NextGenKent

Not all Christians will go to heaven? What!?! I posted a while back about a lady who asked her pastor why she should become a disciple because she was already a Christian. My pastor preached recently on the growing body of people in our society who call themselves Christians but do not attend church. My children have spoken to me of teachers in school speaking about religions and listing Christianity among other religions. With these statements in mind, I have come to the conclusion that not all Christians will go to heaven. You can call yourself a Christian, and while this should express faith in Jesus Christ, it evidently means that you subscribe to a system of beliefs I would call "the religious practices of Christianity." Among them is the belief in Jesus Christ, which amounts to believing that he existed, walked this planet, did good, performed miracles, died, and was resurrected, ascended to heaven, left behind some disciples (who became apostles) who car...

If you had one wish to grow as a Christian, what would it be? At this point in my Christian walk it would be to always be filled with the Spirit to overflowing.  Ephesians 4:17-24 Paul says, "I  want to share this with you who are in the kingdom of our Master: never return to living the Gentile way of life—like those outside the kingdom." This passage talks about “a way of life” which Paul calls “a walk.” This passage states the differences between Christians and non-Christians in the way they “walk.”  Some people think that there are no differences between Christians and non-Christians other than beliefs. Some think the only difference is Christians are forgiven (also false). This passage refutes both of those beliefs.  How would you describe the “nations/Gentile” way of living in your own words? Do you know anyone living a “Gentile way of life?" Paul describes the Gentile-way as walking around in the futility of their mind (useless thou...

A fter studying the dropout problem for the past three years (up to 70% of post-high school graduates defect from church/the faith), I decided to put into positive words what the local church should be about in its focus and ministries. These ten points are not exhaustive but are counter-cultural (sometimes even to the local church). I find them very challenging myself and hope and pray that I might give what it takes to accomplish these things--and see my Savior smile. I hope you agree. 1. Stop concerning yourself with looking religious and become totally committed to Jesus Christ in your lifestyle—this means: a. Developing habits of spiritual disciplines that authentically deepen your love for Jesus Christ; b. Learning the language of faith and speaking it with a group of faith-growing believers. c. seeking biblical transformation that connects you with God, through Jesus by the Spirit; c. Being totally converted in heart, mind, body and soul; d. Doing what it takes to desi...

Reaction to Eugene Peterson's   A Long Obedience in the Same Direction:  Discipleship in an Instant Society , 2000 (216 pages). I have heard of the Song of Ascents and I have read these Psalms prior but never with the insights Peterson had given. Peterson painted such a great picture of how these Psalms were used I wondered how I could have missed this before! As Hebrew pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem three times a year they would sing these fifteen psalms on their journey—a daily devotional in preparation for worship. With this in mind, Peterson gives poignant insights that make God’s Word in these songs stick to your conscience. The Psalms are convicting yet healing, rousing yet focusing, and giving depth yet breadth. One insight I gained was more of a confirmation and encouragement. I was challenged to read the Bible through in a year and that was two years ago. I had wondered why I couldn’t keep up with it and Peterson gave me an insight into this. When I read...

          If we are going to have a better picture of what conversion is, then we need to have a clearer picture of what the end, the telos , is. Gordon Smith gives the following qualifiers for whatever the end is as: both for individuals and corporate, Scripture based and historically approved, distinctly theological, integrates with the whole of life, reflecting God’s intention for creation, trans-cultural, incarnated, and ecumenical. I believe these are good touchstones in providing a biblically centered approach to true conversion to Jesus Christ.           “…preaching is not about urging hearers to work harder, try harder, and do more so they are more faithful… Preaching is about drawing the people of God into the grand accomplishment of Christ in the cross and the resurrection so that they can participation [sic] in this life, rest in the wonder of the gospel, and know the transformation that comes through the ministry of th...