It's On You.

[B-A-C]

The more I read threads here on TalkJesus, the more I realize why "free will" is such as issue for some people. People don't want to be responsible for anything.
Some people think ignorance is bliss.

I've heard many comments over the years such as "God doesn't need anything from me". That's true, but He won't take less than all you have.
"Why would God test me? He already knows my heart?" Yes, He does, but do you know where your heart really is? Some churches teach there is nothing you can do to affect your salvation.
This is totally the opposite of what the Bible teaches, but people have it so ingrained in them over and over again, (brainwashing) that they start to believe it.

The fact is... your salvation is up to you. Not the church, not your friends, not your pastor, ... no one but you. Now of course we can't get saved without Jesus. No one gets to heaven without knowing Jesus.
But even many who know Him won't make it. Judas knew Jesus.

Matt 25:8; But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’
Matt 25:9; However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
Matt 25:10; But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.

It wasn't up to the bridegroom to give them oil. It wasn't up to the other five virgins to give them oil. They were responsible for getting their own oil.

Matt 25:26; “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed?
Matt 25:27; Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.
Matt 25:28; Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
Matt 25:29; “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.
Matt 25:30; And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The master gave this man something, a talent, perhaps finances. The master expected him to do something with it, to increase it in some way.
It wasn't up to the master to increase the value of what he was given. It wasn't up to the other two servants who were told "well done, good and faithful servant". No it was up to this man alone.
He was responsible for the talent given to him.

Some people say, well if Jesus is in you... you'll just naturally do what God wants you to do. That didn't work for the 5 foolish virgins, and it didn't work for the wicked and lazy slave.

Matt 25:41; “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
Matt 25:42; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
Matt 25:43; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’
Matt 25:44 Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

It wasn't up to the master to feed the hungry, or clothes the poor, or visit the sick. It wasn't even up to "the sheep" to do this for them. The goats needed to do this for themselves.
In fact, it's what you do or don't do that determines whether you are a sheep or a goat. God can help us along, but in the end... it's on you.

 

[B-A-C]

Luke 13:6; And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.
Luke 13:7; And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’
Luke 13:8; But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer;
Luke 13:9; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

The master came for three years looking for fruit on this tree. Some people think that if you are a tree in the master garden, you will just naturally bear fruit on your own.
The master knew this tree was capable of bearing fruit. He even tells the groundsman, water it, fertilize, aerate the soil around it, and see it bears fruit.
But in the end, it's up to the tree to bear fruit, Jesus can help us.. in fact we can do nothing without Him. But even with Jesus helping them.. some trees refuse to bear fruit.

It's worth noting Jesus didn't leave or forsake this tree. He kept coming back for 3 years, and was even willing to come back for a 4th year. But in the end, it's up to the tree.
God didn't leave or forsake the Jews going to the promised land, He was with them for the entire 40 years they were in the desert. But in the end, most of them didn't make it
into the promised land.

Luke 13:23; And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them,
Luke 13:24; “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Luke 13:25; Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin standing outside and knocking on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ and He then will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’
Luke 13:26; Then you will begin saying, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets!’
Luke 13:27; And yet He will say, ‘I do not know where you are from; leave Me, all you evildoers.’
Luke 13:28; In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out.

A lot of people think because they talk about Jesus, or listen to other people talking about Jesus, that's good enough. They think how they live doesn't matter. Jesus says these people will be "thrown out" of the kingdom.
It's not the responsibility of others for you to do what God has called you to do. It's on you.

 

[B-A-C]

Josh 24:15; But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

It's up to you to choose who you will serve. The world, yourself... or God. It's no one else's responsibility.. it's yours.

Matt 7:24; “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matt 7:25; And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Matt 7:26; And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Matt 7:27; And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great.”

Jesus is the foundation for how you build you life, but it's up to you where you build it. You can merely listen to what Jesus says.... or you can act on it.
In the end, it's on you.

