praying

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P

persistent

Guest
#1
This forum is a real help to me so far; joined here 9/11/22. My previous interactions with "Christian" ideologues and possibly true believers has probably been minimal. Went to Roman Catholic grammar school and performed all the ritual. Associated with the Worldwide Church of God, on and off for approximately 5 years (1971-1976). Roman Catholics had "fixed" prayers. i.e. Our Father, Hail Mary and ?. WCG mentioned praying on occasion but primary focus seemed to be that Herbert Armstrong had the answers. And if his word wasn't good enough Dr. H. Hoeh had the answer. So now within the last month or so find Timothy Keller of New York City saying the Psalms are prayers. I was congratulating myself for not praying when I came across Proverbs 28:9 "He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayers are abomination.". I still think it right that I didn't pray since during my life I went from being very antagonistic toward religion (God) to being an expert when associated with WCG to being antagonistic to being an unbeliever to being confused to being a searcher to being a finder, maybe, to being a questioner to being an "hopeful" but feeling stupid prayer. So now for about the last 18 or so months by praying to the Father in the name of Jesus His Beloved Son for guidance by the Holy Spirit I think I'm making progress. All glory and thanks to a loving and merciful God.
 
4

49

Guest
#2
This forum is a real help to me so far; joined here 9/11/22. My previous interactions with "Christian" ideologues and possibly true believers has probably been minimal. Went to Roman Catholic grammar school and performed all the ritual. Associated with the Worldwide Church of God, on and off for approximately 5 years (1971-1976). Roman Catholics had "fixed" prayers. i.e. Our Father, Hail Mary and ?. WCG mentioned praying on occasion but primary focus seemed to be that Herbert Armstrong had the answers. And if his word wasn't good enough Dr. H. Hoeh had the answer. So now within the last month or so find Timothy Keller of New York City saying the Psalms are prayers. I was congratulating myself for not praying when I came across Proverbs 28:9 "He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayers are abomination.". I still think it right that I didn't pray since during my life I went from being very antagonistic toward religion (God) to being an expert when associated with WCG to being antagonistic to being an unbeliever to being confused to being a searcher to being a finder, maybe, to being a questioner to being an "hopeful" but feeling stupid prayer. So now for about the last 18 or so months by praying to the Father in the name of Jesus His Beloved Son for guidance by the Holy Spirit I think I'm making progress. All glory and thanks to a loving and merciful God.
Welcome, and God Bless! He is the Answer!!
 

TheNarrowPath

Well-known member
Jul 17, 2022
1,012
548
113
#3
Interesting to read your praying journey and how far you have come! Our Father is happy you have found Him, be blessed brother!
 
P

persistent

Guest
#4
Interesting to read your praying journey and how far you have come! Our Father is happy you have found Him, be blessed brother!
Thanks. And I can really see it was God working in my life all the time. I can't say I was totally oblivious but possibly trying to avoid the truth. I think the scripture is "...let God be true, but every man a liar...". Maybe I was lying to myself all my life.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,220
4,282
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#5
Hello Persistent!

I don't think I welcomed you yet as a newer member. Glad to hear from you. You bring up a very good point. I was also raised Roman Catholic. It didn't seem like my prayers were answered until I listened to the same message explained here. Then I prayed a prayer much like the one at the end. After that, God kept reminding me that He was listening to me, even today! I can share with you exactly how that can happen for anyone, but the first step is in the good short message below and details to follow. Feel free to ask any questions of me. Just quite my post so that I'm notified, unless you have paid membership and can contact me PM.

 
P

persistent

Guest
#6
Hello Persistent!

I don't think I welcomed you yet as a newer member. Glad to hear from you. You bring up a very good point. I was also raised Roman Catholic. It didn't seem like my prayers were answered until I listened to the same message explained here. Then I prayed a prayer much like the one at the end. After that, God kept reminding me that He was listening to me, even today! I can share with you exactly how that can happen for anyone, but the first step is in the good short message below and details to follow. Feel free to ask any questions of me. Just quite my post so that I'm notified, unless you have paid membership and can contact me PM.

