Which were you Promised??

crossnote · Oct 18, 2015

When you were being witnessed to before coming to Jesus did the speel go something like this in describing the Christian life......

"God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life"

'"When you give your life to Him, your days will be long and prosperous"

Or, was it more like this?...

1 Peter 4:12-13 KJVS
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

2 Timothy 3:12 KJVS
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Hebrews 12:5 KJVS
[5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

We do need to be honest with those we are sharing the Gospel to.
Yes, life will be eternal but there will be rough waters ahead.

breno785au · Oct 18, 2015

I think somewhere along the line, I had this idea that life would be rosey and easier because God would make it that way or something to that effect. Which is for one, wrong. But it also makes you wonder where God is, if God loves you, if He's there for you, where did you sin for this to happen etc. when things don't go favourably but the truth is, this walk is hard yet its best thing for you.

Utah · Oct 18, 2015

I was four years old and my nine year old sister told me we have a brother named Jesus who lives in Heaven (in the sky). We can't see Him but He's always with us, and He loves us very much. When we grow old we're going to die, its like going to sleep and you can't wake up. But if we tell Him we love Him He will wake us up and we'll be with Him forever.

That's an extraordinary message for anyone to hear, especially a four year old. Today I'm 50, but my heart rejoices the same as it did that beautiful, beautiful day. Praise God!

crossnote · Oct 18, 2015

Utah said:

I was four years old and my nine year old sister told me we have a brother named Jesus who lives in Heaven (in the sky). We can't see Him but He's always with us, and He loves us very much. When we grow old we're going to die, its like going to sleep and you can't wake up. But if we tell Him we love Him He will wake us up and we'll be with Him forever.

That's an extraordinary message for anyone to hear, especially a four year old. Today I'm 50, but my heart rejoices the same as it did that beautiful, beautiful day. Praise God!

Is that what you tell others now that you're 50? lol

breno785au · Oct 18, 2015

crossnote said:

Lol simple is good

MarcR · Oct 18, 2015

crossnote said:

When you were being witnessed to before coming to Jesus did the speel go something like this in describing the Christian life......

"God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life"

'"When you give your life to Him, your days will be long and prosperous"

Or, was it more like this?...

1 Peter 4:12-13 KJVS
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

2 Timothy 3:12 KJVS
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Hebrews 12:5 KJVS
[5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

We do need to be honest with those we are sharing the Gospel to.
Yes, life will be eternal but there will be rough waters ahead.

Crossnote,

I think that both messages are true; but one should not be told to the exclusion of the other.

crossnote · Oct 18, 2015

MarcR said:

You really think our Lord promised us a bowl of cherries in this life? Knowing you Marc, I need not ask.

Maybe I wasn't being too clear with the first set...in this life.

Pilkington · Oct 18, 2015

The thing that I remember was knowing that I believed in God, that I needed to be in relationship with him and that I needed to have my sins forgiven. For that to happen I knew I needed to repent of my sins and put my trust in Jesus, that he died to pay the penalty for my sin. I was also aware it might be costly but it was and is worth it.

WarriorHadassah · Oct 18, 2015

Good Evening,

I was lost in this world as a young adult, searching for a place to belong! One night in the inner city, I was lost did not know which way to go and two thousand miles away from home. The VOICE of God spoke to my heart, I kneel down in the dark, cry out to God for guidance, protection and shelter. It was not in my regular voice, but of the Holy Spirit crying out in the midst of darkness and lost. God witnessed to me personally.

VioletReigns · Oct 18, 2015

crossnote said:

Actually, it was nothing like this at all. It was a totally spiritual thing.

I had the opportunity to witness (with my own eyes) my neighbor, a young blind woman walk in the spirit of Jesus Christ every time I saw her. She had more joy and peace and spiritual light shooting from her than anyone I had ever seen. And to the rational mind, she had no reason to be happy. She was not rich, she was blind, she wasn't good looking by worldly standards, she didn't have great material things. She did however have a tiny little doggie she would walk around with while she talked audibly to Jesus.