James 2:14; What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
James 2:15; If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
James 2:16; and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
James 2:17; In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
James 2:18; But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
James 2:19; You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
James 2:20; But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless?
James 2:21; Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
James 2:22; You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
James 2:23; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.
James 2:24; You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
James 2:25; In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
James 2:26; For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Some Christians like to pick and choose a few verses here and there, like Eph 2:8-9; and build their whole Christian theology on that one passage, but then they ignore
all of the passages above, they don't want any responsibility. They want God to do it all for them.

Php 2:12; So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Php 2:13; for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.

God does work in us, but He doesn't force us to do anything. He doesn't force us to sin, and He doesn't force us to always do the right thing. In end, it's on you.

 

[KittyLinda]

Yes, we have free will but . . . .

The fact is... your salvation is up to you.

A Satanic lie from the bit of hell.

Now of course we can't get saved without Jesus. No one gets to heaven without knowing Jesus.

You are contradicting yourself just like all those who believe in a religion and salvation by work.

In fact, it's what you do or don't do

Maybe, but according to B-A-C's gospel. I am amazed when people think they are bible teachers or something, but they actually know nothing about the true gospel.

God has chosen me in my own foolishness and sins and he saved me.

 

[KittyLinda]

All these lies are from the pit of hell, and they target Jesus' work on the cross.

Good message.

 

[KittyLinda]

Ephesians 2:8-9

New King James Version

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.


Romans 3:12

New King James Version

12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.” (That also includes you BAC.)

 

[KittyLinda]

John 10:28

New King James Version

28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.


Philippians 1:6

New King James Version

6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

 

[KittyLinda]

Some Christians like to pick and choose a few verses here and there, like Eph 2:8-9; and build their whole Christian theology on that one passage, but then they ignore
all of the passages above, they don't want any responsibility. They want God to do it all for them.

You are not a Christian to begin with if you do not believe we are saved by faith ALONE.

 

[KittyLinda]

A lot of people think because they talk about Jesus, or listen to other people talking about Jesus, that's good enough.

I think it is good enough what Jesus has done. ZERO work needed.

We also do not know what you DO. I do not know. I have not heard of BAC before, and all his charitable work worldwide lol

BAC. Have you given all your money to the poor?

1 John 1:10

New King James Version

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 

[KittyLinda]

I just wanted to remind you. You said this in my other post:

It's amazing how many people think they are in Christ, but really aren't.

And I asked you if you are in Christ, but you said nothing. I know many who are in Christ, but I am not sure you are one of them, because you boast about yourself a lot.

Psalm 94:4

New King James Version
4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.

 

[twcstp111]

I just wanted to remind you. You said this in my other post:

And I asked you if you are in Christ, but you said nothing. I know many who are in Christ, but I am not sure you are one of them, because you boast about yourself a lot.

I find it so awfully stupid how often I see a christian swinging their sword at another christian.

Stop making enemies in your own family.

 

[KittyLinda]

I find it so awfully stupid how often I see a christian swinging their sword at another christian.

Stop making enemies in your own family.

Why did you say something to him when he implied that I am not in Christ? I posted that it is not ok to condemn people the other day when he came to accuse me during a very weak moment of my life. God calls Satan an accuser. Also, he knows nothing of what I have been going through lately, but he came to shatter the will of another believer. Satan can use someone in your own family to drag you to hell with him, and the enemy often uses good people to do this.

In fact, the OP thinks he is more righteous than the rest of us and God knows if he is also part of any religious cult, because that is what cults believe that you need work to be saved.

It is about what Jesus has done, not what you do. If you do not believe that then you are not saved. You still need to BELIEVE FULLY and TRUST Jesus.

If he is as righteous as he claims, then I want to see it in action. It is fair.

(by the way, I am not someone who of those who also believe you can just sin and do whatever and can't lose your salvation. That is another heresy.)

 

[twcstp111]

Why did you say something to him when he implied that I am not in Christ? I posted that it is not ok to condemn people the other day when he came to accuse me during a very weak moment of my life. God calls Satan an accuser. Also, he knows nothing of what I have been going through lately, but he came to shatter the will of another believer. Satan can use someone in your own family to drag you to hell with him, and the enemy often uses good people to do this.