Thanks for the welcome and I will attempt to contact you once my enrollment fee clears. Just posted it on 12th. I'm kind of a klutz with computer technology and me having been a tv repairman and even a RF amplifier designer and using computers when they required some understanding of machine language. So if I botch getting in touch for a while be patient or try to remind me.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#7
This forum is a real help to me so far; joined here 9/11/22. My previous interactions with "Christian" ideologues and possibly true believers has probably been minimal. Went to Roman Catholic grammar school and performed all the ritual. Associated with the Worldwide Church of God, on and off for approximately 5 years (1971-1976). Roman Catholics had "fixed" prayers. i.e. Our Father, Hail Mary and ?. WCG mentioned praying on occasion but primary focus seemed to be that Herbert Armstrong had the answers. And if his word wasn't good enough Dr. H. Hoeh had the answer. So now within the last month or so find Timothy Keller of New York City saying the Psalms are prayers. I was congratulating myself for not praying when I came across Proverbs 28:9 "He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayers are abomination.". I still think it right that I didn't pray since during my life I went from being very antagonistic toward religion (God) to being an expert when associated with WCG to being antagonistic to being an unbeliever to being confused to being a searcher to being a finder, maybe, to being a questioner to being an "hopeful" but feeling stupid prayer. So now for about the last 18 or so months by praying to the Father in the name of Jesus His Beloved Son for guidance by the Holy Spirit I think I'm making progress. All glory and thanks to a loving and merciful God.
Hello and welcome.

When you pray do you listen for God to give a response?
 
P

persistent

Guest
#8
Hello and welcome.

When you pray do you listen for God to give a response?
ns
I think I first started praying early in 2021 and would think to myself, this is ridiculous. I mean I was really thinking this is downright stupid. It took some weeks to get over that feeling but I finally did. Now this may sound not right but I have a silly habit of checking USGS every day for earthquakes greater than 2.5 magnitude. Been doing it for maybe 5 years. So May 24 of 2021 I am reading the passages of Jesus praying in Gethsemane and reading also some commentaries and how Jesus prayed about the cup. And one commentary, I don't know which, brought up the Greek word for joy as Chara. Well, I was praying to the Father in Jesus name for guidance by the Holy Spirit at this time and not feeling ridiculous any more but somewhat sensible in doing so and when I checked on earthquakes on the 25th of May 2021 there was a magnitude 4.5 near some place in Russia that I nor hardly any one else has ever heard of called Novaya Chara. Not that Chara means joy in Russian but it may mean cup. I have seen only one other earthquake near Novaya Chara since that time. May be just coincidence but still. I took it as a response that I should keep on praying and I have done just that and find it brings a sense of sensibility to me. Maybe even wisdom. "Unfortunately" for me it took some decades to be sensible.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#9
ns
I think I first started praying early in 2021 and would think to myself, this is ridiculous. I mean I was really thinking this is downright stupid. It took some weeks to get over that feeling but I finally did. Now this may sound not right but I have a silly habit of checking USGS every day for earthquakes greater than 2.5 magnitude. Been doing it for maybe 5 years. So May 24 of 2021 I am reading the passages of Jesus praying in Gethsemane and reading also some commentaries and how Jesus prayed about the cup. And one commentary, I don't know which, brought up the Greek word for joy as Chara. Well, I was praying to the Father in Jesus name for guidance by the Holy Spirit at this time and not feeling ridiculous any more but somewhat sensible in doing so and when I checked on earthquakes on the 25th of May 2021 there was a magnitude 4.5 near some place in Russia that I nor hardly any one else has ever heard of called Novaya Chara. Not that Chara means joy in Russian but it may mean cup. I have seen only one other earthquake near Novaya Chara since that time. May be just coincidence but still. I took it as a response that I should keep on praying and I have done just that and find it brings a sense of sensibility to me. Maybe even wisdom. "Unfortunately" for me it took some decades to be sensible.
That’s good. God may communicate with us using signs or sometimes even with words. It does take paying careful attention to notice.

Checking earthquakes isn’t a bad idea. I am trained in tsunami forecasting, weather forecasting, and oceanography. At this point it’s more of a hobby of mine.

Anyway, tsunamis can be triggered by earthquakes so a number of years ago, perhaps about 10 years ago, I signed up for USGS to send me emails about earthquakes 6.5 in magnitude or greater. To this present day I still get email alerts.

The last earthquake notification I got was September 11, 2022 for an M7.6 in Papua New Guinea. It occurred at a depth of 61km.

You should be able to go to their website and just have them automatically email you earthquake alerts based on magnitude criteria.
 
