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It is foolish to just assume we are disciples, when Scripture warns
us that many will be deceived, and it commands us to examine ourselves
to see if we are genuine. If we are genuine disciples, there will be evidence. Certain things
will be true about us.
The important thing is that we find out what God
says is evidence of salvation. Don't just assume that you are saved,
because there are things in your life that people claim should
be present. At the final Day of Justice, only what God says will matter!
Some of these articles focus on the presence of the "fruit"
of salvation, or on some other effect that salvation will have on one's
life. For more information about these types of things, look in the
main section that focuses on "Living as
a Disciple."
My Salvation - Why Should I
"Worry" About It? |
God tells us to examine our salvation, to make sure it
is genuine. Are you willing to do so? Or would you rather assume
you are saved - thus taking a chance at being deceived?
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Is your "Christianity" - GENUINE or FAKE? |
A four-part series (and some study comments) that focuses on the need
to both believe and live the truth. Whether or not we are
willing to do so defines the genuineness of our "salvation." |
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Disciple Questions |
Questions you can ask yourself, to help you
reflect on the issue of whether or not you are a genuine disciple. |
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Are you REALLY a disciple of
Jesus - a "Christian," as Jesus defines it? |
God doesn't leave us to "decide for ourselves." He gives us objective criteria,
by which we can examine our lives, and know for sure if we are genuine disciples. This article is a series
of questions (for self-examination) - based on what Jesus taught us in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5 - 7).
Questions based on a few other verses in Matthew 9 and 10 are also included. |
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Originally, this article was used in conjunction with
the article: How to Become a Disciple. Since the issue of
"are you really a disciple" focuses on the
"fruit," or actions, that accompany salvation, it may be
beneficial to read this other article - as a reminder that the
"fruit" is not the cause of our salvation, but the result
of it. |
How to Become a Disciple |
Keeping God's Word - A Requirement for Survival in
the Last Days |
We are in the "last days," so this
concept applies directly to us. This study is based on verses from the book
of Revelation, but the message is just as relevant to people before that time
(such as us). |
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The "Fruit of Salvation" |
Since God is the author of salvation, certain
characteristics will be present in the
life of a saved person. God guarantees it. The problem is that we
tend to look at the wrong things, as "evidence" that we are saved. There are many good
characteristics that both saved and unsaved people can have - and
(sad to say) these are the ones that many people look for, as "proof" of
their salvation. This short article gives a quick summary of the
characteristics that are and aren't
characteristics of a genuinely-saved person. |
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This article is based on a work that was
published nearly 200 years ago, entitled, "Distinguishing Traits of
Christian Character," by Gardiner Spring. Copies of this work are available
at several locations on the internet, including the following: |
Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character |
Comments About the Righteous
and the Wicked (Psalm 1) |
This article is related to an in-depth study of Psalm
1, which is part of a series of articles on "meditation."
It deals with various issues, such as: 1) the fact that all people
fall into one of two categories (and the way they live shows which
category they belong to); 2) the issue of motives
in serving God; and 3) the issue of inconsistent living. (Nobody is totally
consistent in the way he lives.) |
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You may also wish to study the entire Psalm
(including its focus on "meditation"). |
To the Psalm 1 study |
Responding to Excuses |
A few short responses to some excuses for the lack of
"fruit" in one's life. Remember this, however: If people really
aren't interested in the truth, then nothing can you do will be able to
change their minds. |
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Some People Will Take
Chances With Anything... [The "Get Out of Hell Free" Card] |
Salvation is free, but that doesn't mean that we are
free to sin. Don't take "chances" with your salvation; let
God change you! |
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The Bible warns us ...
And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray. (Matthew 24:11)
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. (2 Corinthians 13:5a)
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