In fact, the OP thinks he is more righteous than the rest of us and God knows if he is also part of any religious cult, because that is what cults believe that you need work to be saved.

It is about what Jesus has done, not what you do. If you do not believe that then you are not saved. You still need to BELIEVE FULLY and TRUST Jesus.

If he is as righteous as he claims, then I want to see it in action. It is fair.

All of what you have said is exactly why I have said that it needs to stop. I was not targeting you or him specifically, but indeed I was making a broad statement about a significant issue within the body of Christ.

Family
Does
Not
Kill
Family

I treat all of you like family. I treat strangers like family. I treat enemies like family.

What good does it do for me to draw my sword, which is lethal, and to swing it at any human? My enemy is not a human.

 

[KittyLinda]

All of what you have said is exactly why I have said that it needs to stop. I was not targeting you or him specifically, but indeed I was making a broad statement about a significant issue within the body of Christ.

Family
Does
Not
Kill
Family

I treat all of you like family. I treat strangers like family. I treat enemies like family.

What good does it do for me to draw my sword, which is lethal, and to swing it at any human? My enemy is not a human.

He is not my enemy, but my enemy has used him to accuse me before. It is not ok to accuse another believer, because they are in rebellion, or struggling with their walk in Christ. What he should have done is correcting me in love. Christian LOVE. There are lots of new Christians who will quit the faith, because they face people like that in church. I am very loud person, but I do that for Jesus. If you come to judge me or condemn me, then you will get what is in ME, whatever you think there is, or just do not say anything. Nobody asked him to come in my post and question my faith during one of the weakest moments in my life. God calls that EVIL.

P.S: Does he understand what it means to be saved by grace that is not an act of your own? Does he attend a church? What church?

That is what separates Christian Churches from cult members. I am not sure what is the OP trying to say yet, but he is very shaky about grace which is not a good sign.

Precious is my Savior's blood. By faith ALONE.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Every once in a while our Dear Brother BAC will bring to the front for discussion, maybe out of frustration that more don't see it exactly the way he presents his threads for these back and forth. The Doctrine of Salvation, and what it means, how does one achieve it (if achievable), can we lose it, etc. As well as, Salvation by Works, and how Grace fits into the picture, vs those who believe that it's Grace alone.

I love him anyway! Why, because there is no malice in what he brings to the table for a heart to heart, scripture to scripture discussion. So, if this thread is to stay open, we must like twcstp111 has stated, not use the Sword to kill family, but rather let's use the Sword of the Spirit to uplift, and instruct, even if we still disagree at the end how we see "Salvation" through our Savior's Sacrifice on the Cross, and our ensuring living of life.

Oh, and instead of adding a lot of vids to do the talking with/for us. How about we delve into the Scripture, and allow it to speak for us, so that at the same time we might grow, and help others to grow as well from its usage.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
Moderator/YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[KittyLinda]

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Every once in a while our Dear Brother BAC will bring to the front for discussion, maybe out of frustration that more don't see it exactly the way he presents his threads for these back and forth. The Doctrine of Salvation, and what it means, how does one achieve it (if achievable), can we lose it, etc. As well as, Salvation by Works, and how Grace fits into the picture, vs those who believe that it's Grace alone.

I love him anyway! Why, because there is no malice in what he brings to the table for a heart to heart, scripture to scripture discussion. So, if this thread is to stay open, we must like twcstp111 has stated, not use the Sword to kill family, but rather let's use the Sword of the Spirit to uplift, and instruct, even if we still disagree at the end how we see "Salvation" through our Savior's Sacrifice on the Cross, and our ensuring living of life.

Oh, and instead of adding a lot of vids to do the talking with/for us. How about we delve into the Scripture, and allow it to speak for us, so that at the same time we might grow, and help others to grow as well from its usage.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
Moderator/YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

God told us already in his Word what we should do and not do, and that is the law, and yes breaking the law is sinful, but none can keep it. If we say we can keep it ALL, then what is the point of Jesus coming to this earth to die for our sins? We all have sinned, and that is in our nature. If we are humans, we sin. (Romans 3:23) We all deserve the judgment of God, and this is why it is called grace. Some sins are worst than others for sure, but that is not for us to point finger at other believers and hinder them. You feed their rebellion when you do that. You are not helping anyone by telling others they are not in Christ. We are against the rulers of the darkness of this world. That is the unseen.