P

persistent

Guest
#10
That’s good. God may communicate with us using signs or sometimes even with words. It does take paying careful attention to notice.

Checking earthquakes isn’t a bad idea. I am trained in tsunami forecasting, weather forecasting, and oceanography. At this point it’s more of a hobby of mine.

Anyway, tsunamis can be triggered by earthquakes so a number of years ago, perhaps about 10 years ago, I signed up for USGS to send me emails about earthquakes 6.5 in magnitude or greater. To this present day I still get email alerts.

The last earthquake notification I got was September 11, 2022 for an M7.6 in Papua New Guinea. It occurred at a depth of 61km.

You should be able to go to their website and just have them automatically email you earthquake alerts based on magnitude criteria.
Thanks for the input
6.9 at 10 km mid-Atlantic ridge 4 Sept,2022 0.934 S 21.716W 6.6 at 10km Kanding, China 4 Sept.2022 29.726 N 102.279 E land based killed some people 7.6 at 90km Kainantu, Papua New Guinea 10 Sept.2022 6.256 S 146.469 E land based east end of NG in mountains?
 

Snacks

Well-known member
Feb 10, 2022
1,410
771
113
#11
My previous interactions with "Christian" ideologues
Plenty of them here so be on guard. Don’t let anyone steal your joy in Christ with their burden of works salvation or false claims of perfectionism. Keep reading Scripture and remain prayerful. God bless you.
 
P

persistent

Guest
#12
Plenty of them here so be on guard. Don’t let anyone steal your joy in Christ with their burden of works salvation or false claims of perfectionism. Keep reading Scripture and remain prayerful. God bless you.
Thanks for the heads up Snacks.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#13
Thanks for the input
6.9 at 10 km mid-Atlantic ridge 4 Sept,2022 0.934 S 21.716W 6.6 at 10km Kanding, China 4 Sept.2022 29.726 N 102.279 E land based killed some people 7.6 at 90km Kainantu, Papua New Guinea 10 Sept.2022 6.256 S 146.469 E land based east end of NG in mountains?
That’s interesting.

Yes the earthquake notification I got for Papua New Guinea actually had a time stamp dated for September 10, but in my time zone I received the notification on the 11 of September. It occurred in the eastern New Guinea region, yes. You’re Lso correct about it having occurred at 90km. I guess I was looking at an outdated seismic report.

Here’s the link for it:
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthqu...um=email&utm_source=ENS&utm_campaign=realtime

Also just got a new seismic activity report for an M7.0 SE of the Loyalty Islands less than an hour ago:
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthqu...um=email&utm_source=ENS&utm_campaign=realtime

You may also like this site:
https://www.tsunami.gov/
 

Dirtman

Well-known member
Jul 19, 2022
1,151
441
83
#14
This forum is a real help to me so far; joined here 9/11/22. My previous interactions with "Christian" ideologues and possibly true believers has probably been minimal. Went to Roman Catholic grammar school and performed all the ritual. Associated with the Worldwide Church of God, on and off for approximately 5 years (1971-1976). Roman Catholics had "fixed" prayers. i.e. Our Father, Hail Mary and ?. WCG mentioned praying on occasion but primary focus seemed to be that Herbert Armstrong had the answers. And if his word wasn't good enough Dr. H. Hoeh had the answer. So now within the last month or so find Timothy Keller of New York City saying the Psalms are prayers. I was congratulating myself for not praying when I came across Proverbs 28:9 "He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayers are abomination.". I still think it right that I didn't pray since during my life I went from being very antagonistic toward religion (God) to being an expert when associated with WCG to being antagonistic to being an unbeliever to being confused to being a searcher to being a finder, maybe, to being a questioner to being an "hopeful" but feeling stupid prayer. So now for about the last 18 or so months by praying to the Father in the name of Jesus His Beloved Son for guidance by the Holy Spirit I think I'm making progress. All glory and thanks to a loving and merciful God.
The psalms are prayers. And powerful for us to model our prayers after. I use them as a prayer guide a lot. Knowing that God honoured these prayers so much that they became scripture for us is an up lifting assurance for our prayers when praying in accordance. We know these are the will of God.
 
P

persistent

Guest
#15
That’s interesting.

