not we have heard of Jesus or not. Regarding someone saying I am wrong, there are people all over this forum that are going to say that what I am saying is wrong. Essentially, I do not believe they are disagreeing with me. My ultimate standard of truth is the Bible, so they would be disagreeing with what the Bible has said, not simply what I say.Jesus said that we can know that we have eternal life.John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 1John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.Hence, the Bible says it is possible to know that we have eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for sin. He became our sacrifice and paid the punishment that we deserve. He took our punishment upon Himself.Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity [sin] of us all. 1Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to GodThis is the way if we know if we have eternal life or not:John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Anyone who trust Christ as their substitute and Savior has eternal life. When God saves a person, He draws them to Himself so that they see the Jesus Christ is the ultimate Treasure of the universe, more valuable than anything else. He opens their eyes to see that they are sinful and wicked and totally helpless apart from God's mercy, and they throw themselves upon the mercy and grace of God, knowing that they can do nothing to save themselves.Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Eph 2:9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. I am not here to judge you. I have been an unbeliever at one time, and God by His grace has saved me. Does this help explain what the Bible teaches concerning becoming a Christian, etc? Is there any reason you have to not agree with what the Bible teaches other than you simply reject it? Link to post Share on other sites
keith crime 8 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 ok now i wrote a bunch of rational stuff and you quoted a bunch if verse - you totslly lost meAgain being a good person because you believe it is the right thing to do is better than doing so trying to escape a lake of fire Link to post Share on other sites
ShakeZuma 585 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Blah blah blah, Jesus this and that, blah blah blahYou do know that quoting a bunch of verses from the Bible trying to argue with someone who is not Christian makes no sense, don't you? Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Guest Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 If all this is about going to heaven, then what do you expect of heaven? Is it perfect there? Link to post Share on other sites
ShakeZuma 585 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 If all this is about going to heaven, then what do you expect of heaven? Is it perfect there?Keith is that you without being signed in? Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Steve D (Steven D'Argenio) Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 My name is Steven D'Argenio (aka Steve D) and I was the person that posted the original question......I discovered Jesus five years ago (I am 43 yrs old now)as my savior and assurance that I will get into Heaven/Eternity (I am by no means a Jesus freak in that sense). Let me tell you how someone life me that had no faith came to even ask Jesus into my life. (talk about longshots !).....I lived for 38 years what many would call a wild spirited life that had no meaning. Although successfull professionally, I was a horrible husband, son and father. Lying, cheating and stealing for my own selfish needs and self centerness was a way of life for me... until one day I was tired of the person that I had become. I desparately wanted to be a good father, husband, son... I no longer wanted to cheat, steal, lie, etc... But I couldn't Change... repeat, I could not change on my own... Boy did I try - but failed EVER time... Then one day, I heard about folks that got down on theire hands and knees and asked Jesus that if he really existed - and if he was who the Bible says he was, could he come into my life as my personal savior and change me. I figured these people were all nuts - but what did I have to lose, maybe a few minutes of my life asking a serious question to God (if he really existed). That was five years ago that I asked Jesus that if he really existed could he come into my life and help me... it did not happen overnight and has been spiritual progress and not perfection these past five years. But Jesus did come into my life (dont even ask me why I asked for his help five years ago - but I did... Asking him was a longshot in my mind at best... runner-runner I guess you can say). But I did. I am no saint , but I am now a good Husband, good father, I do not lie (Or try not too), steal or cheat. What a miracle that all those that knew me cannot believe the change and peace that has come into my life as a result.I grow closer to God and Jesus everyday and my LIFE has changed. I did not write the "Four Spiritual Laws". that you clain I am forcing down your throat - I apologize if I offended you or anyone else.. the four spiritual laws are very common in the Christian community as a way to show what the Bible says about Jesus and salvation and the path to Eternal salvation. This is all possible by doing what I did - asking Jesus into your life..Just ask Jesus that you do not know if he really exists or that this guy Steve D (me) may be some nut or so... but that if you really do exist Jesus and are indeed the way to Eternal life - then I want a piece of your action and can you come into my life the way you did Steve D's and many others.What do you have to lose... if Jesus does not exist, you wasted maybe 3 minutes of your life asking a question to your "Higher Power".. If Jesus does exist and you ask the questions with sincerity.. then God guarantees that your runner-runner will come in on 4th and 5th street and your life will change in ways you never imagined.My cell phone number is 703-989-0140 if you or anyone else wants to talk.Steven D'ArgenioSteve Dnvflag@sprynet.com Link to post Share on other sites
ajs510 122 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I know where I'll be after I die, beyond a shadow of any doubt, exactly as much as anyone else does. What you know and what you're told are two very different things. That pretty much sums it up for me. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Guest Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Aj,But you can know for sure 110% where you will spend Eternity. What do you have to lose by asking whomever you believe is your higher power (or if you do not believe in a God - then just ask God if by some chance that he does exist the following...... This nut of a guy Steve D on the Poker forum (out of all places to be talking about God) says that if I ask you in sincerity (thats the key word sincerity and from the heart) about Jesus that you will answer my prayers and questions.You can tell God that you think this Jesus thing is crap and crazy and you do not believe.. but if by some chance it is indeed true, then of course you want a piece of this action and could Jesus come into my life now.Think about... for one second, if what I am saying is true, wouldnt you and everyone else Jesus and the God of the Universe to come into your life and make it soooo much better then you could ever imagine. Of course you would.Just try it, what do you ahve to lose. But be sincere in asking God the tough questions you have for him. If you ask from the heart (tell him you do not believe this Jesus guy), then He will send his Holy Spirit to help guide you (thats another post for another day).I hope you and others try this - again, what do you have to lose. maybe three minutes of your life.God BlessSteve D Link to post Share on other sites