I was living for the world, partying, on the outward acted like I was cool, but inwardly was tormented by depression & self-loathing & fear. I first thought that blind young woman was wacko. Then she became extremely intriguing to me because she was always joyful and unafraid. And the day I couldn't fight God's pull on my heart any longer, I fell at that young woman's feet and begged her to introduce me to the Jesus she knew. I was convinced she knew Jesus more intimately than anyone I ever met before.

That was on October 13, 1978. I know in my heart that religious words mean little to nothing to the lost and hurting world. They need to witness Jesus alive in you.

crossnote · Oct 18, 2015

WarriorHadassah said:

That's nice but what was the first impression of the Christian life here on earth, roses? Or ruts?

crossnote · Oct 18, 2015

VioletReigns said:

Actually, it was nothing like this at all. It was a totally spiritual thing.

I had the opportunity to witness (with my own eyes) my neighbor, a young blind woman walk in the spirit of Jesus Christ every time I saw her. She had more joy and peace and spiritual light shooting from her than anyone I had ever seen. And to the rational mind, she had no reason to be happy. She was not rich, she was blind, she wasn't good looking by worldly standards, she didn't have great material things. She did however have a tiny little doggie she would walk around with while she talked audibly to Jesus.

I was living for the world, partying, on the outward acted like I was cool, but inwardly was tormented by depression & self-loathing & fear. I first thought that blind young woman was wacko. Then she became extremely intriguing to me because she was always joyful and unafraid. And the day I couldn't fight God's pull on my heart any longer, I fell at that young woman's feet and begged her to introduce me to the Jesus she knew. I was convinced she knew Jesus more intimately than anyone I ever met before.

That was on October 13, 1978. I know in my heart that religious words mean little to nothing to the lost and hurting world. They need to witness Jesus alive in you.

She appeared to be a living witness of the 2nd scenario. Thanks.

VioletReigns · Oct 18, 2015

WarriorHadassah said:

Good Evening,

I was lost in this world as a young adult, searching for a place to belong! One night in the inner city, I was lost did not know which way to go and two thousand miles away from home. The VOICE of God spoke to my heart, I kneel down in the dark, cry out to God for guidance, protection and shelter. It was not in my regular voice, but of the Holy Spirit crying out in the midst of darkness and lost. God witnessed to me personally.

Amazing! \/

VioletReigns · Oct 18, 2015

crossnote said:

Second scenario? Honestly, I don't put God in any box or try to figure out a pattern or formula. Everybody is different in their circumstances and in their heart conditions and the Father knows just how to reach them because His love is faithful.

As for what is promised to us, it is much more than we can dream up or think. The Lord has given us every aspect of Himself. ♥

BenFTW · Oct 18, 2015

That which you believe you will receive. Our belief system effects what we get in life, and people perish for lack of knowledge. That knowledge being the goodness of our Heavenly Father and His faithfulness to His word. We access such things by faith, and how can you put faith into that which you don't not know? Ignorance is not bliss when such ignorance denies you the promises of God. As the Word says, in Jesus the promises of God are, "Yes" and "Amen."

Its like certain Christians want to give other Christians a "reality check" but God is like "Have faith!" He has promises in His word, believe He is faithful to fulfill them as He was faithful to Israel to carry out its curses for disobedience. He has a proven track record. He is not a liar, believe!

Trials may come, possibly but they only allow God's glory to shine even brighter, so rejoice! Don't look for them but if by mere chance you find yourself in one, praise God because His glory is about to shine in your life! It can be a testimony of His goodness and faithfulness, expect Him to be your Deliverer. Trials and persecution they all but fail in comparison to His plans and glory. He is victorious, and He is your defender. Let Him fight and just rest, trust Him. I don't expect trails and persecution, though they may come, I expect good and prosperous days, where I receive God's favor and protection day after day.

People complain about suffering but believe God teaches through suffering. Guess who suffers? The one's expecting suffering. Change your belief, change your life. Expect good, receive good.

