Once Saved ALWAYS SAVED ? Or a sin away from Hell?

Many TV and Radio evangelist have managed to put God's salvation into a 10 second sound bite. Many of them wrap John 3:16 around it just to make it look legally binding. Most importantly, you "should" be baptized sometime, but above all, be sure to send your "Love" gift to the station. (excuse me while I go blow chunks) Good ol' John 3:16. " “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life". The Media evangelist interpret this as: "If you believe in Jesus you are saved". Well what is it that sends man to hell? Sin ? Imperfection? Denying that Jesus is the Lord? According to John 3:16 it would be NOT believing in Jesus.
What exactly is your salvation a result of? First lets clear up the Argument of "Saved by Grace" or "Saved by works". The truth is, both apply. Let me explain. If I say unto you "You are welcomed in my house, but I ask that you remove your shoes before you come in". It shows grace and conditions. Removing your shoes does not entitle or "earn" your entrance into my house. It's only a condition. My saying: "You are welcomed in my house" shows grace. So both are true.
In the Bible there are two versus that give you an almost decisive idea on who will be walking on golden avenues. Matthew 7:21 - 23.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
This may come as a surprise to many TV and Radio congregations that filled their name out on the "I'm saved" card and repeated the prayer after Brother Laurie. But I've got good news for those of you who consider yourselves Bereans and have done everything the Bible instructed you to do for salvation but had a small "back slide". If you study these 3 verses, nowhere will you find the word belief or "did not believe". In this passage, Jesus is saying "He who does the will of my Father will enter the kingdom of heaven". (No mention of belief) and in verse 23, it implies that Jesus must know you. "And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; Depart from me you who practice lawlessness". Contrary to John 3:16 which says whosoever believes in Jesus, this is the reverse. Jesus must have known you.
But WHAT IS JESUS SAYING BY: "He who does the will of my Father"? You need to do some Bible studying to get the low down on how to get and follow the will of the Father.
What does this have to do with permanent Salvation. If we are saved by Grace, we are also set free to reject God by Grace. I (Personally) believe that you CAN NOT LOSE YOUR SALVATION. That's not saying once saved always saved. (But Ace your contradicting yourself) No not at all. God created us with the gift/responsibility of "Free Will". Why? Because he didn't want the love of robots or humanoids. True love comes from the ability to reject someone. So God will never take that choice away from you. If want to worship Satan, so be it. If you want to worship earthly creations, so let it be done. But unless you come back like the prodigal son, your decision to reject God becomes final. God will bless you with His permanent absence. Yet (And I say this not the Lord) If you have a relationship with Jesus and you do miss the mark on your travels, take comfort that God is a loving God. You are right to ask: "But didn't the prodigal son come home seeking forgiveness"? Your answer is yes. But what if I die before I can ask forgiveness?
Sin is not a rejection of God. It is a symptom of Man's weakness. It separates man from God. You've heard the term: "To err is human, to forgive is divine". God is Divine. God forgives. He will not send one of his loved ones to hell for poor timing. (Yet I constantly pray for forgiveness of my sins)
In conclusion, Had I been able to write an Op-Ed at the time I would have said, "John what dost thou mean by believeth upon Him"? Hopefully John would have said: "Belief encompasses trust,repentance, confession and baptism of water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It means having a real spiritual relationship with Christ who knows you as one who does the will of his Father".
The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.

Ace's Psychic Prediction for 2012

I have a "gut" feeling, (and I am Claresentient) that in 2012 we see Barack Obama resign from the presidency. I feel that the candidate that went un-vetted in 2008 will not be able to withstand the evidence that is brought to the surface. (Which I feel is already in GOP hands) Look for Iran to put pressure on Obama in July. In a "Saving face" motion, Obama will announce his inability to run due to "Health" issues. It will be a phantom "Gastric Ulcer" that leads him to retirement leaving Joe Biden to finish off Obama's term. Joe Biden selects Hillary Clinton as his Vice President.

In the rush to respond, Hillary misses the deadline to run for President in the November Election leaving Joe Biden as the Lead in on the Democrat ticket. This leads Obama supporters to suspect voter fraud and racial riots break out in New York, DC, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, L.A. and Miami.