Yes the earthquake notification I got for Papua New Guinea actually had a time stamp dated for September 10, but in my time zone I received the notification on the 11 of September. It occurred in the eastern New Guinea region, yes. You’re Lso correct about it having occurred at 90km. I guess I was looking at an outdated seismic report.

Here’s the link for it:
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthqu...um=email&utm_source=ENS&utm_campaign=realtimeer

Also just got a new seismic activity report for an M7.0 SE of the Loyalty Islands less than an hour ago:
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthqu...um=email&utm_source=ENS&utm_campaign=realtime
6:04 am 144km 21.19 S 170.24 E Seems like seismic activity is higher than last 12 or so months.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,220
4,282
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#16
Thanks for the welcome and I will attempt to contact you once my enrollment fee clears. Just posted it on 12th. I'm kind of a klutz with computer technology and me having been a tv repairman and even a RF amplifier designer and using computers when they required some understanding of machine language. So if I botch getting in touch for a while be patient or try to remind me.
No worries. I just wanted you to know that I have an open door policy and you're welcome to contact me any time/way that's convenient.

There's still folks on here that doubtless still use cathode ray tube TVs, so you'll be right at home. 📺🙂👍
 
P

persistent

Guest
#17
No worries. I just wanted you to know that I have an open door policy and you're welcome to contact me any time/way that's convenient.

There's still folks on here that doubtless still use cathode ray tube TVs, so you'll be right at home. 📺🙂👍
CRT has a whole new meaning and most people now would never think cathode ray tube. I watched the video and can't place who and where the mission is? I don't think I would have responded to that message just because I was antagonistic toward religion since about the 2nd grade. The kids there seemed delightful.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,220
4,282
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#18
CRT has a whole new meaning and most people now would never think cathode ray tube. I watched the video and can't place who and where the mission is? I don't think I would have responded to that message just because I was antagonistic toward religion since about the 2nd grade. The kids there seemed delightful.
Hi Persistent,

That was a mission trip down in Guyana.
That's an American pastor from Arizona. He and his Baptist church take trips to foreign countries to share the good news with groups who welcome them. Many of the other countries are open to the gospel, even schools. Many of our American school teachers train that right out of us. I too might not have been so receptive.
Someone cared enough about me in highschool to share the same message. I also was reluctant and sceptical. Later that evening I opened my Bible and asked God to help me understand and discern the truth with each verse the man wrote down and left for me. God did answer me that night. I decided to quit trusting in anything I could do and rather trust in Christ alone Who suffered on the cross for us. Since He arose and lives forevermore, I too was given that promise by trusting Him.
That was the very beginning of distinctly knowing that God was listening and answering prayers.


The thing that most everyone gets confused, because many if the preachers and priests wrongly teach them this.... -V-
They know the history of how Jesus was crucified on the cross and what happened on Easter. The problem is that they think that was just a down payment and they can somehow add their own 2¢ by their good deeds like baptism, treating others the way they want treated, avoid crime, giving to charity and so forth. As good as those things are as they have their place, they do not apply to salvation. A man could devote his own life to serving God and preach every week, but that cannot pay for one sin. A sinner cannot pay for sins. That's why it took a sinless substitute Who was not guilty, to pay for the guilt of mankind that was owed to the Father. While good deeds have their place in society and family, they add nothing to what the Savior did. They don't pay your way to heaven (salvation). That's when I read Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8 and finally realized,

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

The gift of God is salvation from hell... eternal life.
It was already paid in Full by God the Son.
I can't toss my 2¢ worth of good works at the cross or that would be but an insult to all of the torments He went through. He just offers loving kindness free of charge. That's when I said yes, I reject my own works and accept that which He did for me. I now accept that gift of heaven freely offered. Jesus promised this....

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life....He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." *Jesus
John 3:16...

No major crimes were necessary to condemn me. I was already condemned. I already sinned and was trusting my "goodness" to get me out of a bad place. However, the key to not being condemned anymore is what?
Believing on Him. Believing is the same as trusting Him or faith. He can't lie and break that promise. That's what we are reminded of exactly 100 times in that one short book alone. He did it all, so no works of our own are accepted.
Problem was my sins and I was trusting the sinner, me, and not the Savior.
Had I died then, there's no doubt my destiny would be bleak.