ajs510 122 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I re-read that post at least 3 times, and I still have no idea what you're trying to say. Not flaming, just saying. If you want to get through to people, talk like a person, not like an evangelist. Again, not flaming, just saying. Link to post Share on other sites
keith crime 8 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 If i'm interpreting this wrong tell me but the OP says don't accept christ or even never hear of christ - welcome to eternal damnation Not a very generous belief systemNo offense Tex Watson has accepted Jesus and if he goes to heaven I'd rather be in hell Link to post Share on other sites
ajs510 122 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 No offense Tex Watson has accepted Jesus and if he goes to heaven I'd rather be in hellWord. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Guest Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Keith,I cannot tell you "who" gets into Heaven or not. Only God himself can. And God can let whomever he wants into Heaven - only God knows for sure whats in a persons heart.I was only telling you what the Bible/ New Testament is saying. To learn more, read the book that Daniel mentions, "The Case for Christ". This will give you a much deeper understanding on why many believe the New Testament to be true and accurate 100% without a doubt as a document of history.If God created the Universe then who are we to even imagine that we can think, debate, etc on His level. We cant and would not respect a God that intelligence was on our level.All I am saying is that we have a way where we can assure where we will spend Eternity. - yes assure ourselves of getting into heaven and improving our lives (and others) here on earth in the process. That is by asking God that if this Jesus person really exists and is he He claims to be, then I want him to come into my (your) life.Again, what do you have to lose - if Jesus is not who he claims to be (or does not exist), then you wasted a few minutes asking some questions to the God of your understanding. If Jesus IS who He claims to be, then if you asked those tough questions to God with sincerity and from the heart, then Jesus will come into your life and YOU WILL KNOW it and see the changes slowly take place.I am not saying, my way or the highway.... I am saying that I believe that Jesus came into my life and I know he changed it - not just me but for so many others. I also believe that I am going to Heaven as a result of what God promises in the Bible/new Testament.How many people lives do you hear have been changed from Buddah, Allah , etc (all great individuals so no offense to any of them or others).. but how many peoples lives have and continue to this day to be changed by asking Jesus into their lives ?The fact that you are posting means that you are seeking some answers. Don't have to believe me, ask God those tough questions. He will answer you.But if you do want to learn more, feel free to contact me.I mean no disrespect to any of your postings and think they are all good questions.With much respect,Steven D'ArgenioSteve D703-989-0140nvflag@sprynet.com Link to post Share on other sites
keith crime 8 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Fine i'll read your book - if you read mineMy book says that God thinks that anyone who tells people that if they don't accept Jesus they are going to hell - is an intolerant idiot and that specifically those people are the ones he is sending to hell Now you are in a quandry - hope you made the right choicein the meantime I here on earth will continue to treat people well and live a decent life merely because i've thought it over and decided that is how i want to live my life if that isn't good enough for whoever is waiting after this life (which is after all the only one that exists without a shadow of a doubt) then i'll live with the consequencespeople who are good to other people only to get into heavan really aren't good people - i'm guessing they don't really understand what jesus was saying eitherdo unto others as they would have them do unto younot be good win a prize Link to post Share on other sites
Randy Reed 0 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Have you ever pondered the impossibility of there actually being a heaven? If it is perfect there, then there than no one can be better than anyone else. Imagine a poker tourney that ended up in a tie every single time. There can be no imagination as well, no hope, no dreams, nothing bad to compare to anything good. There can be no anticipation, wonder or desire, basically a rock. A rock full of glee maybe, but still a rock. I pass. Link to post Share on other sites
ShakeZuma 585 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Well, all I know is if Heaven ain't a lot like Dixie, I don't wanna go.And if Heaven ain't a lot like Dixie, I'd just as soon stay home. Link to post Share on other sites
ajs510 122 Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Well, all I know is if Heaven ain't a lot like Dixie, I don't wanna go.And if Heaven ain't a lot like Dixie, I'd just as soon stay home.You make a terrible redneck for a whitebread Jersey boy... Link to post Share on other sites
natewood3 0 Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 ok now i wrote a bunch of rational stuff and you quoted a bunch if verse - you totslly lost meAgain being a good person because you believe it is the right thing to do is better than doing so trying to escape a lake of fireHow did I lose you? What did I write that was not understandable?You have a huge misconception of true Christianity. A Christian does not do what is right because he wants to stay out of hell. Being a Christian or not is NOT based on whether you are a "good person." So your statement is irrelevant. I do not do what I believe is right to stay out of hell.You do know that quoting a bunch of verses from the Bible trying to argue with someone who is not Christian makes no sense, don't you?I wasn't arguing with him; I was stating the Christian position because he obviously has many misconceptions about what being a Christian is. Christianity is not a works religion.BTW, what else do I talk to him about? If I am a Christian, and I believe the Bible is the ultimate standard of truth, to what other truth do I appeal to? Link to post Share on other sites
Steve D 0 Posted March 12, 2006 Share Posted March 12, 2006 Thanks to everyone asking the tough questions. It is wonderful that people are seeking the Truth and wanting to learn more about Jesus. Link to post Share on other sites
speedz99 145 Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Thanks to everyone asking the tough questions. It is wonderful that people are seeking the Truth and wanting to learn more about Jesus. Link to post Share on other sites
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