Biden out of desperation threatens Martial Law and suspending the November election while racial division continues to escalate. As fighting and looting continue through November in the large metropolitan cities; The election proceeds with results being determined mostly from the Heartland and southern states. The GOP wins in a Reaganesque landslide.

By Thanksgiving reality puts out the fires and fighting as Iran threatens Israel with nuclear aggression. President Biden counters by targeting Tehran. Before 2012 ends, U.S. troops are re-deployed to Baghdad and Tel Aviv.

BTW, The preceeding is purely fiction and for the entertainment of my reading audience.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

On December 24th 2011 It dawned on me how I have been fighting a battle against "hate" that has been thrust on the average American for 3 years now. For three years Americans and the world have been facing Obama's "change". This Marxist that got lucky and played the race card against Hillary Clinton in 2008 has been (to use Valerie Jarret's words) Controlling the message for 3 years now. For three years Obama has been doing exactly the opposite that he promised as a candidate. In a time when Americans were skeptical of Politicians, Obama lured many in the center with a plea to unite both sides. Upon being sworn in, his message to the republicans of America was "YOU LOST". He loaded Washington with the most corrupt, vile, communists from Chicago. America, once Ronald Reagan's shining city on the hill has become the food stamp nation of late night liberal commercials. Obama's biggest change was trying to crash the U.S. economy so it could be rebuilt as a Marxist regime with it's first despot.

America has been fueled by hate and is full of hate.

I had a conversation recently with a friend I use to go to church with. I no longer go to the same church but I found myself on auto preach. Both of us knew the Church's "Play Book" . (Which book, Chapter and Verse). I found myself saying (and hearing) "But God hates the sin yet loves the sinner".

"GOD HATES THE SIN YET LOVES THE SINNER".

Today I was reflecting on that phone call. There have been a few times when I have been able to put words together to form a sentence that resonated with me as a "Divine Message". In the past It came as comforting words of reassurance. Today I understood that "Every man deserves to be loved".

"Every Man Deserves to Be Loved"

If God Hates the Sin yet Loves the Sinner; where does man have the right to be hateful with his fellow man. The fact alone that every man is a creation of God, whom God loves, must be deserving of our love. I'm speaking in terms of "Agape" love. This is the kind of unconditional love a human shows another human in need of help. You may not know that the other person is a wanted killer/child molester, (Or you may know) but you risk your life to save theirs. Why? Because you hate sin, not the sinner. Sometimes I ask myself how people can work in the prison system for years. (The good workers) These people have to be able to separate the sin from the sinner. They know that if given the chance the inmate will slit their throat for freedom, yet they believe that judgment is reserved for judgement day and this sinner is paying for his sins to man.

The opposite of Love is not Hate. It's indifference. Yet hatred will kill you. The old saying that hate is a poison that you ingest in hopes of killing someone else is true. We should all raise our standards so that we protect ourselves from the act of hating. That will be my New Year resolution starting today, Christmas Day. I won't hate Obama, I won't hate the progressives that are tearing apart out country, I won't hate myself when I miss the mark, I won't hate the neighbor's dog for crapping in my yard, I won't hate my neighbor for being an irresponsible pot-head. I will see them as a creation of God. The more they stray from God's will, the more I should share God's sadness. I will think about the difference between Hate and Righteous Indignation. I will remember that Righteous Indignation is aimed at the SIN, not the Sinner.