Jesus made it so simple for us...
1. He did everything necessary to purchase that gift. God the Father was satisfied with His offering, but rejects everything mankind tries to replace that with. It's like tossing ¢2 at His Son's cross as if His own Son's tormenting death wasn't enough. It of course was and stands on Christ's own merits without any of our "help."
2. Jesus told us to quit trusting our 2¢ and trust Him alone. It's finished and paid in full.
The promise as I quoted above is everlasting life to whosoever believes on Him. That's exclusively on Jesus.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
3. "Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. "Romans 10.
He offers the gift, so simply ask Him for it in faith and it's yours.

That's when I "called upon...the Lord" in prayer that I am certain God heard while at my bedside. This is what you should do too. Just tell God this as He wants to hear from you.

Dear God,
I don't deserve to go to heaven.
I've done plenty of sins to deserve hell.
I can't do any good works to save myself. Jesus did everything necessary when He suffered for my sins so badly on the cross; so that I will not have to suffer hell.
I now trust Him to save me and take me to heaven when I die. He arose from the dead on the third day and lives forever.
I ask for that gift that He bought me, He promised me, and trust Him to keep His Word, because He cannot lie.
Thank You for everlasting life!
According to Christ's promise, in His Name I now pray.
Amen


Many here on the forum have done just what I hope that you have likewise. If that's the case, here is another promise for you from 1 John 5:11-15

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

If you died 50 years from now, where does God's Word promise that you would go?

This record is more important and carries far more weight than even the Constitution. Whereas the US Constitution applies to Americans, this applies only to who?
Answer: Those who believe on the Son of God. Those who choose to keep trusting in their own good works have the other promise. However, if you sincerely decided to place your trust/believe on Him, then you are assured to have (already) that gift of eternal life immediately!
______________

Once that gift belongs to you. Perhaps now, if you prayed with me; then you have another promise as the same passage continues,

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

This is THE key to beginning to have access to Almighty God. If you prayed with me just now, then you are born into the family of God the Father. You now have special privileges that you lacked before.
I have to go for now, but when you are ready,
Please let me know if you have any questions and if you made that decision.

Take care my friend.

Health and Happiness
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
13,884
5,630
113
#19
This forum is a real help to me so far; joined here 9/11/22. My previous interactions with "Christian" ideologues and possibly true believers has probably been minimal. Went to Roman Catholic grammar school and performed all the ritual. Associated with the Worldwide Church of God, on and off for approximately 5 years (1971-1976). Roman Catholics had "fixed" prayers. i.e. Our Father, Hail Mary and ?. WCG mentioned praying on occasion but primary focus seemed to be that Herbert Armstrong had the answers. And if his word wasn't good enough Dr. H. Hoeh had the answer. So now within the last month or so find Timothy Keller of New York City saying the Psalms are prayers. I was congratulating myself for not praying when I came across Proverbs 28:9 "He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayers are abomination.". I still think it right that I didn't pray since during my life I went from being very antagonistic toward religion (God) to being an expert when associated with WCG to being antagonistic to being an unbeliever to being confused to being a searcher to being a finder, maybe, to being a questioner to being an "hopeful" but feeling stupid prayer. So now for about the last 18 or so months by praying to the Father in the name of Jesus His Beloved Son for guidance by the Holy Spirit I think I'm making progress. All glory and thanks to a loving and merciful God.
just a teaching about prayer from a great Bible teacher 🙂

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.

And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.


And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:1-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

one note Jesus is t saying to simply Munich and repeat his words but is giving us a shape and mold and teaching about how we should pray

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:5-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

prayer is children speaking with their heavenly father and Jesus is teaching us about it
 
P

persistent

Guest
#20
Hi Persistent,

That was a mission trip down in Guyana.
That's an American pastor from Arizona. He and his Baptist church take trips to foreign countries to share the good news with groups who welcome them. Many of the other countries are open to the gospel, even schools. Many of our American school teachers train that right out of us. I too might not have been so receptive.
Someone cared enough about me in highschool to share the same message. I also was reluctant and sceptical. Later that evening I opened my Bible and asked God to help me understand and discern the truth with each verse the man wrote down and left for me. God did answer me that night. I decided to quit trusting in anything I could do and rather trust in Christ alone Who suffered on the cross for us. Since He arose and lives forevermore, I too was given that promise by trusting Him.
That was the very beginning of distinctly knowing that God was listening and answering prayers.


