Dad (and Mom) of 11

I'd like to meet:

The Trinity, ultimately my wife and all of our family in heaven, John the Baptist, the lone leper (of 10) in Luke 17:15, R.C. Sproul, Frances Schaeffer, Alistair Begg, and of course the Yankees Joe Torre.

General

Learn
True Love

Road to Salvation

The Holy Bible tells us we need Jesus because without Him there is no access to God, no eternal life, no peace nor purpose. To have a relationship with God, we must first understand we are born with a big problem. The big problem is sin and sin separates us from a Holy God. Wonderfully God is merciful and has provided a way out for those who belong to Him.

We must first also understand, realize and admit we have a problem. You see, the Holy Bible clearly states that every man will be judged before God, on judgment day. "For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, "Every knee will bow before me; every tounge will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:9-12

The good news is that Jesus already came, lived, and died on behalf of the sins of His chosen!!! "But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 For those that truely believe and trust in Him, are also saved by His sacrifice!

Have you ever taken anything that does not belong to you? Have you ever exaggerated the truth? Have you ever hated anyone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have already broken one of the Ten Commandments (and there is still seven more Commandments to go through). The Holy Bible teaches us that the due penalty of breaking any of the Ten Commandments is judgment (death in Hell). "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9 Being a "good person", a "moral person", a law-abiding person is not good enough before a Holy and Righteous God.

Sometimes we feel like God does not love us. Sometimes we feel inadequate before God. Sometimes we feel convicted of our sins. This is normal when we do not know Jesus. And without Jesus there is no lasting solution to these problems.

Getting good with God is something you cannot earn nor buy. It is not hereditary nor is it available through rituals. Getting good with God comes only through Jesus and it is available to anyone who asks. God's grace is 100% free. To receive this free "Gift of Grace" we must first repent of our sins, believe in Jesus and ask Him into our hearts. "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2

In the Old Testament of the Holy Bible you find the good and needed Law of Moses (Ten Commandments). Since all humans are born with a sinful nature, people in the Old Testament times (before the time of Jesus) would have to offer atoning sin sacrifices to a Holy and Righteous God each time they sinned (to get right with God, a cleansing before God).

Today, the solution to our sin problem or "Good News" as it is often called comes only through Jesus Christs sacrifice on the cross. You see, God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross because He loves us. It was not until Jesus Christ atoning sin sacrifice on the cross, that God granted us complete undeserved forgiveness for our past, present and future sins. Today, forgiveness and everlasting salvation is available for those who believe in Jesus. "For the Law was given through Moses; Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17

As hard as it may be to believe (at first thought), Jesus bore the full wrath of God that we humans deserved for our sins (on the cross) once and for all. Jesus became God's acceptable atoning sacrifice before God! And that is why we love Jesus so much. Jesus died for His own! "...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15 God knows there is no one that is perfect and thus "Good", and that is why God sent Jesus to die for us!!!

In concluding, Jesus died and rose on the third day conquering death so those who believe in Him may also live forever in eternity with Him and God. The forgiveness of our sins comes through the greatest gift to mankind, the undeserved grace through Jesus Christ! Why? Because He loves His own and wants those of us who are His to live a full and complete life on this earth and in heaven!!!

The Holy Bible clearly teaches that apart from Christ, there is no forgiveness of sin or eternal life (only separation from God, in Hell). When we repent and turn away from our sins, believe in Him, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are saved. We then gain access to a Holy loving and merciful God, receive eternal salvation and are filled with His Holy Spirit forever! "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no Law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:22-24

Looking for Forgiveness?
Life? Peace? Purpose?

Do you want to know the meaning of life? Do you want to go to heaven? If so, check out these verses, decide if God is drawing you and pray this life changing prayer below. Once you understand this sinner's prayer and trust Jesus alone for your salvation, you can begin to study the Bible to fully understand how you can have assurance of salvation!

