Living in sin without discipline, and not saved
MAKING DISCIPLES LETTER
AL STANFORD
These are not my words; read the scriptures below and figure it out for yourself. I am just an old farm boy at heart, but the message is very clear to me. I understand it to mean that if we are without discipline, we are illegitimate and not saved.
Frightening, isn't it?
My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly, or faint when you are reproved by him; for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives. Endure it as discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline — which all receive — then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (Hebrews 12:5-8, Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Living in sin and no discipline
The Bible teaches that all believers are sinners, and these scriptures tell us we are his children, and he disciplines all his children. And if a person is not disciplined, they are not God's children and if not his children, illegitimate, and not saved.
Illegitimate and lost
And if a person is not being disciplined in any way, they may have to realize that they are an unbeliever, lost and illegitimate in God's sight.
Frightening, isn't it?
Discipline may now take on a frightening realization and question a person's salvation.
Maybe it is time to get right with God
Being saved is a supernatural event. Salvation comes about by God, and I don't think there is anything simple about what God does in this process.
Our part is as simple as ABC
But it is free and as simple as A B C, for people to receive. It just takes a heartfelt, childlike faith.
And if a person is unsure?
Now, while a person can just get to your private spot, drop down on your knees and pour out your heart to God in the name of Jesus. Admit and name your sins, tell him you are sorry for your sins and beg him to forgive you.
God knows the hearts of everyone
And he will know if it is a heartfelt, life-changing request and if so, he promises forgiveness.
Repent and turn from your sinful lifestyle
I believe at that instant, God fills a person with his Holy Spirit, and that person is born-again, and salvation will be given.
It is as simple as A B C
A — Admit to God that you are a sinner, repent and turn from your sin.
B — By faith, receive as God's Son and accept his gift of forgiveness from sin. He took the penalty for your sin by dying on the cross.
C — Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
You may pray a prayer like this
Dear God, I know that you love me. I confess my sin and need of salvation. I turn away from my sin and place my faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.
After your prayer
After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a pastor or another Christian about your decision.
Get baptized
Show others your faith in Christ by asking for baptism by immersion in your local church as a public expression of your faith.
Get involved in church
Join the church's activities with other born-again believers, enjoy a lifetime of Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, and develop a close relationship with God and his Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus.
Don't wait, you may be sorry
There are probably a lot of people today who are enjoying their worldly pleasures and may end up in unbelievable torment.
Plan of salvation from my church
I have been teaching Sunday school at my church, First Baptist Church, Concord, for a long time. A teaching booklet has been provided with teaching lessons. And on the inside of the front cover, this plan of salvation has always been included at the beginning of the Bible Lessons. The plan of salvation is very important for leading the lost to Jesus Christ, and I wanted to use the plan from my church to make sure I got it right. And I thank my church for providing this information to all our Sunday schools.
Just an 'ole farm boy at heart'
Remember, this writer is just an ole farm boy at heart who loves the Lord and has spent his entire career teaching farmers the latest research from Agriculture.
Now at 91
After teaching Sunday school for over 40 years, this writer is burdened to teach anyone who wants to hear about being bornagain and going to heaven.
The Lord commands him
In his unique style, he is commanded to always ask, Have you been born-again? These are his own original, spirit-led thoughts and opinions, and anyone can take them anyway they want.
