Pictured: Rick Bush in 2011, holding his newborn twin boys. In June of 2001, Houston was hit by Tropical Storm Allison. Everything was flooding and destruction. No one could work. I had not seen my friend Rick in a while, so I called him and arranged lunch. Rick and I had met in the fallContinue reading “Words Spoken for a Word-Lover: RICK BUSH AND THE HOUND OF HEAVEN. Psalm 139:7-8.”
Category Archives: Salvation means giving everything to Christ/Lay your life on the altar and don’t take it back
“I Am So Disappointed in You.” Genesis 8:21.
Image generated with A.I. The worst thing I ever heard from my parents was, “I am so disappointed in you.” They said it regularly. It seemed natural to disappoint my parents. I expected to disappoint them. After all, I spent my time trying to please myself. They were collateral damage. But when they said IContinue reading ““I Am So Disappointed in You.” Genesis 8:21.”
The Demons Also Believe. James 2:19.
Does belief save you? Is it enough to know Jesus died for you? Is believing He died to take away your sins the same as placing your faith in Jesus? Consider: “A man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, ‘What do you have to do with us, Jesus? Have youContinue reading “The Demons Also Believe. James 2:19.”
IS BELIEF ENOUGH? James 2:19.
No. Salvation is more than accurate beliefs—more than “head knowledge.” Something has to change. Your life is transformed and you are born again—THAT is salvation. The old dies and you receive a new life. Everything changes, like the caterpillar that ceases to be a caterpillar and is reborn a butterfly. James agrees. “You believe GodContinue reading “IS BELIEF ENOUGH? James 2:19.”
Sorry is Not Enough. Matthew 27:4.
Did Judas go to heaven? “Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,’ he said. ‘What is that to us?’ they answered. ‘See to that yourself.’ So he threwContinue reading “Sorry is Not Enough. Matthew 27:4.”
Salvation Has Come. Luke 19:9.
How do you get saved? One of my favorite soul-winning tools is the Bridge to Life[1] tract published by the Navigators. In only a few pages, the writers explain some of the fundamental truths that help people find Christ. It ends with what is often called a “sinner’s prayer,” and most believe that if youContinue reading “Salvation Has Come. Luke 19:9.”
THE SINNER’S PRAYER. Luke 18:9-14.
Joel Osteen concludes each sermon with a prayer: “Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior.” Then Joel looks at the camera and says, “If you prayed that simple prayer, we believe ya’ got born again. Get in a good, Bible-based church…” That always seemsContinue reading “THE SINNER’S PRAYER. Luke 18:9-14.”
Fake Apologies. John 1:5
A genuine apology does not come with strings attached. You sincerely admit your mistake, you agree it was wrong, and you stop there. You don’t get to manipulate the other person’s response. A real apology does not require anything from the other person. You confess your failure and accept their reaction—even if you don’t likeContinue reading “Fake Apologies. John 1:5”
No “Take-Backs.” Ezekiel 20:32.
As children, we have all experienced a friend giving us something, then snatching it back. Even as adults, we sometimes open Christmas presents only to be suddenly told the gift had the wrong name on it and was intended for someone else. When you give, it is important to “count the cost,” to do theContinue reading “No “Take-Backs.” Ezekiel 20:32.”
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