One of the most essential questions for an individual to ponder is this and it is essential for this very reason; Who you are determines how you live your life. Who you are is also tied to your worldview, because any concept of self stems from what ever faith you claim. That is if I held to the Atheistic worldview, then there is no God or a basis for moral standard and ultimately I am but a broth of chemicals wrapped in skin. No matter how intelligent or layman I maybe be, everything I do, say, feel is controlled by chemical reactions in my brain. Which inevitably voids me of all responsibility for my actions. leading my to do what I want, when I want, and how I want.
However, We at DCIM hold to the biblical worldview and as such ‘Who am I” takes on a completely different connotation. That is according to the biblical worldview, I am a fully conscious being created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26). Through the failings of my forefathers and my own selfish ambitions I am totally depraved and in need of a savior. (Romans 3:9-18;6:12-14). It is because of the love of God that I now have the ability to regain my former glory, if I accept the provision that he has set. (John 1:11-12;3:14-18).
The truth of the Bible is obvious to anyone willing to fairly investigate it. The Bible is uniquely self-consistent and extraordinarily authentic. It has changed the lives of millions of people who have placed their faith in Christ. It has been confirmed countless times by archaeology and other sciences. It possesses divine insight into the nature of the universe and has made correct predictions about distant future events with perfect accuracy. When Christians read the Bible, they cannot help but recognize the voice of their Creator. The Bible claims to be the Word of God, and it demonstrates this claim by making knowledge possible. It is the standard of standards. The proof of the Bible is that unless its truth is presupposed, we couldn’t prove anything at all.
1. Unique structure
2. Scientific accuracy
3. Fulfilled prophecies
4. Historical accuracy
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According to (Ephesians 2:8-9) salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone and not by works, lest any man should boast. So the simple answer is no; however, this in no way diminishes the importance of going to church. Although going to church will never “save” you, it is essential to living a holy and sinless life before the Lord. No believer is meant to walk this walk alone. Being a member of a local congregation empowers us to abstain from sin through corporate worship, prayer and being accountable for each other. Local congregants strengthen each other in the word of God through small groups and bible studies, builds the believers up through prophesy and encouragement, Believers are able to lend a hand in times of trouble and celebrate in times of joy. According to (1 Corinthians 12) we are all of one body, with no part being better than the other. Meaning that we all need each other in one way or another. The church is an institution set by God to assure that we have that which is needed to live a sanctified life until the return of our Lord.
Once you accept Christ into your life, do not become discouraged or doubt your salvation if it seems nothing has changed. Truly believing in your salvation through Christ is a radical change in itself. Many people may not feel different immediately, but God is busy at work on the inside (Philippians 2:12-13). You may notice your thought process changing, or the way that you react to or view certain situations. Things that kept you separated from God will start to change as well. You may also experience a strong desire to seek and learn more about God and his word. In short, there isn’t a specific predetermined list of things that will change once you accept Christ. Every person is different and may respond in a different way. Matthew 6:33-34 tells us not to worry, but to take it day by day and seek the kingdom of God first. Stay faithful and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1-2)
You can start by teaching your children what you already have learned your self, but on a scale where they can understand. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Explain to them on their level why you are doing this yourself and why it is important to you to share it with them. Be honest, truthful and you just may be surprised at how eager they will be to learn more. According to Matthew 19: 14-15, Jesus says not to hinder children from coming to him because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Being in the learning process yourself is actually helpful because it enables you to do a self-audit of how far you have come as well. You will be amazed at how interested some children will be. This is something new to the both of you, so you can absolutely work together. Get them their own children’s bible, and pray with them. Learn together. If your child asks you a question that you do not know, tell them that you will find the answer together. Deuteronomy 29:29 says the secret things belong to the Lord, but theses things revealed belong to us and our children. Share the knowledge that you have now and as you learn teach your children. A great resource for teaching biblical doctrines is the catechism book Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade.
The answer can be found in several scriptures. In John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” In Acts 16:31 “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” To all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). You can receive eternal life as a FREE gift. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans6:23).
Also in Romans, he tell us how to get this gift of salvation and eternal life. Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
You can spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven, for He promised: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am” (John 14:3).
You may experience times like these where it seems that everything is going wrong in your life. Sometimes believers go through these strenuous trials and tribulations in order to test faithfulness (1peter4:12). What you are experiencing is for a season, and because of the grace of God, you will be restored and strengthened (1Peter5:10). James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This can be a good time to increase your prayer line of communication with God, and continue to be connected to other believers for support. Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope through God’s love (Romans 5:3-5)
The loss of a loved one can be hard to deal with no matter what the circumstances are. You may feel confused or angry, and begin to ask God why. Why didn’t your prayers get answered? Why did He allow them to die? The truth is that there isn’t a definite answer to this question. Your loved one may have died for reasons that man may never understand. 2 Corinthians 16-18 tells us not to lose heart. You should focus less on what you see and more on what you don’t see because what you see is temporary. The unseen is eternal.
Building a closer relationship with God should be an evolving objective of every believer. Knowledge is power. Read, listen, and study. Seek to truly understand the meaning of God’s word and his purpose for your life. Take up your cross and follow Christ daily (Luke 9:23). Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Let your life display to others the love you have for God and his kingdom. Confess your sins, worship, and have a prayer line of communication with God that is always open 24/7. Speak songs from your spirit and give thanks to God for everything (Ephesians 5:19-20)
You shouldn’t!!! Scripture is very clear on this subject!
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:15-20
The issue most Christians have is not that the “Preachers” are leading them astray. But that most Christians don’t study the word so that they are able to discern good fruit from bad fruit. The moment believers know the word for themselves is the moment we will see the false prophets begin to dwindle.
With that being said. The vast majority of preachers are truly God fearing men seeking to preach the Gospel of Christ boldly and accurately. And we should not let a few false teachers discourage or pull us away from the faith. Lets not let a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch
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