what's the difference?

[HiTsUjI]

if God has a plan for me, and he knows anyway what's going to happen, why should i worry about choosing God now? why do my Christian friends and family worry and keep pestering me about 'being saved' when it's going to happen according to God's play anyway?

[Rob]

The formost thoughts that go through my mind about my decision to give my life to Christ is something like, "why did I wait so long". Gods path for your life is much more satisfying than anything you could map out on your own. Your family and friends only want you to experienge Gods best. Too often people look at what they have to give up to follow Christ. Once that leap of faith is made they discover joy and freedom in Christ that is much more satisfying than the sin they dont want to give up. It took me 42 years. Boy would I like to have a few of those back.

[Mandy]

Hi Newbie :)


God does have a plan for you, but He is a Gentleman, and will never force it on you. God is absolutely sovereign, yet we have free will. So we have to choose, will we receive Christ and His free gift of salvation, or will we reject it?



2Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

Amen Rob!

[hasbeens2000]

It is because they care about you. They want you to experience the best life possible, and that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus.

You see, being a Christian isn't just about whether or not we get to go to heaven when we die. In John 10:10, Jesus said, "I have come that they have life, and have it to the full." Jesus actually taught more about how to live our best life here on earth than He did about heaven. Suprised? I sure was.

Why not check it out for yourself? I mean, what have you got to lose? And when you have questions or dilemmas, or confusion, remember...we'll be here for you. :wave:

Eric

[StogusMaximus]

God know everything, He knows when and if you are going to choose Him. Have you thought that the people who are "pestering you about 'being saved'" are doing God's will? I mean do you think that maybe it is God's plan to have your friends and family "pester you", so that you will turn to Christ?

[ThienAn]

I guess when it comes to being saved, it doesn't matter whether you believed him when you were 10 or 90. But as for me, God gave me life & free will to choose what I want to do with my life. If I use that free will to choose God, He will give me more than this world or this life could ever offer. He will give me peace, joy, love, happiness, and a chance for fellowship with Him; and He'd give me more than this life could ever give.

Having said that, who wouldn't want to start ASAP? And besides, I heard there's a reward in heaven for those who do the will of the Lord. People may say that they're doing things for the Lord, but if they don't believe in God, all the things they're doing does NOT count.

[LouisBooth]

Why should you "get saved now"? What if you die tomorrow and still haven't stopped putting it off?

[Blackhawk]

Why should you "get saved now"?

Why not? Being a Chrsitian is a much better life than being a nonChristian. God gives me hop, joy, peace, love, ... The list goes on and on. So why not? This is one of the few cases where the grass is greener on the other side.

blackhaw6

[Da Berkshire Massive]

Yes, how do you KNOW that you will go to sleep tonight and wake up in the morning?! Once you're dead you can't cry out to God for salvation saying 'I had every intention of doing so!'
I would NEVER put off accepting Jesus as yyour Lord and Saviour- I did that it wasn't long before I was in a false sense of security thinking that I could put it off until I was on my deathbed.
Thankfully God pushed me into it- he ordered Satan to tempt me almost unbearingly like I had never known in my life to eternally reject the Holy Spirit. I knew that doing so would mean eternal death and no way out! In a couple of days I was a Christian!

[ZiSunka]

Why put it off, if it is causing you family so much anxiety, especially if you know you want to get saved. It seems kind of unkind to them for you to keep them in suspense for no good reason.

[HiTsUjI]

i'm not going to die tomorrow, nor am i doing this on purpose. why can't i do what i want and if it's up to God to save me, then why can't my friends and family accept that?

[ThienAn]

Believing in God should not depend on your family or your friends. Don't believe in God because that's what your family would like you to do; but then again, don't reject God because that's what your family wants you to do.

You can do whatever you want. God gave us the free will to choose. But the way I see it is that it's up to you and God whether you will be saved or not. Don't make the mistake that God can do everything. He can, but if you don't want to be saved, He won't save you. That's your choice; that's free will.

Think about this, God wants to save everyone. But not everyone will be saved. So, it's God's choice, but it's also your choice.

Just don't put it off; you don't know when it will be too late.

[ThienAn]

Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9b

[StogusMaximus]

Originally posted by Newbie
i'm not going to die tomorrow

How do you know? People die everyday, and most of them did not know that is was going to be tomorrow. How do you know you will not die tomorrow?

[Project 86]

1. You COULD die tomorrow. It happens all the time at young ages.

2. Why would you want to upset God by not fully accepting him and wanting to please him?

3. When you follow him all the time your prayers will begin to have more meaning. You'll feel more free to talk to him and you'll known you have a good relationship with him.

