We are living in a very stressful and ungodly world with problems surmounting all the time and we need like never before to make sure that we are firmly established in the word of God and accepting the whole counsel of God.
The gospel is presented in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church when he told them that he had delivered to them the gospel which is, "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
I realize that before one can truly know God through the Holy Spirit that he or she must go through the Cross of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus only will wash away our sins, but then he sent the "Promise of the Father", the mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost and He is still pouring it out today.
I have issues with people repeating a simple prayer, lead from the pulpit, and then proclaiming those people are saved. We have certainly overlooked the basic of salvation and that is the repentance of sins. Only repented sins will be forgiven. Yes, he is a mercifu
l God, but He still demands that we know him in an intimate personal way
.
I would urge you to take a check of yourselves and make sure that, as Peter put it, "You make your calling and election sure." Base your faith in the word of God and not in any philosophy of man.
I would that you would prosper and be in health even as your souls does prosper.