The thing that most everyone gets confused, because many if the preachers and priests wrongly teach them this.... -V-
They know the history of how Jesus was crucified on the cross and what happened on Easter. The problem is that they think that was just a down payment and they can somehow add their own 2¢ by their good deeds like baptism, treating others the way they want treated, avoid crime, giving to charity and so forth. As good as those things are as they have their place, they do not apply to salvation. A man could devote his own life to serving God and preach every week, but that cannot pay for one sin. A sinner cannot pay for sins. That's why it took a sinless substitute Who was not guilty, to pay for the guilt of mankind that was owed to the Father. While good deeds have their place in society and family, they add nothing to what the Savior did. They don't pay your way to heaven (salvation). That's when I read Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8 and finally realized,

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

The gift of God is salvation from hell... eternal life.
It was already paid in Full by God the Son.
I can't toss my 2¢ worth of good works at the cross or that would be but an insult to all of the torments He went through. He just offers loving kindness free of charge. That's when I said yes, I reject my own works and accept that which He did for me. I now accept that gift of heaven freely offered. Jesus promised this....

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life....He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." *Jesus
John 3:16...

No major crimes were necessary to condemn me. I was already condemned. I already sinned and was trusting my "goodness" to get me out of a bad place. However, the key to not being condemned anymore is what?
Believing on Him. Believing is the same as trusting Him or faith. He can't lie and break that promise. That's what we are reminded of exactly 100 times in that one short book alone. He did it all, so no works of our own are accepted.
Problem was my sins and I was trusting the sinner, me, and not the Savior.
Had I died then, there's no doubt my destiny would be bleak.

Jesus made it so simple for us...
1. He did everything necessary to purchase that gift. God the Father was satisfied with His offering, but rejects everything mankind tries to replace that with. It's like tossing ¢2 at His Son's cross as if His own Son's tormenting death wasn't enough. It of course was and stands on Christ's own merits without any of our "help."
2. Jesus told us to quit trusting our 2¢ and trust Him alone. It's finished and paid in full.
The promise as I quoted above is everlasting life to whosoever believes on Him. That's exclusively on Jesus.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
3. "Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. "Romans 10.
He offers the gift, so simply ask Him for it in faith and it's yours.

That's when I "called upon...the Lord" in prayer that I am certain God heard while at my bedside. This is what you should do too. Just tell God this as He wants to hear from you.

Dear God,
I don't deserve to go to heaven.
I've done plenty of sins to deserve hell.
I can't do any good works to save myself. Jesus did everything necessary when He suffered for my sins so badly on the cross; so that I will not have to suffer hell.
I now trust Him to save me and take me to heaven when I die. He arose from the dead on the third day and lives forever.
I ask for that gift that He bought me, He promised me, and trust Him to keep His Word, because He cannot lie.
Thank You for everlasting life!
According to Christ's promise, in His Name I now pray.
Amen


Many here on the forum have done just what I hope that you have likewise. If that's the case, here is another promise for you from 1 John 5:11-15

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

If you died 50 years from now, where does God's Word promise that you would go?

This record is more important and carries far more weight than even the Constitution. Whereas the US Constitution applies to Americans, this applies only to who?
Answer: Those who believe on the Son of God. Those who choose to keep trusting in their own good works have the other promise. However, if you sincerely decided to place your trust/believe on Him, then you are assured to have (already) that gift of eternal life immediately!
______________

Once that gift belongs to you. Perhaps now, if you prayed with me; then you have another promise as the same passage continues,

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

This is THE key to beginning to have access to Almighty God. If you prayed with me just now, then you are born into the family of God the Father. You now have special privileges that you lacked before.
cI have to go for now, but when you are ready,
Please let me know if you have any questions and if you made that decision.

Take care my friend..
Health and Happiness
Thanks for taking the time to make this post. I read it word for word and accept all that it says. I know I have even previous to this time, say some time within the last year, accepted Jesus as my Savior and came to the understanding of His having paid the price for His elect in full by accepting the title Lamb of God as John put it. So I hope you see me as brother and we can both say all Glory to our King and older brother and friend, Jesus. Now, let me ask you a question that I have been thinking about. I think it came to me when listening to a sermon of Spurgeon's. I never had an children but I still think that Jesus' Father also is including in suffering that He had to even provide the flesh and blood body for His Only Begotten and Beloved Son and then He had to administer the wrath which we deserved on His Beloved. Wouldn't any father suffer in such a case? Like Abraham. Am I way off course?