4. You'll be able to see more cleary the path God wants you to take the rest of your life which will help you both here on this earth and later in heaven.

That's just what I can come up when I'm half awake. If you need more just ask. :)

[Da Berkshire Massive]

I agree, don't make a commitment just because of your family- I doubt you will get truly saved if that's your motive.
I don't want to frighten you, but it is in your best interests that I warn you- even if you don't die, you CAN blow it before you die! If the Holy Spirit is calling you, it is a very dangerous thing, to persist in resisting his call. You can resist God to a point, where he gives up on you and declares that you will never enter his rest- that is when a person commits the unpardonable sin and becomes eternally condemned.
I do understand you totally though- I felt exactly the same as you- my family and most of my friends, inc my best friend were not Christians and I didn't want things to change with them, so I too delayed accepting Christ.
What you have to remember is that once you become a Christian you can enjoy every pleasure of life there is providing you enjoy it in a way that is righteous and holy in God's sight!
I have been a Christian for 5 years- look what I get up to!

Cinema- most films providing not too violent/ or explicit
Bars- yes I drink- (just don't get drunk) but enjoy myself just as much.
Going out with friends- there's nowhere my friends go that I can't go now that I am a Christian!
Clubbing- yes sometimes 49,999 people and I ! Love the music, have a couple of drinks etc and thoroughly enjoy myself with my mates- and neither I nor any of my friends get drunk or take drugs!
TV/Radio- I still watch and listen to most things- as long as it is not full of bad language, violent or explicit.
Have fun with people of the opposite sex- o.k. there are limits here, but I enjoy myself spending time with girls probably as much as anyone else. I enjoy their company and friendship.
As a Christian you can still go out with, hold hands, cuddle and kiss someone in the opposite sex (as long as they too are a Christian), the rest obviously you have to wait til marriage, but so what?- as long as you do it righteously there really is nothing you can't do!
Plus on top of this you can have all this fun and you don't get that terrible emptyness afterwards- you are often just as happy (not saying it is all a bed of roses because it isn't!)when you're not having fun as you are when you are!
And I can testify to this, when you become a Christian, God doesn't take away all the good things about your character and personality- He gave them to you! God is only interested in changing the bad stuff about you if you'll let him!
If you know any Christians, that are very serious and solemn and don't like having fun- that is their choice, God didn't make them like that! He certainly hasn't done that to me!

[Da Berkshire Massive]

Originally posted by Newbie
i'm not going to die tomorrow, nor am i doing this on purpose. why can't i do what i want and if it's up to God to save me, then why can't my friends and family accept that?

You COULD die tommorrow- even if there is no obvious danger you could suddenly have a brain hemorage or die in your sleep- your heart just stops beating- it has been known for perfectly healthy young people to just die in their sleep- there was one case a couple of years ago, near me.
Do you REALLY want to dice with ETERNITY in hell, when you know it's the truth?!

[Da Berkshire Massive]

Just ask Jesus to forgive you for all your sins, save you and give you his Holy Spirit to help you live a Holy life.
But say to him that you don't feel ready, but you realise how desperately urgent this is, tell him that you need to take things slowly at first in your walk with him- He WILL understand!

[LouisBooth]

"i'm not going to die tomorrow"

And how do you know that? No one can see the future. If you're hungery do you say to your body, I can eat later...no, you go find something to eat to fufill the need you know you have.

[Caedmon]

The reason your family and friends keep talking to you about it is because they don't know when God will call your heart and convert you. They're just doing what God asks Christians to do. If/when God calls you into His Fold, His message will ring true in your heart, and then you will remember their act of love and compassion. I cannot tell you how great that feeling is to finally grasp the awesome lovingkindness of those that tell you about the gospel. They love you so much!

[Your Neighbor]

Originally posted by Newbie
if God has a plan for me, and he knows anyway what's going to happen, why should i worry about choosing God now? why do my Christian friends and family worry and keep pestering me about 'being saved' when it's going to happen according to God's play anyway? It is while it is called today that you may, "if you will, hear his voice, and harden not your heart, as in the day of provocation." It is today that the Spirit of God invites. It is today that the sweet voice of mercy is falling upon your ears. It is today that the heavenly invitation comes to you. It is today that in Heaven everything says, "Come. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely."

When the appeals of the Holy Spirit come to the heart, our only safety lies in responding to them without delay. When the call comes, "Go work today in My vineyard," do not refuse the invitation. "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 4:7. It is unsafe to delay obedience. You may never hear the invitation again.