I have not recorded or performed music for a few years now because my physical health is in decline. It's not operative and there isn't much I can do about it. I do think about God saying to the apostle Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you". (2 Corinthians 12:9) As Paul pleaded for help with a certain "Thorn in his side". There is a lot in my life I could choose to be hateful about. But hate destroys. "Love conquers all". (1 Corinthians 13) I'm tired of "feeling" hateful. Is there any difference between feeling hateful and acting hateful ? Once again the good book says: "As a man thinketh, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7) For three years I've had repressed feelings of hatred towards the POTUS, Progressive Democrats, the CBC, the main stream media, Marcus Lloyd (FCC) Black TV commercial actors, The Occupy Wall Street Idiots. (So much misguided energy being co-opted by nefarious infiltrators) Muslim radicals, The New York Yankees, Inflation, 46 million unemployed, 40 million living at the "poverty level" (In America) 14% of American households on food stamps, etc...... This all represents the Sin I hate. But I love the sinner. Don't misunderstand me; we must be aware of the actions of those we befriend. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Don't be deceived. Bad company corrupts good morals". We are not to be yoked with those who would corrupt us. (2 Corinthians 6:14) The term yoked comes from the farming tool that links 2 oxen side by side. So although I refuse to hate progressive Marxists, it doesn't mean I will go out of my way to dine with them. Besides; I've already learned that the Left has already been co-opted by radicals since 1913. Many frustrated Democrats have left the party and are becoming Independents or Libertarians. These same radicals do not want to discuss issues. Most go from the issue directly to name calling. Communication is futile. But I will love them, not so much for their sake as for mine. I believe that is what God is telling me to do. Love my neighbor. (Leviticus 19:18)

With hate and anger comes depression. America is one country under the influence of Prozac. Perhaps if we can regain control of our "Emotional Health" we can begin rebuilding out country.

Merry Christmas Everybody

Ace

Stealing from America - It's the Chicago way

I knew the very next day after Bush 43 was re-elected the fix was in. I was moving from Washington back down to California and Gas jumped about 15 cents a gallon over night. I jokingly said, I guess the fix is in.

Coincidentally when Obama took a 2 digit lead in the 2008 polls over McCain, gas jumped up to a dollar a gallon higher. They didn't even wait for November. But the fix has been in on a global, let me repeat GLOBAL scale ever since 1/22/2009. GE has probably positioned themselves as the 21st century Haliburton corperation. Only Obama has come right out and made Jefferey Imeldt his "Czar" of economics. Good for GE who paid no taxes in 2010. It makes you wonder when Imeldt moves a ton of his manufacturing to China just who he's working for? Is it coincidence that the Chicoms now have a stealth Jet? Gee, who designed the electrical for Lockheed's F-22 ? What abouit the new Chicom Nuclear Sub copied from blue prints from the people that bring good things to life?

Are there any takers for bets that Blago gets amnesty in 2012?

Kick em when they're down.

It's the Chicago Way.

Go RICK SANTORUM

TRUE LOVE

Max 1996 - 2005


Chipper 2002 - ?
Yeah, I think that's it.

THE RELATIONSHIP ON LIFE SUPPORT

Believe it or not; Relationships are dynamic. They're like the stock market. They either grow or they die. Unfortunately the death is usually never a sudden death. Just as the stock market may crash, it still opens the next work day. When Barbie and Ken get married it almost seems like the game clock begins. From the time people dance at the wedding reception you are going to hear people say: "Well I give it a year", or "I hope they can beat the odds".


The seeds of Destruction vs. the couple's inner conviction to the two principles I spoke of yesterday:


1. Divorce is a sin and knowing doing so will anger God.
2. My spouse needs me and I took a vow and my word is important to me.


I think #2 can also include, my children need a mother and a father under the same roof.


In fact the last usually accounts for about 10 to 14 years of marital stagnation. I have a theory that most couples marry close to 25. They have children between 25 and 30. Between 30 and 35 they realize they chose poorly in a partner and want out. At the age of 40 desperation forces the one or both mentally to fish or cut bait. I feel that explains why so many of today's long term marriages last between 14 and 17 years. Here's a fact you probably didn't know: "50 percent of all divorces occur between 2 years from the time a couple first meets. Many pre-marital counselors insist that couples wait 2 years from the time they meet before making serious plans. This puts them in the winning half of the 50/50 category. The reason behind this statistic is that most people can put their best foot forward for about 18 months. I knew a woman that hid her smoking habit from her husband for 2 years. But after 18 months, it gets harder to keep up the lie. After 18 months you may discover something about your perfect partner that isn't so perfect and you just give up.

So what happens when you can't say: "I love you" and mean it?