"For 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

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17

"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:10

"For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" Romans 10:13

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no-one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Sinners
Prayer

HEAVENLY FATHER: I come to you in prayer and repentance and turn away from my sins, and ask for Your forgiveness ......I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is Your Son, and that He died on the cross that I might be forgiven of my sins and have eternal life....... Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask You to come into my life and to be my personal Lord and Savior. Because Your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am born again and cleansed by the blood of Jesus!.......In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Benefits
Of Accepting Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior

A. Our sins are forgiven
B. We receive eternal salvation
C. We gain access to a Holy God
D. We are filled with the Holy Spirit forever!

Assurance
Of Salvation

Your new life will not be perfect, but when trials come, you will have Jesus to help you through them.

If you ask for His forgiveness, he will forgive you. ...Jesus came into the world to save sinners... 1 Timothy 1:15

Assurance of Salvation. ... God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life... 1 John 5:11-12

Assurance of Answered Prayer. ...Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete... John 16:24

Assurance of Victory, over Temptation ...No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it... 1 Corinthians 10:13

Assurance of Forgiveness ...If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness... 1 John 1:9

God will never leave you. ... Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you... Hebrews 13:5

God created you and has great plans for you. ...For I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future... Jeremiah 29:11

Role of
The Trinity

- ( GOD IS JESUS IS THE HOLY SPIRIT )
GOD - We are created by God to love Him
JESUS - We are saved by Jesus
HOLY SPIRIT - We are guided by the Holy Spirit

Using the Acronym
A.C.T.S.

A WAY TO PRAY!

A doration of God
C onfession of sins
T hankful for his blessings
S upplication-prayers for others and yourself

Whats
Next?

The bible teaches us to love God first, love others more than ourselves & share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Begin building your relationship with Jesus by reading the gospel of John. Find a good bible teaching church. Join a small bible study group. After accepting Christ, get baptized as your outward testimony of your faith. The life of a Christian is reading the bible daily, praying daily, being obedient and trusting in Jesus. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 God is in Control!!!

Why we share
The Gospel

Because "Grace, truth and love" is found only in Jesus "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17

We share the "Good News" because the Holy Bible tells us to. The "Good News" is that Jesus died for past, present and future sins of all believers. Jesus accepted the full wrath of God that we deserve, on the cross. Jesus became the final atoning sacrifice for our sins. When we repent and turn away from our sins, this wonderful gift of forgiveness, love and eternal salvation is available to anyone who trusts, believes and calls on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!

The Great Commission Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

A sense of urgency "Do you not say, ..Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35

Saved by grace to do good works "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no-one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

Contact
Me

If you read this and prayed the sinners prayer, signifing that you have given your life to the Lord please contact me via "Messaging Me" on myspace
I would love to hear from you and to help you start off your new found relationship with the most awsome savior the world has ever known! ..

Music:

Rick Wakeman,Jubilant Sykes,and Yes.
Make your own custom scroller sign at Blipsy.com!

Movies:

Reading is better

Television:

Sledge Hammer was the best TV show ever. Yankee baseball games.

Books:

In addition to The Bible, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Hard to Believe by John MacArthur, The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity by Nancy R. Pearcey, Phillip E. Johnson.

Heroes:

Of course my wife Ann and our kids Eric, Joshua, Matthew, Adam, Stephen, Hannah, Anna, Michael, Philip, David, and Mark. Also Frank, Melissa, Crystal and Kristina. That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God,and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalms 78:6-7 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John MacArthur, E.V. Hill, and John Calvin. And most of all Jesus Christ.Reformation Study Bible – RC SproulJohn MacArthur Explains the GospelJohn MacArthur ... THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST Part 1 of 3John MacArthur - THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST - Part 2 of 3John MacArthur - The Second Coming of Christ - Part 3 of 3
Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com
“When was God at His best? What greater act could God commit than create the heaven and the earth? That has to be God at His best. I think it was a Russian cosmonaut who declared that there was no heaven, because he had gone up in space, looked out the window, and didn’t see one. I remind you, he only went to the backyard.” E.V. Hill, A Savior Worth Having ************************ Ephesians Three