And let none flatter themselves that sins cherished for a time can easily be given up by and by. This is not so. Every sin cherished weakens the character and strengthens habit; and physical, mental, and moral depravity is the result.

Christ is ready to set us free from sin, but He does not force the will; and if by persistent transgression the will itself is wholly bent on evil, and we do not desire to be set free, if we will not accept His grace, what more can He do? We have destroyed ourselves by our determined rejection of His love.

[HiTsUjI]

so you people think I should accept Christ just in case i die tomorrow? that's a stupid argument isn't it? shouldn't it be because i want to, not because you're scaring me of dying!

[Project 86]

I gave you 3 other reasons Newbie! Might want to reread my post!

[LouisBooth]

"so you people think I should accept Christ just in case i die tomorrow? "

No, your orginal question was why should I not put it off and accept christ some other day.

[Caedmon]

Originally posted by Newbie
so you people think I should accept Christ just in case i die tomorrow? that's a stupid argument isn't it? shouldn't it be because i want to, not because you're scaring me of dying!

That's exactly right Newbie. I honestly find the fear tactic to be rather ridiculous. Nobody can scare you into becoming a Christian; no one can change your mind for you. It's not something that other people can "choose" for you. If that was true, then that would mean that other people could make the decision for you and save you, and Christians should remember that only God calls and saves.

But if/when the Holy Spirit truly calls you, you will convert because His Grace is irresistible, and then you will understand why we want you so much to be a part of Christ with us, and how much we love you. God will call you when He wishes, and if/when He does, He will have you.

But as far your family and friends are concerned, don't be so hard on them. What they're doing is a natural concern; they love you so very much! They want you to go to Heaven with them one day, and not end up in the other place where there is eternal pain and seperation from God.

[HiTsUjI]

Originally posted by Project 86

2. Why would you want to upset God by not fully accepting him and wanting to please him?

3. When you follow him all the time your prayers will begin to have more meaning. You'll feel more free to talk to him and you'll known you have a good relationship with him.

4. You'll be able to see more cleary the path God wants you to take the rest of your life which will help you both here on this earth and later in heaven.

That's just what I can come up when I'm half awake. If you need more just ask. :)

i'm still undecided about this god thing so for the moment pleasing him or not is not one of my priorities :p

i don't pray :holy:

i would like to walk my own path thank you :D

[HiTsUjI]

Originally posted by LouisBooth
"so you people think I should accept Christ just in case i die tomorrow? "

No, your orginal question was why should I not put it off and accept christ some other day.

yup, and a lot of people said in case i die tomorrow

[HiTsUjI]

Originally posted by humblejoe


That's exactly right Newbie. I honestly find the fear tactic to be rather ridiculous. Nobody can scare you into becoming a Christian; no one can change your mind for you. It's not something that other people can "choose" for you. If that was true, then that would mean that other people could make the decision for you and save you, and Christians should remember that only God calls and saves.

But if/when the Holy Spirit truly calls you, you will convert because His Grace is irresistible, and then you will understand why we want you so much to be a part of Christ with us, and how much we love you. God will call you when He wishes, and if/when He does, He will have you.

But as far your family and friends are concerned, don't be so hard on them. What they're doing is a natural concern; they love you so very much! They want you to go to Heaven with them one day, and not end up in the other place where there is eternal pain and seperation from God.

thank you humblejoe. if it happens and it's according to god's plan, it's going to happen. i would just like them to stop hassling me virtually all the time about it. why can't they trust in god instead of asking me about my salvation all the time?

[Blackwing]

They are well meaning newbie and yes God has that that perfect seet time for you to know Him as your Lord and savior:)

Just listen and don't ignore His calling ok?

[2002 Christian]

Newbie, today is the only day you have for sure. There are no guarantees for tomorrow. The victims of natural disasters, of terrorism, and of other man-made disasters had no idea their lives would come to an end when they did.

The question is: Do you hear God's voice TODAY?

btw, that photo in your profile indicates you are very cute, as suspected from your avatar. :) Are you of Korean, Chinese or Japanese descent? (I tried to email you, but you don't allow it, apparently. Sorry to make this public.)

[JohnR7]

>> I should accept Christ just in case i die tomorrow?

Tomorrow means something a little bit different to God than what it means to us. The Bible says today is the day and now is the time of salvation. That means while you are here with us, we can show you the way of Salvation. At least I hope with God's help we can help you. To be sure, the Holy Spirit can guide you and lead you and show you the truth.