Mark 11:24King James Version (KJV)

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

EXPECTATION ("believe that ye receive them"). We need to get it around our heads that what we expect does affect our lives, what we put faith into does manifest in our lives. Put your faith in God. Are you suffering, or going through a trial? Have faith! Believe God, hold on dear to His promises. Is it financial? Have faith! Did He not say that if you sow you shall reap? Give! God has promised us the "rosey life" but it takes belief in His goodness to live it. As the Word says, "Believe that He is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Jesus has made the promises of God, "Yes" and "Amen." Curses are gone, and the promises are yours.

Do you believe this is the prosperity gospel? The very fact that you are opposed to it reveals why you are in the predicament you're currently in financially. Thats the truth, said in love. God loves you, do not think He desires poverty for you. What earthly father wants his children to suffer and barely meet ends meet? How much more the perfect God and our Heavenly Father would want you to? You are His child, let Him lavish you and use you to be a blessing to others. He is good. He is faithful. Stop opposing that which can bring Him glory, both in your life, and in the expansion of His Kingdom (through finances).

WarriorHadassah · Oct 18, 2015

crossnote said:

I cannot speak for others only for myself because each person experience with God is different. To me, it is neither one because it is a journey, daily growth, maturity, seeking, and challenges. I only know that God loves me even when I was lost in this world. I truly do not understand your question because it is a process. The challenges has taught me to rely on God in all areas of my life without the challenges(struggles), I would had never learned how to completely trust God with my life.

Willie-T · Oct 18, 2015

I was attending the CoC, so basically, I was sold fire insurance.

skylove7 · Oct 18, 2015

Crossnote....
If I may say so, this is an adorable and refreshing idea for the BDF. I love it.

I just wanted to share honesty....way back whew lol
When I was 3 I first heard the story of Jesus. Of course I hadn't had my first visit to church yet...My grandma was preparing me.

Just recollecting to my 3 year old mind. It's touching really to remember now lol Thanks Crossnote

I remember thinking....I have a Father way up in Heaven named Jesus. Bad peoples killed Him, and there is a devil that's mean to people. But if we love Jesus,...when we die and go to Heaven...we will never cry again.

Then at 5
I went to church the first time....
And I saw a painting of Jesus holding a Lamb.
I knew at 5
I wanted to love that Jesus holding that lamb forever

Lol...well that was my first thoughts of Jesus
Before I later understood scripture

Even though we are older now
It's cute I think
If we all take our minds back to our first childish thoughts on Jesus.
Refreshing

God bless everyone love!

Pemican · Oct 18, 2015

For me it was the love of God that broke through my thick head. It was to His love for me and the whole world that I responded, not to any promise of a bowl of cherries or even eternal life. And this love was not just words, it was demonstrated by action. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For God so loved the world that He gave....

Kefa54 · Oct 18, 2015

I am not sure if this will convince anyone of anything else than how hard headed I was.

I was in the Navy 1983 ish. A young man was describing a Church service he was at. I felt lead to listen but I scoffed and walked off.

I believe the Holy Spirit was calling me but I was to bad to turn to Christ. He didn't want me I wasn't good enough.

About 1988. I was on a beautiful Mountain in Hawaii. It was just breathtaking with the sunset. I was alone and I started to think about Jesus. I even said I know the answer is Jesus but I'm not good enough.

About 1990 ish I heard of a non-denominational Church just 2 miles away. The young man doesn't know what the spirit had planned for me tonight. He used that young mans comment to get me to focus.
Without telling anyone, I went to that Church. It was a Sunday service. I had gotten the times wrong and I was there early for bible study. I sat right in the front pew. What did I know. The first and best verse I heard was Romans 12 -1, Still my favorite verse.
I don't remember what went on that day but it must have been OK. I went back Wednesday night for dinner service.
I stood talking to two men (Brian and Jack). They asked if I was staying for witness and worship. I said what is that? They said people get up and talk about their experience in their walk with Jesus and their gratefulness. I said.."Why wouldn't anyone want to share that".
You see..I was grateful for Christ but I wasn't good enough. They looked at me like OK... Then they said none of us are good enough. Salvation is a free gift. They asked me if I wanted to accept Christ and I said of course. I witnessed that night that Jesus was Love and Wisdom to me.

Kefa

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