When I was much younger, I thought my walk with God was perfect, because I really did everything I thought I am supposed to do as a Christian, and I started to point fingers at my friends because I wanted them to fully surrender to God, and leave these worldly things, but then I sinned, and that sin basically removed my joy and totally removed me from the faith for years, because I never saw this coming in my life, and I learned a lesson from this, because I was very very religious, but not faithful, and religion does not bring joy, and it does not save you.

We need to have a relationship with Jesus and live a holy life. When we sin, we need to repent, and and continue in the faith. You do nothing for your salvation. Jesus did it ALL, and he said on the cross that his work is done and finished. He did not lie.

However, it is possible for Christians to backslide. It happens all the time. The bible is clear on that and we have many verses that show this. That means we need to continue believing in the work of Jesus, not to do it ourselves. Grace means we get what we do NOT deserve from God. We need to trust Jesus. He paid the price. It is up for you to believe or not. That is free will but we are justified by faith alone. The bible says that. What is so hard to believe about this?

Romans 3:28
New King James Version

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

 

[KittyLinda]

Oh, and instead of adding a lot of vids to do the talking with/for us. How about we delve into the Scripture, and allow it to speak for us, so that at the same time we might grow, and help others to grow as well from its usage.

I added the video, because I do not agree with John MacArthur on most of his theology. He is a Calvinist, and Calvinism is a satanic lie. But, at least he is correct on salvation. That makes him my brother in Christ. This is not about who is winning a debate, or a discussion, or letting someone else do the talking for us. I sometimes see teens on TalkJesus. Do you want them to believe in lies? Then, I talked to few on these forums who were Mormons, and then there were those who denied the Trinity. We debate things that keep us within the same house, but salvation and the Trinity? really? if we disagree on that, then what makes us still brothers and sisters in Christ, if we can't agree even on salvation ?

 

[twcstp111]

I added the video, because I do not agree with John MacArthur on most of his theology. He is a Calvinist, and Calvinism is a satanic lie. But, at least he is correct on salvation. That makes him my brother in Christ. This is not about who is winning a debate, or a discussion, or letting someone else do the talking for us. I sometimes see teens on TalkJesus. Do you want them to believe in lies? Then, I talked to few on these forums who were Mormons, and then there were those who denied the Trinity. We debate things that keep us within the same house, but salvation and the Trinity? really? if we disagree on that, then what makes us still brothers and sisters in Christ, if we can't agree even on salvation ?

True Family is not built on things, but in the Spirit of Truth which is peace, love, and joy.

The Holy Spirit is not restricted to the Holy Bible.

 

[twcstp111]

My brother is in the military.

He is a United States Navy veteran--he is out there killing humans so that the humans in his nation can argue and bicker and deny one another--NO, he is out there so that we can have peace in our lives, and he is fighting a war that isn't his, a war that even his leaders cannot comprehend, a war that is nothing more than death, so that we can be safe from those who would do more than harm us.

Do you understand what I'm saying?

There are people out there killing and being killed and not so that any religion or any group can fight within their own, but so that any religion and any group can live in peace and be joined in unity. There has been a lot of blood spilled so that I can sit here and think about what I'm going to think about next--I am thinking about the day when my brother will see wars end, because his soul deserves his salvation, and there is no person that can deny him.

Love is the true ingredient that leads man to victory; it is also the ingredient that can stop a war from happening--it is the truth.


Will I deny my brother because he doesn't believe in Christ? God forbid.

 

[B-A-C]

Every once in a while our Dear Brother BAC will bring to the front for discussion, maybe out of frustration that more don't see it exactly the way he presents his threads for these back and forth.

No frustration, no anger, no anything. This thread wasn't written specifically to anyone, or because of anything anyone did. It was just something laid on my heart, revealed to me in reading.
It is Kitty's perogative to disagree with me. I don't feel any different about her whether she agrees or not.