If you drift away then God may bring others into your life to help you, but He may not. In my 20 years of being a christian, I have seen enough people who were not given another chance. So I take it serious. All I know is we have today and this moment in time to help each other.

This is a wonderful time to learn about the love of God and the love that God has for you. It is that very love that will take the fear away. There is no fear in love.

There are people I will never see again, and never have another chance to help. But there are others who even if I do not see them in this life, I will see them again in Heaven. When we all come together in love to worship God, to give Him thanks, praise, honor and glory. Thanks, JohnR7

[ThienAn]

Originally posted by Newbie
so you people think I should accept Christ just in case i die tomorrow? that's a stupid argument isn't it? shouldn't it be because i want to, not because you're scaring me of dying!

I agree that is indeed not a very strong argument. In fact, the argument I usually present is the one that comes from the heart. The decision to submit to God should come from your heart and your soul; when you truly feel that He is standing outside, knocking on the door of your heart, just anxiously wanting to come in show you how wonderful it is to be one with Him.

But since you seem to have a great resistance, I have a different argument for you. Throw out that argument about "you may die tomorrow". You'll probably live until your late 90's. If you could wait until then to accept God, I bet you God will still be standing outside and waiting for you to open your heart to Him.

I guess the question for you now is that will you live until your late 90's? More importantly, will He still be standing there waiting for you? I could be wrong. I have faith & hope in Him that He patient & loving. But still, He is God and He can do whatever He wants.

Good luck & take care, Newbie.

ThienAn.

[HiTsUjI]

Originally posted by 2002 Christian
Newbie, today is the only day you have for sure. There are no guarantees for tomorrow. The victims of natural disasters, of terrorism, and of other man-made disasters had no idea their lives would come to an end when they did.

The question is: Do you hear God's voice TODAY?

btw, that photo in your profile indicates you are very cute, as suspected from your avatar. :) Are you of Korean, Chinese or Japanese descent? (I tried to email you, but you don't allow it, apparently. Sorry to make this public.)

i do not hear any voices in my head today :scratch:

yes i am japanese :rolleyes:

i have turn off my email for family only :p

[HiTsUjI]

Originally posted by ThienAn


I agree that is indeed not a very strong argument. In fact, the argument I usually present is the one that comes from the heart. The decision to submit to God should come from your heart and your soul; when you truly feel that He is standing outside, knocking on the door of your heart, just anxiously wanting to come in show you how wonderful it is to be one with Him.

But since you seem to have a great resistance, I have a different argument for you. Throw out that argument about "you may die tomorrow". You'll probably live until your late 90's. If you could wait until then to accept God, I bet you God will still be standing outside and waiting for you to open your heart to Him.

I guess the question for you now is that will you live until your late 90's? More importantly, will He still be standing there waiting for you? I could be wrong. I have faith & hope in Him that He patient & loving. But still, He is God and He can do whatever He wants.

Good luck & take care, Newbie.

ThienAn.

so what happens if i wait until i am 90 and then accept jesus just before i am about to die?

[Project 86]

"so what happens if i wait until i am 90 and then accept jesus just before i am about to die?" If you really do accept him and ask for forgivness etc you'll be going to Heaven (well God is only the true judge but it's a safe bet). Thing is WHY wait? Do you have a reason to wait? If so please tell us what it is.

[ThienAn]

Originally posted by Newbie


so what happens if i wait until i am 90 and then accept jesus just before i am about to die?

The bad thing about my argument is that you may die at 90, where you lie in your "death bed" thinking about it. Death may come at any time and you may not have a chance to think about it. But what's worse, He may not be there when you're ready to accept Him. It may already be too late by then.

[ThienAn]

Another thing, if you're ready to accept Him, but He's not there to take you in, guess who's going to be there to take you in? It will be the devil; and it won't be pretty. I'd be frightened! :(

[Rob]

Originally posted by Newbie


so what happens if i wait until i am 90 and then accept jesus just before i am about to die?

If you wait until then you will miss out on the Joy of knowing Christ Now. Its a journey as much as a destination. There are many blssings along the way. Living within Gods will for your life is such a joyous existance. Sure you will have highs and lows but God carries you over the lows.

[SenseiPiccolo]

There are several people whom i know are lost--
I would appreciate anyones prayers--
to pray that the Holy Ghost convicts them they are lost
thanks,
:)

[LouisBooth]

So lets ask point blank..why are you putting it off? I'm gonna bet the farm on "its a selfish reason" ;)