If you're a victim of no beliefs, you say to your partner: "We need to talk". Then you go through the it's over talk.

If you're a victim of conviction #1 and you're concerned that divorce is a sin and knowingly doing so will anger God; you wait until your mate breaks down. By doing so, you subject yourself and your mate to an emotional/mental prison in the mean time. When a single person smiles at you, do you look away or are you tempted to respond? How long are you prepared to pretend? You may not agree but living with someone you're suppose to love, and pretending to do so, is like a diabetic pretending to take their insulin. The effects won't manifest physically but emotionally you will wind up in a spiritual coma. You'll be an emotional zombie. Then one day in a moment of weakness, your human needs will get the best of you. Then before you know it you've knowingly sinned in the presents of God.

Victim #2 is the worst. Victim# 2 wants to do the right thing because he/she has a conscience. The latter stays around until it's obvious they are no longer needed. Usually this is due to financial arrangements. But it could be health issues. It could be a plethora of issues keeping a couple not in love together. If a couple has children, the needs of their childhood is often something couples who may not like each other choose to prioritize over their own freedom.

What's the bottom line of a marriage on life support ? I'll use principles and and a song then you can draw your own conclusion.

1. You can not make a person love you.
2. It takes 2 to make a relationship.
3. People don't leave people they love.

To quote Michael McDonald in his 1981 hit "Little Darling"
You got me giving up my pride, I don’t mind, I don’t mind
There’s always one person that loves more than the other,
well I don’t mind, I don’t mind. ~ Michael McDonald
When your relationship is on life support; remember this one very thing. You need to keep yourself healthy. Living in a pity party is not going enhance the dynamics of the relationship. The better you take care of yourself; the better you'll come out of a destructive split. The more unhealthy you are; the further down the split will take you. Treat your partner with respect because (see #2) you are both responsible for the condition of the marriage. So refrain from playing the blame game. If there is a shred of TRUE reconciled feelings, it will only surface when the other person knows they are not trying to be kept int the marriage. Remember #2 It takes 2 to make a relationship. That means it only takes one to end it.

THE RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT LOVE

When did you know you didn’t love me"? She said: “I don’t know if I've ever loved you”.

~ Billy Crystal as Harry in "When Harry met Sally"

He does all the things that you would never do. He loves me to, his love is true. Why can't he be you?

~ Patsy Cline

"My wife said to me as she kissed me good-bye: "Have a nice day". That's what the bank teller says to you. That's what you say to a customer. Shouldn't your wife tell you she loves you"?

~ Jeff Goldblum in "Into the Night"

"Now I'm praying for the end of time so I can end my time with you" !

~ Meatloaf from Bat out of Hell

If the seeds of destruction are planted in the Motive of your marriage, it's only a matter of time before you are in a relationship void of Eros (lust) Philia (sibling love) and maybe even Agape (a Divine Love). Often this relationship is the result of unintended consequences. Such as:

· We got married too soon
· She got pregnant and neither of us believe in abortion.
· I was not over so and so. (or I'm still not over so and so I thought they would change)
· Kids will settle him down.
· Maybe the financial situation will change.
· I was in love with the feeling of being in love.
· I'm better off as a single person.
· I didn't sew all of my "wild oats".
· They don't make me happy any more.
· They stopped filling my needs.
· I wanted to show the world and my ex, that I am desirable.
· I enjoy having someone to come home to.
· It was pre-arranged by our parents.
· I could do worse and I'm not getting any younger
· I wanted someone to bury me.



Had enough ???


For the myriad of reasons to break up a marriage; I can only think of a few not to.

I believe divorce is a sin and knowingly doing so would anger God.
The other person needs me and I took a vow. (My word is important to me)


It all boils down to: "How serious do you take marriage"?


NO MARRIAGE IS PERFECT. That's a good principle to keep in mind.

· People change.
· Couples change.
· The environment changes
· Religious beliefs change
· Physical conditions change.
· Mental stability changes.
· Some people cheat.
· Some people are never satisfied with one sex partner.
· People don't like being controlled.
· People can't read minds.