Add to My Profile | More VideosHow can I love Christ more?In his book, The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ, the Puritan Thomas Vincent offers nine directions that will lead you to your desired destination.Meditate on Christ - Direction 1: "Be much in contemplation of Christ."Your first priority is to meditate on Christ. Make time each day to dwell on Him. Consider who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing for you. Vincent suggests,Spend time in secret retirement, and there think and think again of the superlative excellencies and perfections which are in Christ’s person; how wonderful and matchless His love is, what heights that cannot be reached, what depths in it that cannot be fathomed, what other dimensions which cannot be comprehended.Study about Christ - Direction 2: "Be much in reading and studying the Scriptures."The Bible is God's Word to you. It is where you'll find everything you need to know about your great Lord and Savior. Paul said to "let the word of Christ richly dwell within us" (Col. 3:16). It is your spiritual food (Matthew 4:4). To not feed on its truths every day is like going without food for a day. You wouldn't do that to your physical body, so be sure not to do that to your soul.Pray for Love - Direction 3: "Be much in prayer to God for this love."Jesus said, "How much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him" (Matt. 7:11). There isn't anything better than having supreme love for Christ, and God will certainly give that to you if you ask Him for it sincerely. Vincent says,If you would have much love to Christ in your hearts, you must be often at the throne of grace upon your knees, and there humbly acknowledge if not the lack, yet the weakness, of your love to Christ. Bewail your sins which dampen your affections, and earnestly request that He would work your hearts unto a strong love. Be importunate in prayer for this.Lean on Christ - Direction 4: "Get much faith."This goes hand in hand with prayer. The writer of Hebrews said, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Peter said of Christ, "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him" (1 Pet. 1:8). You can know Christ only by faith, and only by faith can you truly love Him. Vincent says, "According to the measure of your faith, so will the measure of your love be. Such as are without any faith are without any love; such as have but feeble faith have but weak love; and such as have the strongest faith have the strongest love."Be Filled with the Spirit - Direction 5: "Labor for much of the light of the Spirit."The only way to truly love Christ is to "be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18). Jesus Himself gave the reason that the Holy Spirit has such a crucial role:I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you (John 14:16–17).Make Your Salvation Sure - Direction 6: "Labor for clear evidences of His love unto you. The full, well-grounded persuasions of Christ’s love to you will, above all, heighten your love to Christ."If you are a true Christian, Christ loves you. But if you lack the assurance of your salvation, examine your life to make sure you are saved. Don't doubt the Lord's love, for Paul said, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).Live in Obedience - Direction 7: "Get much hatred of sin and, accordingly, watch, pray, strive, and fight against sin as the worst of evils, as that which so much displeases your Lord."When you do sin, go to the Lord and confess it so you can experience the joy of restoration. Vincent encourages further:Disturb sin as much as you can; wage war every day with your remaining lusts. Let no day pass over your heads without giving some blows, some thrusts and wounds to sin. The more you straiten the room of sin in your hearts, the less room Christ will have there. Particularly, take heed of inordinate love to the world and the things in the world, the prevalence of which love will dampen your love to Christ. By how much more the world gets of your love, by so much the less Christ will have it.Follow Those Who Love Christ - Direction 8: "Associate yourselves most with those that have most love unto Christ."Simply stated, follow godly examples. Paul said, "Join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us" (Phil. 3:17).Pursue Love - Direction 9: "Be much in exercise of this love; hereby it is increased and heightened."This last principle takes you back to the beginning. If you want more love for Christ, pursue Him by practicing each of these every day. In every activity, in every contact, and in every thought, make Christ your focus. When you make Him your priority and love Christ with all your heart, soul, and strength, God is glorified.Adapted from John MacArthur’s book, First Love, pp. 148-51
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MySpace "Mark G" sent me this new evangelism method ... You might start this in your town too. Thanks Pastor Mark! Click to view how to share your faith in this new way ....Evangelism Linebacker

Add to My Profile | More VideosYou might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God." You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places. You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival." You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You bow your head when someone prays. You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem. You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have. You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never burned an American flag. You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening. You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same. You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.God Bless the U S A ! ! ! ! Amen