Thursday, April 14, 2011

QUESTIONS FROM THE "STATE YOUR CASE" SERMON SERIES


If someone was once a Christian but later walks away from the faith, will they be saved?
This question gets tossed around Christian circles quite often.  At County Line we believe someone can walk away from their faith.  Among other support Scriptures, we point to Hebrews 6:4-6 where it indicates someone can fall away from their faith.  Now, you would have others say, "You cannot lose your salvation under any circumstance."  I like to explain it this way.  Some people believe God holds you with an open hand and you can jump out any time you want.  Others believe God holds you by the back of the shirt and will never let you go.  I really don't get caught up in this argument because here's the bigger picture...If someone is obviously rejecting Christ in their life who once confessed Him as Lord, there is a problem.  Whether he lost his salvation, or never had real salvation, doesn't matter.  The fact is, he is still rejecting Christ and needs someone to reach him.  I also say, "If someone is truly saved, why would they ever walk away from it?  No matter what we face, life is better clinging to God than pushing Him away."

Can someone repent of their earthly sins while standing at the final judgment?
Again, some would say, "yes," others would say, "no."  County Line would say, "no."  We believe the end will occur in a twinkling of an eye and those who lived with Christ as Lord will go to heaven and those who did not will go to hell.  I don't say that harshly, just stating it simply.  For more information, read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

If blood from bulls and goats cannot wash away sins, where did all of the people in the Old Testament go when they died?
There is evidence in Scripture that those in the Old Testament who had faith in God went to heaven.  If you remember, Elijah and Moses are said to have been talking with Jesus during the transfiguration.  If they didn't go to heaven, where did they come from?  Randy Alcorn wrote a great book entitled, "Heaven."  In his book he talks about an intermediate heaven that exists now and a new heaven that will exist after Christ comes back.  What Jesus did on the cross, covered all of humankind for all time.  Prior to His death, for those who believed, and after.  Hebrews 9:12 says, "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption."

If we believe in Him and will have eternal life with Him, then what is the judgement?
The judgement is the final assessment of our lives.  This is talked about in various places in Scripture, but in Matthew 25, Jesus gives a pretty detailed description of what this day will be like.  Basically, there will be people who think they are in, but will be surprised.  The difference between both groups who call Christ Lord, will be how they lived their lives.  Did their beliefs show up in their actions?  Read Matthew 25:31-46 and see what you think.

Isn't the bridge illustration also known as the grand canyon figure?
I have never heard it referred to as such, but that may be true.

What evidence is there to support our country as a Christian founded country, rather than a country founded with a higher spiritual being?
For an exhaustive history of our Christian heritage, go to http://www.wallbuilders.com/.  This is solid and accurate information.  Very informative.

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